Common use of Citizen Engagement Clause in Contracts

Citizen Engagement. Current societal challenges mean that a number of crises coincide with the climate crisis: the pandemic, the war in Ukraine, crises in respect of energy, food, raw materials and critical minerals, biodiversity and demography. These challenges are exacerbated by the fact that we are also experiencing a democratic development where a growing proportion of the population feels excluded. This increases the need for initiatives aimed at inclusion and putting citizens at the centre of the transition to a climate neutral, sustainable society through initiatives such as new forms of citizen involvement (such as citizens’ councils) and the development of attractive living environments (such as New European Bauhaus) and policies for the designed living environment. It is necessary to make the most of citizens’ knowledge and expertise with regard to the decisions that affect their lives, and these decisions must be supported by the vast majority so that action and change can be implemented at the pace and to the extent required. There will be further development of cooperation between cities, agencies and other stakeholders in 2024 in order to pave the way for citizen engagement in the climate transition; not least by developing new forms of citizen involvement in local Climate City Contracts and interaction with European initiatives in this respect. A number of learning cases, tests and initiatives in respect of citizen participation will be mobilised in 2024 with a view to building on empowering citizens so as to accelerate the climate transition.‌‌

Citizen Engagement. Current societal challenges mean that a number of crises coincide with the climate crisis: the pandemic, the war in Ukraine, crises in respect of energy, food, raw materials and critical minerals, biodiversity and demography. These challenges are exacerbated by the fact that we are also experiencing a democratic development where a growing proportion of the population feels excluded. This increases the need for initiatives aimed at inclusion and putting citizens at the centre of the transition to a climate neutral, sustainable society through initiatives such as new forms of citizen involvement (such as citizens’ councils) and the development of attractive living environments (such as New European Bauhaus) and policies for the designed living environment. It is necessary to make the most of citizens’ knowledge and expertise with regard to the decisions that affect their lives, and these decisions must be supported by the vast majority so that action and change can be implemented at the pace and to the extent required. There will be further development of cooperation between cities, agencies and other stakeholders in 2024 in order to pave the way for citizen engagement in the climate transition; not least by developing new forms of citizen involvement in local Climate City Contracts and interaction with European initiatives in this respect. A number of learning cases, tests and initiatives in respect of citizen participation will be mobilised in 2024 with a view to building on empowering citizens so as to accelerate the climate transition.‌‌transition.