May 27, 2021
“5 for the climate”
– digital theme week on the participation of civil society in climate policy (June 14 – 18, 2021)
Adequate civil society participation is still not common practice everywhere and political participation is increasingly restricted in many countries around the world. However, civil society organizations are important actors in the development and implementation of climate policy. This is because they have a wealth of knowledge and expertise and are connected to the local communities that play a crucial role in tackling the climate crisis. As there is a greater need for action than ever before, it is important to learn from experiences and success stories around the world. “5 for the climate” is an international exchange and networking week to jointly explore whether and how civil society can be meaningfully and effectively involved in climate policy decision-making processes. The analysis of obstacles to civil society participation is intended to help identify instruments and strategies that can improve the conditions and opportunities for co-determination. The aim of the theme week is to bring together organizations and actors from civil society projects, think tanks and other climate activists.
bring together
. Together we will reflect on the possibilities and forms of participation
reflect
experiences in the civil society fight against climate change
share
current best practices
examine
and strategies
develop
how civil society participation can be ensured and lead to more ambitious climate policies.
Formats during the week
We offer various types of input, working formats and opportunities for exciting exchanges and networking. The program is filled with:
Interactive workshops
(90 minutes)
to work together on pressing issues of civil society involvement and to explore the framework conditions, visions and conditions for the involvement of civil society.
Deep Thinking Sessions
(60 minutes input + Q & A)
give you the opportunity to learn about relevant findings from researchers and practitioners who are intensively involved in civil society participation in climate policy decision-making processes and beyond.
Hands on Sessions
(60 minutes presentation + discussion)
in which we travel digitally to places of successful civil society engagement, hear first-hand success stories and learn interesting facts about struggles for climate justice and local measures – especially in the area of the energy transition.
Panel discussions
(90 minutes)
in which a series of exciting speakers will discuss questions such as how the Covid-19 pandemic has affected the quality of participatory formats and influenced access to political processes.
Daily work group
(45 minutes)
in which we invite you, researchers and practitioners, once a day to work together on the basic requirements for meaningful participation. What are criteria for participatory processes that are perceived as transparent, equal, inclusive, empowering and continuous? We will further define the meanings of these 5 elements and try to understand their impact in detail.
Network possibilities
Even in times when we can work together successfully on screens, we need spaces to come together informally. We offer you two formats for uncomplicated networking:
- The virtual lounge
Here you can find people to talk to, take part in ongoing small group discussions or open a digital networking table yourself and invite other participants to exchange ideas.
- Virtual stands
Here you have the opportunity to represent your organization as if you were at a face-to-face conference and display materials – for example, the latest publications of your project. Stands are also perfect for 1-to-1 meetings and in-depth discussions to create synergies and start collaborations. Contact: kerstin.mueller@bund.net