How can citizen power transform global governance and allow organisations like the United Nations (UN) to become more inclusive and accessible?
The event will provide a space for participants to reflect on the reforms the UN should undertake to fulfill the potential that is contained in the opening words of its founding charter: “We, the peoples.”
Only a reform of global governance that increases the inclusiveness of mechanisms and organisations for citizens and encourages the strategic engagement of civil society will enable the UN to remain relevant and rise to the challenges of a world that, in part due to the UN's own successes, is radically different from that of 1945.
But where to look for inspiration? In search for answers, we first turn our attention to the world's most advanced experiment in supranational democracy and citizen participation: the European Union (EU).
Guests from academia and civil society will discuss the progress that has been made in strengthening citizen participation and inclusiveness as well as the gaps that remain, unrealised potential, opportunities for further progress, and the possibility of replicating European participatory mechanisms and institutions at the global level.
The event will be held in English and moderated by ENSURED's Inés Pousadela (Universidad ORT Uruguay / CIVICUS).
Session 1: Participatory democracy at European level: What can the world learn from the EU?
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
• Eleonora Poli, Center for European Policy Network
• Ophélie Masson, European Alternatives
• Elsa Lironi, European Citizen Action Service
• Daniela Vancic, Democracy International
Session 2: Struggles for a more inclusive and participatory UN: What hope is there for reform?
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Rodrigo Lima, Democracy Without Borders
• Rebecca Shoot, Citizens for Global Solutions
• Sigrid Kromann Schiøler, Global Focus Denmark
• Oyebisi Babatunde Oluseyi, Nigeria Network of NGOs
• Jesselina Rana, CIVICUS
The event is organised by the Jean Monnet Module, Department of International Studies at Universidad ORT Uruguay.
Photo: Jakayla Toney / Unsplash
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