Back to Focused on the Future

Focused on the Future - S01 / E06

Citizen councils

Citizen councils are often used throughout Europe as an additional form of democracy. Randomly drawn residents work together to find solutions to tough social problems. In Ireland there have been citizen consultations on abortion legislation and climate policy. In some cities, permanent citizens' councils have even been introduced. 

In Utrecht, The Netherlands, the advice of their first citizens' council was recently presented.

But what is the position of such an advice within our current democratic government?


Marij Swinkels Assistant Professor at the School of Governance Utrecht University

Eva Oosters Alderman of the Municipality of Utrecht, and responsible for the first citizens' council in Utrecht.

Hanneke van Eijken Professor Rule of Law and Democracy at Utrecht University

Coco Kanters Assistant professor, Liberal Art and Sciences at Utrecht University

Rianne Dekker Assistant Professor Public Governance and Management 


About Focused on the Future

Organizations and institutions often focus on the short term. People are tempted to get quick results. The long-term results are much less likely to be considered. Not considering the long-term results, can cause big problems when it comes to global issues like: climate change, poverty, deforestation, religious conflicts and migration. For these major issues we must develop long-term strategies.  In Focused on the Future, scientists and stakeholders talk about new views on big issues based on Longtermism.
This podcast is an initiative of Utrecht University

Listen at ...

Follow us ...

>