Working paper OECD: Deliberative Democracy in Lebanon
- jonmoskovic
- Dec 15, 2024
- 1 min read
I had the privilege of contributing to this insightful paper published by André Sleiman for the OECD, a must-read text on the future of deliberative democracy in Lebanon.
Like the citizens' assemblies I had the opportunity to design for the European Parliament in Kosovo and Montenegro, I remain deeply convinced that this tool is particularly well-suited to fragmented societies. By bringing diverse voices together in a structured and inclusive process, citizens' assemblies have the potential to foster dialogue, build understanding, and create shared solutions in contexts where divisions often hinder progress.
The paper explores the opportunities and challenges of introducing deliberative democracy processes in a country where such initiatives remain uncommon. It examines their viability and feasibility by addressing key barriers, proposing potential formats, and assessing the anticipated impacts.
Beyond presenting these possibilities, the paper emphasizes how deliberative democracy could enrich the democratic tools available to Lebanese actors, strengthening citizens' participation in public life and governance.
The ultimate goal is to spark dialogue, raise awareness of deliberative democracy's potential, and support Lebanese stakeholders eager to explore this transformative path.
This is an essential read for anyone interested in innovative approaches to democratic governance, particularly in contexts like Lebanon where new tools are urgently needed to complement existing structures.
