The role of citizens in policy making

The international seminar on the topic: "The role of citizens in the policy-making process" was jointly organized by the University of Social Sciences and Humanities and the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation (Federal Republic of Germany) and took place on November 6-7, 2009.

Many experts in the field of policy making (PMP) from Germany, China, Moldova and Vietnam attended the workshop. Eleven reports were presented at the discussion.

The topics discussed at the seminar included: the role of social organizations and citizens in policy dialogue; the participation of civil society organizations in the process of preparing policy decisions through consultation, criticism and social appraisal; mechanisms to promote people's participation in the policy dialogue process in Vietnam today; innovation, international integration with citizens' responsibility in policy dialogue; Moldova's national experience in public participation in law-making; the role of non-governmental organizations in environmental policy in Germany; the development of civil society in policy dialogue in China...

Through discussion, delegates contributed to answering the big questions: Is the role of citizens and civil society increasingly important as the economic and social system moves towards a market institution? Which form of civil society is most practical in contributing to improving the quality of political activities? Which communication channels can the state, the market and civil society share concerns, thereby maximizing public opinion to contribute to policy making for the country? What policies does the state need to improve to encourage all citizens to contribute their opinions to the formation of policies?

The seminar is one of the activities of the Policy Research Project implemented at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities from 2002 to present. The project is funded by the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation (Federal Republic of Germany).