The role of citizens in the policy-making process

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

Many experts in the field of policy making (PDP) from Germany, China, Moldova and Vietnam attended the workshop. 11 reports were presented at the discussion.

The contents discussed at the seminar: the role of social organizations and people 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 current policy dialogue process in Vietnam; innovation, international integration with citizens' responsibilities 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 discussions, 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 has the most practical significance in contributing to improving the quality of political activities? Which communication channels can the state, the market sector and civil society share concerns, thereby maximizing public opinions to contribute to policy making for the country? What policies should the state improve to encourage all citizens to contribute their opinions to policy formation?

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 sponsored by the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation (Federal Republic of Germany).