Mainstreaming Participation

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Institutionalizing opportunities for public participationGiving citizens opportunities to provide input into government decision-making leads to more effective governance, improved public service delivery, and more equitable outcomes. Technical specificatio... in decision-making enhances government capacity for continuous and meaningful engagement with the public, ensuring that participatory processes become an integral and sustained aspect of governance, distinct from one-off opportunities.

Technical specifications: Refers to the institutionalization of participatory or deliberative mechanisms in government decision-making. May include standing or permanent mechanisms for public participation in decision-making, laws requiring participation in decision making, standards and guidance on when and how public participation is conducted, training for public officials on public participation, or other initiatives to increase the capacity of institutions to engage the public in decision-making. Covers cross-government initiatives as well as participatory mechanisms within certain sectors. Does not include one-off opportunities for public participation.