medborgardialog

Medborgardialog is a participatory governance practice used primarily in Sweden and other Nordic countries in which public authorities engage citizens in dialogue about public policies, services, and urban development. The aim is to broaden consultation beyond traditional hearings, to enable deliberation, mutual learning, and co-creation between officials and residents. The process is designed to be inclusive, informative, and transparent, producing input that can influence decision-making and service design.

Typical formats include public meetings, workshops, focus groups, citizens' assemblies, digital consultations, and co-creation sessions. Facilitators guide participants through information dissemination, discussion, and deliberation, with attention to accessibility, language, and representativeness.

Implementation is usually initiated by a government agency or local municipality. It involves planning, stakeholder outreach, setting topics and questions, providing balanced information, and documenting input. Feedback to participants and public communication about how input was used are important components.

Medborgardialogs are used at municipal, regional, and national levels, with examples in urban planning, transport, environmental policy, and public health. While most common in Sweden, similar forms exist in other countries under different labels.

Supporters argue it can improve legitimacy and policy relevance; critics note challenges in achieving meaningful representation, potential tokenism, and resource demands; success depends on clear use of input and visible impact on decisions.