From Consultation to Influence: Rethinking Citizen Participation in Public Decision-Making

As part of Cyprus Forum 2026, George Isaia, Founder & Policy Advisor of PolicyLab, moderated the panel discussion “Citizens’ Participation in Public Decision-Making: From Consultation to Influence.”

The discussion explored the factors that shape citizens’ participation in public life and how participation can translate into meaningful influence over public decision-making. As highlighted during the discussion, three key factors are the cost of participation, the expected benefit, and the inspiration or motivation to engage.

The panel also examined practical tools and institutional mechanisms that can strengthen participatory democracy, including Citizens’ Initiatives, Citizens’ Assemblies, and more meaningful public consultation and feedback mechanisms.

A key takeaway was that citizen participation should not end with giving people an opportunity to express their views. Citizens’ proposals should be properly considered, decisions should be explained, and clear feedback should be provided on how public input influenced – or did not influence – the final outcome.

PolicyLab thanks all the speakers for the constructive discussion and the Cyprus Forum team for the excellent organisation and hospitality.