CIVINET Slovenia-Croatia-SEE explores the best methods for citizen engagement
On 24 October 2017, the CIVINET Slovenia-Croatia-SEE Network and network member ODRAZ, a sustainable development NGO, organised a panel discussion on the best ways to consult the public on mobility and traffic issues.
The event in Zagreb gathered 40 people from a variety of professional backgrounds, including local government, civil society, public institutions, business, and the media.
Members of the CIVINET Slovenia-Croatia-SEE presented their experiences on citizen engagement to participants. Vlado Babić from the City of Ljubljana, discussed challenges related to public involvement in developing Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMPs) in Slovenia.
Goran Lampelj, from the Cyclists' Union, presented results from the project "Dialogue on Mobility in Zagreb". The project found that continuous efforts should be made to develop and strengthen dialogue between city administrations and other mobility actors at the local level.
He also identified numerous factors vital to successful citizen engagement, including:
- Involving and mobilising all relevant stakeholders;
- Identifying and promoting examples of best practice;
- Introducing and implementing clear communication channels between local governments and the public;
- Encouraging local media to attend and report on public consultation events related to mobility.
Alongside this, Lidija Pavić-Rogošić, Director of ODRAZ, discussed the lessons learned from CIMULACT, a Horizon 2020 project that asked thousands of EU citizens to formulate their visions for a sustainable future.
A new ODRAZ short film on "Dialogue to Better Mobility in City Areas" was also presented; this illustrates the importance of communication between the public and city administrations.
The panel discussion was organised with the support of the City of Zagreb and the Association of Cities in the Republic of Croatia.
To see further photos from the event, click here.
To find out more about CIMULACT, click here.
