Citizens’ Conversations

In ancient Africa, one of the practices of democracy was the palaver. Thanks to this institution, decisions were monitored and citizens’ choices were made public. Values were confronted through open debate. Rights and obligations within and between generations were reaffirmed. Competition and transparency were negotiated, while countervailing powers could express themselves and be heard.

In an age of disinformation and fake news, Conversations citoyennes will strive to update the ancient practice of palaver. Public, digital and interactive, these sessions will give a voice back to those who are rarely heard and who, although in the majority from a demographic point of view, are in the minority from a political point of view. They will help combat the isolation that keeps young people away from the public expression of ideas and opinions.