The Green Capital Citizens’ Assembly gathered for the first time
From today until November 4th, the Green Capital Citizens’ Assembly will take place, where discussions and solutions will be sought for the question: “How to connect Tallinn’s green areas into an inviting, citywide whole?” During the first weekend, participants will learn from experts and listen to the views of interest groups related to the overarching question of the assembly.
The 55-member Green Capital Citizens’ Assembly gathered for the first time today at Fotografiska. During the first weekend, participants will receive diverse and balanced knowledge on topics related to the assembly’s central question from experts and representatives of interest groups, to build confidence and courage for proposing ideas.
“Tallinn is the European Green Capital this year, and when better than now to talk together with our citizens about how they envision the green future of our city. I thank these 55 people for finding the time to participate in the assembly and wish them many insightful discussions. I look forward to seeing what proposals are made,” said Mayor Mihhail Kõlvart.
Together with experts, assembly members will discuss topics such as climate change and the need to adapt to it, the role of nature in urban space, the impact of climate change on human health and well-being, and spatial choices in urbanized society.
From interest groups, assembly members will meet with urban space planners and creators, as well as representatives of urban space users.
The program of the Green Capital Citizens’ Assembly follows the internationally established structure. The 55-member assembly consists of residents aged 16 and older, who form a representative sample of Tallinn based on socio-economic and geographical aspects.
The assembly will meet again next weekend (October 14th and 15th) for main discussions and proposal formulation. On November 4th, proposals will be presented for voting, and any proposal with at least 80% support will be considered accepted by the assembly and handed over to the Tallinn City Government.
The assembly is a co-creation based on knowledge and discussions, where decisions are made by a mini-public representing the population. The organization of the Green Capital Citizen Assembly is consulted by the Democracy Center of the DD Foundation, which develops and tests the assembly format for sustainable development.
More information about the Green Capital Citizen Assembly can be found at greentallinn.ee/rahvakogu.
Photos: Ardo Kaljuvee
