A new project at the University of Paris-Est Créteil (UPEC) is changing how students engage with important social and environmental issues. This initiative, known as the Student Citizens’ Assembly, brings together students, faculty, and administrative staff to tackle pressing challenges. Émilie Frenkiel highlights that integrating deliberation into education can close the gap between citizens and institutions.
Since its launch in 2021, the Assembly has hosted various themes each year, allowing about 2,400 students to share their ideas and solutions over several months. This collective effort has been recognized by the university’s governance, making it a key part of UPEC’s commitment to social and environmental justice. Reports indicate that higher education represents nearly half of the public sector’s environmental footprint, highlighting the need for these institutions to lead the way in sustainability.
The Assembly was inspired by France’s Citizens’ Assembly on Climate, aiming to engage everyone in democratic processes for environmental decisions. It started amid the 2020 lockdown when graduate students adapted the format from the national citizens’ assembly to a university context. Despite initial restrictions on in-person meetings, students met online to shape the Assembly’s structure.
Through this process, students turn from passive observers into active participants. They learn about eco-anxiety, the urgency of environmental issues, and how to engage in democratic dialogue. The French government supports this direction through its Climate-Biodiversity Plan, which emphasizes the need for ecological education in universities.
The Assembly prioritizes hands-on learning about democracy and sustainability. Unlike traditional lectures, it uses interactive methods to teach students how to engage critically and responsibly with ecological issues. A report from climate experts suggests that all students should leave university equipped to understand and influence ecological transitions.
During their participation, students meet with scientists, professionals, and local officials. They gain access to valuable resources and use collaborative tools to develop proposals for their university and community. This approach helps them understand the complexity of environmental and social debates, fostering informed opinions and respectful conversation among diverse groups.
However, evaluation of past assemblies shows that students sometimes find it difficult to think beyond their immediate campus. UPEC consists of multiple campuses across different regions, creating challenges in developing a unified perspective. Building this integrated awareness remains a key goal for the Assembly.
In addition to its educational goals, the Assembly is a research initiative. It creates a space for academics and students to explore topics like deliberation and political engagement. UPEC recently established a research chair funded by the French National Research Agency to further study these areas. Sharing findings through seminars and collaborative research helps enrich the learning experience for participants.
The overarching goal of the Student Citizens’ Assembly is transformative—both for individuals and their community. It aims to build self-confidence and empathy among students within a supportive environment. Creative methods like forum theatre have been introduced to enhance discussions and allow for deeper exploration of issues.
By connecting learning, research, and democratic practice, the Assembly strives for a fair and sustainable future. It shows promise in reconnecting students with broader societal conversations. By embedding deliberative practices in universities across Europe, we can foster a culture that values dignity, inclusion, and responsibility, preparing future generations to uphold democracy and sustainability.
For further reading on similar initiatives, check out the Citizens’ Assembly on Climate and the French government’s Climate-Biodiversity Plan.
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