Rich Wilson, co-founder of the Global Citizens Assembly, highlights a pressing issue: when people feel decisions are made without their input, trust in those systems fades.
Politics today often feels broken. Over half the world’s population reports little trust in their governments, yet many leaders acknowledge the problem without taking real action. Everyday choices—like food, energy, and climate policies—are primarily made by a small group, leaving those directly affected feeling powerless.
Take La Guajira in northern South America. Home to over 400,000 Wayúu people, this community faces significant challenges. According to UN reports, two-thirds of the Wayúu suffer from food insecurity, with child mortality due to malnutrition six times Colombia’s national average.
At the heart of Wayúu culture is Ley Wayúu, their traditional governing system. This approach shapes how they resolve conflicts and manage their natural resources. Abraham Jayariyu, a Wayúu leader, recently participated in the Global Citizens’ Assembly for Food Systems and Climate. This assembly brought together 105 people from diverse backgrounds to explore solutions to food system challenges amidst climate change.
Citizens’ assemblies involve ordinary individuals randomly selected to discuss vital issues. Ireland successfully used this model for decisions on same-sex marriage and abortion, while France’s climate assembly produced numerous actionable proposals.
Since 2023, over 700 of these assemblies have been documented globally. Surveys show that the public trusts these outcomes because they are derived from the people’s voices rather than just experts.
For Jayariyu, sharing his community’s wisdom was crucial. “I highlighted our ancestral knowledge about sustainability,” he explained. It’s through this kind of knowledge exchange that citizens’ assemblies shine.
By the assembly’s end, participants developed 22 Calls to Action, gaining support from across various groups. These proposals are now being presented to policymakers in international climate discussions, including those supported by countries like Brazil.
This process has challenged the notion that only experts hold authority on complex topics. When people feel left out, they disengage from democratic processes.
Food systems significantly impact our climate crisis, accounting for about 30% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Communities like the Wayúu, who live the effects of these systems daily, possess valuable insights for change.
The real question now is whether climate governance will make room for these voices. Citizens’ assemblies show that when it does, real possibilities emerge.
The increased engagement of everyday people brings fresh perspectives and solutions to a world grappling with complex issues. This democratic approach may be just what we need to rebuild trust and foster change.
For more insights into climate governance, check out the UN Climate Change Reports for authoritative information.
