top of page

Inspiration for Engagement: Practices in Sweden

Achieving a sustainable future requires citizen participation to ensure that the transition is fair and inclusive. Across different contexts, various approaches support communities and policymakers to engage with each other on sustainability issues. In Sweden, authorities have developed structured ways to encourage participation, making sure that diverse voices shape sustainable development. Although each setting has its own distinct characteristics, some of these approaches may inspire new ways of engaging citizens in your own context. So read on to find out more! 


Why is citizen engagement important for just sustainability transitions in your context? 


Before choosing engagement tools, it’s important to define why participation matters in your context. In Sweden, citizen engagement is seen as key to building trust in public bodies and democracy in general and to ensuring that sustainability transitions reflect the needs, priorities, and lived experiences of communities. It helps municipalities and regions stay connected with residents, ensuring that green policies are not only effective but also equitable. 


Engagement also unlocks local knowledge, innovation, and collaboration, which are fundamental for tackling sustainability challenges. To do this effectively, Sweden has identified key components for meaningful engagement: 


  • A genuine desire to listen and incorporate diverse perspectives, particularly from marginalised groups. 

  • A long-term, continuous commitment to engagement, rather than one-off consultations. 

  • Ensuring that feedback is acted upon and integrated into decision-making. 

  • Managing expectations: How can citizens influence sustainability policies, and how can their contributions be respected? 


How do these components compare to your context? What are essential ingredients for participation in your setting?  


What role do governments play in engagement?  


In Sweden, public authorities are strongly encouraged to embrace citizen influence although it is not a legal requirement. Since 2006, the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions (SKR) has supported municipalities in making citizen dialogue more systematic and structured. They have developed frameworks to help municipalities understand different levels of participation - ranging from simply sharing information to consultation, dialogue, influence, and even co-decision-making.


When and where are different levels of participation appropriate in your context?  


How can we involve citizens? 


Regardless of the setting, making participation meaningful and accessible is key. Here are some engagement approaches used in Sweden that could be adapted elsewhere: 


  • Creative, physical engagement: innovative approaches like walk and talk - where urban planners and citizens discuss local improvements while exploring areas together - make participation more interactive. Other examples include citizen budgeting, focus groups, backcasting, hackathons, and graphic facilitation. 

  • Collaborative meals: in Boden, Sweden, monthly breakfast meetings bring together municipal leaders and businesses to share ideas. However, timing matters - rural communities or shift workers may be excluded from early morning events. 

  • Digital engagement tools: SMS/WhatsApp groups, interactive maps, online forums, and tools like Mentimeter allow citizens to participate remotely, breaking down barriers to involvement. 


Each context is unique, but by prioritising inclusivity, structured participation, and long-term commitment, we can build sustainability transitions that work for everyone - not just a few. 


What engagement strategies have worked in your context? Follow DUST’s socials to learn about engagement approaches from the project! 

 

bottom of page