The Citizens’ Panel on Good Life is supported by the European Union and the Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV) through Mondo’s NoPlanetB project. It is co-financed by the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Estonia and the DD Democracy Centre. The content is the sole responsibility of the DD Democracy Centre and Praxis and can under no circumstances be regarded as representing the views of the European Union or ESTDEV.
How to reduce poverty and economic inequality while preserving the wellbeing of people and nature in Estonia?
The Citizens’ Panel on Good Life invited people in January and February 2026 to discuss what Estonia’s economic and social policy should look like in order to ensure greater well-being for both people and nature.
The panel was formed through a random selection of 30 residents of Estonia, representing a cross-section of the population based on various characteristics.
A citizens’ panel is an impactful deliberative democracy method that helps strengthen collective will for sustainable change by bringing into decision-making those whose voices are usually not heard in public debate.
REFLECTING ON
THE GOOD LIFE
The citizens’ panel brought together a representative sample of Estonia's population (a "mini-Estonia") of 30 people to discuss what constitutes a good life and whether our current policies support it.
A NEW APPROACH TO DECISIONMAKING
We were testing a small-scale citizens' assembly (citizen panel) as a model that can help our society to address complex issues, overcome disagreements, and foster greater unity.
SETTING CHANGES
IN MOTION
We believe that meaningful change begins with the readiness of citizens and the courage of decision-makers. As a result of the citizens’ panel, policymakers gain the confidence to prioritize the well-being of people and nature - and not solely economic growth.
Watch the reflections of participants and organisers of the Panel
RESULTS OF THE PANEL
The Citizens' Panel came to five societal pain points that cannot be overlooked anymore in Estonia. To address these pain points, 12 recommendations were drafted. The results were released as a joint public statement and the recommendations were spread to policymakers. Read more from the report (in English).
IMPACT OF THE PANEL
How did the Panel improve general trust in Estonia? Did it have any impact on policymakers? How was the process carried out and what were the main lessons learned? In May, we will publish the assessment report.
Ordinary people from across Estonia discussed poverty and economic inequality in depth and reached a shared conclusion: Estonia is in a crisis that is cutting the legs out from under our future.
The citizens’ panel report identifies five societal pain points that Estonia needs to address as a priority.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE?
A citizens’ assembly involves participants in various roles:
Members of the Citizens' Panel
Everyday people from across Estonia, selected through a democratic lottery, who deliberate together to propose solutions on key societal issues.
Stakeholders
Individuals and groups directly affected by or involved in the assembly’s topic, who share their perspectives, experiences, and proposed solutions.
Experts
Topic specialists invited to present clear, evidence-based information to help participants understand the issues and make informed decisions.
Observers
Professionals, researchers, and interested individuals who attend the assembly to learn from the process without influencing the discussions or outcomes.
Moderators
Skilled professionals who guide the overall process and group discussions, helping create a respectful, inclusive, and productive environment.
The Organizing Team
The team responsible for designing and facilitating the assembly process, ensuring smooth coordination, fairness, and support throughout.
WHY THIS TOPIC?
The original question “What is needed for a good life?” can be approached in different ways, which is why we chose the Earth For All model, compiled by economists around the world, as the foundation for looking toward the future.
According to the data-based model of Earth4All, humanity needs to achieve the following revolutions:
- sustainable energy revolution;
- making the food system sustainable;
- ending poverty;
- increasing economic equality;
- reducing gender inequality.
As organizers, we left out the topic of the energy revolution because, compared to the other four revolutions, there is already an active societal discussion and real-world activities on this topic in Estonia. We asked people who registered their interest in participating to indicate which of the four topics they consider important to address in today’s Estonia. The chosen ones were economic inequality and poverty.
Members of the Citizens’ Panel learned about systems approach from experts on economy, environment and social issues. To better understand the possible solutions for reducing poverty and inequalities, various stakeholders presented their proposals.
Public trust crisis and socio-economic inequality
According to OECD data, only about 38% of people in Estonia trust their government. Only 24% believe that the parliament effectively holds the government accountable. Just 17% feel that the political system enables people to participate in governance.
Climate change, social inequality, geopolitical crises, and rapid technological development have deeply polarized society. We need balanced discussions and well-considered decisions that go beyond election cycles and better reflect the needs of Estonia’s population.
A citizens’ panel is one of the most innovative and proven ways to help people understand one another better and, through collective wisdom, develop long-term solutions.
Previous Citizens’ Assemblies in Estonia
In Estonia, citizens’ assemblies have been held five times, once at the national level. Previous assemblies have addressed the role of green spaces in mitigating climate impacts in Tallinn (2023), sustainable mobility in Tartu (2022), young people’s perspectives on the just transition in Ida-Virumaa (2021), forestry (2019), and political party financing and elections (the 2013 Citizens’ Assembly).
- The Ida-Viru Youth Climate Assembly provided input for the just transition plan and brought the voices of local youth into the relevant committee at the Ministry of Finance.
- The Tartu Climate Assembly offered the city valuable proposals for calming traffic and preserving biodiversity in urban design and maintenance.
- The Tallinn Green Capital Assembly gave the city government a strong mandate to continue protecting, connecting, and expanding green areas.
- Thanks to the 2013 Citizens’ Assembly, Estonia gained the right of public initiative to the parliament and simplified the process of forming a political party.
Citizens’ assemblies have become a widely used method for discussing and deciding on complex issues — both within the European Union and at national and local levels around the world.
Hea elu rahvakogu on järjekorras kuues rahvakogu Eestis, samas teine üleriigiline.
Varasemad rahvakogud on käsitlenud Tallinna rohealasid kliimamõjude leevendamisel (2023), säästvat liikuvust Tartus (2022), noorte hinnangut Ida-Virumaa õiglasele üleminekule (2021), metsandust (2019) ning erakondade rahastamist ja valimisi (2013). Tänu 2013. aastal toimunud rahvakogule tekkis meil rahvaalgatusõigus parlamendile ja lihtsustus erakonna loomine.
Rahvakogud on levinud viis keeruliste küsimuste arutamiseks ja otsustamiseks nii Euroopa Liidus kui ka riiklikul ja kohalikul tasandil üle maailma.
ORGANIZERS
The citizens’ panel’s partners are the Estonian Cooperation Assembly, which manages the civic initiative platform, and the Estonian Network of Non-Governmental Organizations, which is the voice of civil society organizations acting in the public interest. The Opinion Festival supports the promotion of a culture of discussion, and the Estonian National Youth Council brings the voice of young people to the citizens’ panel. The Open Estonia Fund contributes the experience of previous citizens’ panels to the coalition. Kodukant and the Estonian LEADER Association bring the perspective of communities and regional organizations, while the Estonian Human Rights Centre provides a human rights perspective.
You can find more information about the organisers HERE.
FUNDING
CONTACT:
Email: rahvakogud@praxis.ee
Address: Mõttekoda Praxis, Ahtri 6a, Tallinn