Participatory development is a process through which socio-economic policies and institutional reforms that will have long-term effects over a society are designed and implemented with the effective participation of citizens throughout. The process of Participatory Development has gained increased relevance in light of the uprisings that have shaken the political landscape in Arab countries over the past few years. Citizens who for decades had been alienated from decision-making processes took to the streets demanding their right to participate in the decisions that affect their lives.

ESCWA works with member countries and civil society organizations to facilitate the adoption of participatory mechanisms that allow citizens to take part in the policy making cycle, in order to promote cohesive, prosperous, culturally open and stable societies. Our approach encourages civic activism that goes beyond volunteerism and welfare, to citizen empowerment and inclusion in policy formulation, implementation, and monitoring. This approach is based on wide coalitions of social and political forces, supported by stakeholders from civil society and the private sector.

Objectives:

• Supporting policy-makers, civil society organizations and citizens to develop long-term partnerships by equipping them with relevant knowledge and instruments to respond to pressing development challenges; 
• Producing analysis on key development issues, manuals and training programmes grounded in the realities of the region; and
• Offering a unique platform for dialogue, experience sharing and consensus building for governments and civil society organizations of ESCWA member countries.