Abstract

This is an accepted article with a DOI pre-assigned that is not yet published.

In this essay I reflect on my role as Chair of Ireland’s Citizens’ Assembly on Biodiversity Loss. This role is a unique one within the assembly model since it spans both the operation and delivery of the work, both policy and public engagement, and is both internally and externally facing. I share some learnings from the position, emphasising the part the Chair must play in communicating the work of the Assembly and in representing the recommendations of the Assembly as they traverse through the political process.  I hope these reflections provide some useful points of note for those chairing or arranging Citizens’ Assemblies into the future. 

Keywords

Citizens' Assembly, Chair, Deliberative Democracy, Biodiversity Loss, Ireland