First Participatory Workshop by the Digital Democracy Foundation Held During Refugee Week Greece.

Athens, June 21, 2025 – Can citizens of all ages and backgrounds come together, engage in dialogue, and express themselves about democracy? Can their voices reach those in power? How can we harness digital tools to make participation a reality? And can culture serve as a gateway to inclusion and empowerment?

These were the central questions explored during the first participatory workshop organized by the Digital Democracy Foundation (DDF) as part of Refugee Week Greece. DDF, an independent think tank committed to promoting civic engagement through digital means, continues its mission to strengthen democratic representation and inclusive participation across Europe.

From the Citizens, for the Citizens

Participants – people of all ages and diverse social backgrounds – came together to co-create visions for an ideal digital participation platform. What features should it include? What tools are needed? How can accessibility, responsiveness, and impact be guaranteed?

Through vibrant dialogue and a live survey, key findings emerged:

• 40.9% of participants had recently shared their views online, while 27.3% had never done so.
• Only 9% believe their voices actually reach decision-makers — pointing to a significant trust gap.
• Despite many having taken part in public consultations (29%) or submitted petitions (22.6%), 56.2% reported receiving no feedback at all.

Who’s Missing From the Conversation?

Digital democracy is not just about technology — it’s about representation. According to participants, the most excluded groups from online platforms include:

• Refugees and migrants (27.3%)
• Young people (23.2%)
• Low-income individuals (19.5%)

This reveals an urgent need for inclusive, accessible digital solutions that leave no one behind.

A New Perspective on Participation

Participants defined what an ideal platform for citizen engagement should look like:

• Accessibility (28.3%)
• Openness (22.2%)
• Transparency (17.2%)

The most trusted formats for expression were Digital Parliaments and data-secure platforms, both scoring 27.6%.

Culture as a Catalyst for Participation

Can culture help amplify participation? The answer was a clear yes:

• 25% highlighted the power of art and media to promote awareness and reflection.
• Education, inclusivity, and public dialogue were also seen as fundamental democratic tools.

From Dialogue to Action

The workshop concluded with a shared message: citizens don’t just want to be heard — they want to participate. Freedom, collective voice, tangible results, and the need for real change were top motivators. Still, lack of trust and fear of authoritarianism remain critical barriers.