2025 Award "Best Practice in Citizen Participation"

The "Citizens' Convention on Artificial Intelligence (AI)" in the Montpellier Metropolis consisted of an innovative and inclusive participatory process that engaged citizens in shaping the future of AI in public services. As the first initiative of its kind in France, it gathered 40 residents representative of the 500,000 inhabitants of the Metropolis, selected to reflect diversity in age, socioeconomic status, and geographic distribution. The practice ensured inclusivity, particularly by involving individuals typically distanced from digital technologies, such as older residents, while excluding participants with professional ties to AI to maintain neutrality.

Held over four weekends, the convention included expert-led presentations to provide technical, legal, and ethical insights on AI. Citizens engaged in interactive working groups to discuss AI's potential applications and implications across areas like security, mobility, and ecological transition. Using a majority judgment system to evaluate their proposals, the citizens created actionable recommendations, which were fully integrated into the AI and data strategy unanimously adopted by the Metropolis Council in October 2024.

The impacts of the practice are far-reaching, benefiting the Metropolis's 500,000 residents and its 8,000 government employees by addressing key priorities such as data protection, sustainable AI, and enhanced public service efficiency. The process also institutionalized participatory democracy through the creation of an AI committee composed of citizens, experts, associations, and businesses. This committee ensures continuity by evaluating and guiding future AI and data projects in the territory.

The practice not only contributed to innovative policymaking but also set a new standard for participatory governance in France. It demonstrated how informed, community-driven processes can align cutting-edge technologies with the values and needs of the population, fostering trust, transparency, and inclusivity in decision-making. This pioneering initiative positions Montpellier as a leader in citizen-centric approaches to AI governance and public service innovation.

• https://participer.montpellier.fr/ia (External link)