Quality of life is a topic that concerns all citizens. Work, education, social and political life, health, environment, security and much more – according to the OECD Quality of Life Index, Germany performs well in many areas compared to other countries. Now the views of citizens are also to be included in the evaluation and measurement of the quality of life in Germany. With the citizens’ dialogue as part of the government strategy “Living well in Germany – what is important to us”, the Federal Government is taking up this central topic. The comprehensive dialogue will be conducted in 2015 and will focus on two questions: “What is important to you personally in life?” and “What do you think constitutes quality of life in Germany?” All citizens are invited to participate in this open discussion – in nationwide citizens’ dialogues or online.

The overall process includes:

  • The citizens’ dialogue, which offers the opportunity to participate in nationwide on-site events and through online participation. Two standardised participation formats – World Café and Metaplan – are planned for the on-site events hosted by civil society organisations.
  • The documentation of the results of all on-site events and the online participation, which will be evaluated with the support of independent researchers.
  • The development of quality of life indicators that incorporate findings from the citizens’ dialogue and on the basis of which a report on the status and development of the quality of life in Germany is to provide information in the future.
  • An action plan with which the Federal Government intends to take concrete measures to further improve the quality of life.

The nexus Institute advised the federal government on the conception and preparation of the citizens’ dialogue since autumn 2014. The advice included recommendations on the overall process, on the different formats of the on-site events and on online participation.

Duration: 10/2014 – 03/2015
Client: Bundeskanzleramt, Stab Politische Planung, Grundsatzfragen, Sonderaufgaben
Team: Dr. Birgit Böhm, Prof. Dr. Hans-Liudger Dienel