In this interview, we are speaking with Monika Månsson, project manager at the City of Malmö. The City of Malmö focuses on including citizens from various demographics to create a joined collaboration towards the climate transition.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your organization?
Malmö is the third largest city in Sweden with approximately 350,000 inhabitants. It holds a strategic location in the southern tip of the country, making it closer to the rest of Europe than to the capital city of Stockholm. Historically, Malmö has undergone a transformation from industrialization to strategic revitalization, facing economic challenges along the way. Two decisions have shaped the city's trajectory: the establishment of the University of Malmö in 1998 and the construction of a bridge connecting Malmö with Copenhagen, Denmark.
In the early 2000s, Malmö shifted its focus towards sustainable development and environmental policies, establishing itself as a leader in this domain. However, the city grapples with challenges such as growing segregation and socioeconomic disparities, alongside competing priorities like advancing the climate transition agenda.
Participation in initiatives like Speak Up is important for the environmental department of Malmö, because it allows for development of processes that facilitate these transitions effectively.
Monika and her team are currently focusing on capacity building in the Speak Up project and planning dialogue processes in connection with climate transition. Through initiatives like Speak Up, they aim to harness collective action and promote meaningful change towards a greener and more inclusive future for the city and its residents.
What inspired your organization to join the Speak Up project and what do you want to achieve through your participation in this project?
The City of Malmö was drawn to the Speak Up project for several reasons. The project offers a dynamic environment, which aligns well with the diverse needs and processes of each participating partner. This allows us to work on our specific focus: citizen engagement in the context of the climate transition. In addition, there is currently no established framework to address citizen participation in complex transitions, like the climate transition. Therefore, the Speak Up project is a good opportunity to test such a framework.
For us, collaboration with other cities and knowledge partners represents another compelling aspect of the Speak Up project. This collaborative environment fosters mutual learning and the exchange of best practices, enriching our approach to citizen engagement and sustainable development. The diversity of cities and knowledge partners involved in the project offers a unique opportunity to exchange ideas and experiences, including collaboration with partners that we otherwise would not engage with.
In essence, we view our participation in the Speak Up project as an opportunity to advance our commitment to citizen engagement and climate action, while also contributing to the collective development of innovative approaches and solutions that address the challenges of the green transition.
What are your expectations of participating in the Speak Up project?
Our expectations for participating in the Speak Up project revolve around the development, testing, and refinement of methods for citizen engagement in the climate transition. We aim to explore and evaluate various approaches, ultimately compiling a comprehensive summary of best practices to inform future policy decisions and action plans.
For us, the emphasis will be on the policy aspect of citizen engagement, as we seek to integrate dialogue with citizens into policymaking processes rather than simply soliciting feedback. This approach is designed to prevent project fatigue within our city and ensures that citizen input directly informs policy development and implementation.
Furthermore, it is crucial to maintain realistic expectations regarding the extent of change achievable within a short timeframe and the degree of influence citizens can exert over decision-making processes. Transparency regarding the impact of citizen engagement on policy outcomes is essential for fostering trust and accountability.
What is a citizen engagement initiative that your organization is proud of?
One citizen engagement initiative that we are particularly proud of is Naturmolnet, which translates to "nature cloud." This project involved transforming an old deserted plot into a vibrant green space that serves as a social hub and meeting place for people of all ages and demographic groups.
Naturmolnet functions as an outdoor classroom, providing opportunities for environmental education and raising awareness about biodiversity while also serving as a pleasant recreational area. This initiative was the result of collaboration among various stakeholders who worked together to bring the project to fruition.
Another initiative we take pride in is the Climate Ambassadors, which involves engaging youth ambassadors in the democratic process, with a specific focus on addressing climate change. Through this program, young people are empowered to voice their opinions and ideas on climate-related issues.
Could you share any upcoming initiatives or events related to Speak Up that your organization is currently working on?
Currently, we have several upcoming initiatives and events related to the Speak Up project that we are actively working on. One of these initiatives is a collaboration with International Youth Think Tank, a partner in Speak Up, on a three day summer camp on democracy and climate change, as part of the City of Malmö’s summer program for young people.
We are also planning for community dialogues in two different areas of Malmö, each with a different policy focus. The initial stage has been completed, and we have started recruiting participants. The dialogues will be carried out this autumn. Currently, we are in the process of deciding on the specific methods to be used for these initiatives. We plan to conduct sessions focusing on getting to know neighbors, exploring climate knowledge and ambitions in the city, and a walk and talk in the local area. These sessions aim to engage residents and gather valuable insights to inform our climate engagement efforts.
Furthermore, in October, we will host an event with 40 participants focused on a climate deliberation, where a strict process will be followed with motivated participants. This event will include four knowledge sessions at national and city levels, before the actual deliberation takes place during a weekend. The outcomes of the deliberation will be taken into account by politicians from both the majority and opposition parties, potentially influencing their policies.