The Salzburg Statement on Creating Inclusive Public Policy PUBLIC POLICY INNOVATIONS FOR INCLUSIVE COMMUNITIES Across Europe, the profiles, backgrounds, and demographics of public policy professionals often fail to reflect the growing pluralism and multiculturalism of our societies. As governments, corporations, and communities grapple with regional and global challenges, we need diverse perspectives and bold innovative ideas to reimagine and redesign the future of public policy in ways that are more equitable, inclusive, and effective. However, to build this leadership pipeline and increase diversity in the field, more must be done to ensure public policy is an inclusive and viable career path for minorities, and to create opportunities for emerging and new voices in public policy to practice leadership through their projects, institutions, and communities. Why Salzburg Global? We firmly believe the inclusion of diverse views in public policy debates produces better outcomes for societies. Early-career professionals from diverse backgrounds have the talent, creative vision, and energy to offer the kinds of innovative and radical ideas needed to create change but are not greatly represented in the public policy sector. This program attempts to bridge that gap by creating a talent pipeline for unique and diverse voices to join the public policy space. This program reflects the priority Salzburg Global assigns to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) as we seek to advance social justice across all aspects of our work.
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CASE FOR ACTION When marginalized communities are excluded from policymaking processes, it contributes to the continuation of social and economic disparities that keep them marginalized. However, by implementing inclusive policymaking practices, the government can actively engage with and prioritize the perspectives of marginalized communities. This leads to the development of effective and sustainable policies that benefit these communities while also creating a more fair, equitable, and inclusive society for everyone. Let us work towards a society where everyone has the opportunity to succeed and no one is left behind.
RECOMMENDATIONS In the spirit of inclusivity, our recommendations are tailored to be applicable to governments and policymakers at various levels, including local, regional, and national jurisdictions. Theses focus on making policy processes more inclusive by empowering local communities: Empowering “Experts by Experience”: To ensure that the perspectives and ideas of those directly affected by an issue are effectively incorporated into decision-making, policymakers should empower individuals with direct experience and those affected by an issue, known as “experts by experience”, in decision-making processes. This approach prioritizes lived experiences and shifts away from traditional forms of “expertise”. To achieve this, policymakers should rethink leadership through an inclusive and innovative lens, create impartial roles, and increase representation of affected communities. Addressing Biases and Inequalities: Inclusion and equality must be a driving force within public policy, a necessary step towards effective policy and policymaking in all sectors. It must be treated as a fundamental and passionate principle that fuels policy and its creation, rather than just a factor. To create a more equitable and inclusive process for community engagement and decision-making, policymakers should take steps to address biases and inequalities within the process of community engagement and decision-making. This includes addressing unconscious biases and unequal structures, building trust with traditionally marginalized groups, and engaging in meaningful outreach to improve diversity and representation within decision-making bodies. Providing Material Support: Public policy can provide material support to people through schemes such as Universal Basic Income, and living wages as a legal minimum wage. By providing material support, governments can help build a more inclusive society where everyone has equal opportunities to access basic necessities and the ability to contribute
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