On November 20, 2024, the Office of the Commissioner for Citizens and CARDET hosted an open discussion titled “Opening the Dialogue in Democracy” at the Presidential Palace. The event focused on the critical role of lifelong learning and digital literacy in fostering a more inclusive and participatory democracy. Bringing together President Nikos Christodoulides, government officials, community organizations, and citizens, the discussion explored strategies to strengthen democratic engagement.
President Christodoulides emphasized the need for transparent governance and stronger collaboration between the state and civil society. Panayiotis Palates, the Commissioner for Citizens, highlighted that democracy thrives when citizens actively participate—requiring accessible tools, knowledge, and digital platforms to enable meaningful engagement. Discussions also addressed advancements in e-governance, with Mr. Nikolas Mousoulides from the Ministry of Labor announcing a new platform set to launch in 2025 to enhance digital accessibility and public interaction.
Addressing the Digital Divide
A significant concern raised during the event was the exclusion many adults experience due to limited digital literacy skills. In today’s digital age, this gap hinders citizens from fully participating in democratic processes, such as accessing government services or contributing to online consultations.
Dr. Elena Papamichael, representing the Ministry of Education, underscored the importance of integrating human rights and democratic citizenship education into school curricula to ensure young people develop a strong understanding of their civic responsibilities. She also stressed that this education must extend beyond formal schooling. Lifelong learning is essential to prepare adults, especially those who previously lacked access to such opportunities, to engage meaningfully in democracy.
Partner UP: Bridging Gaps Through Collaboration
In this context, the Partner UP project plays a vital role by advancing the implementation of Upskilling Pathways. This initiative equips adult learners with essential skills and fosters greater participation in lifelong learning opportunities. These efforts align with the European Skills Agenda and the Renewed Agenda for Adult Learning, advocating for strategies to empower adults with foundational skills for personal growth and civic engagement. The project’s emphasis on cross-sector collaboration highlights its potential to address the digital and educational divides that inhibit active democratic participation.
Dr. Olivia Patsalidou from the Pancyprian Coordinating Council for Volunteering reinforced the importance of supporting NGOs and fostering citizen engagement through digital tools. She highlighted how lifelong learning initiatives like Partner UP provide a collaborative framework between civil society and government, ensuring a unified approach to building skills and promoting inclusivity.
A Call to Action
The discussion concluded with a collective call to action for citizens and the state to invest in creating a more inclusive, transparent, and participatory democratic process. A key takeaway was the recognition that lifelong learning and digital literacy are critical to ensuring every citizen’s voice is heard. By addressing gaps in education and digital access, initiatives like Partner UP lay the groundwork for a vibrant, inclusive democracy that reflects the diversity of its society.
