Author: S•HUB team member, Elena Vallier

Recommendations that make a difference

On February 14th 2025, the Norwegian Citizens’ Assembly on Sustainable Consumption handed over its recommendations to the Minister for Digitalisation and Public Governance Karianne Tung and the Minister for Climate and Environment Andreas Bjelland Eriksen. These recommendations represent a strong win, both for Norway’s democracy and our planet.

A new way of doing democracy 

By commissioning this citizens' assembly, the Norwegian government sets in motion a new way of doing democracy in Norway that strengthens active citizen participation and representation. The assembly’s task - exploring how we can collectively reduce overconsumption while maintaining a good life - raises fundamental questions: What is a “good” life? Which space does consumerism hold in our lifestyles? What levers can be activated to reduce our unnecessary consumption? It sets the focus on urgent topics that need to be addressed in order to ensure a sustainable use of resources, limit climate change and preserve nature.

Photo by Dylan Gillis, Unsplash

Shaping future Norwegian sustainability policies

Structured around seven topics – including public-private collaboration, public support, online shopping and advertising, and local sustainability – the citizens’ assembly’s recommendations will be reviewed by the Norwegian government. They will then be published in a white paper on sustainability goals, which will be considered by the Norwegian parliament. The assembly’s proposal may, therefore, play a significant role in shaping future Norwegian sustainability policies.
While the citizens’ assembly encourages the government to collaborate closely with businesses and support them in the transition towards more sustainable business, it also challenges them to rethink their ways of doing business. Recommendation 3.2, which states, “Limit commercials that encourage overconsumption, don’t do 3 for 2 campaigns”, illustrates this clearly.

Businesses' opportunity

For Norwegian businesses, the assembly’s final report can serve as a guide to adapting and transforming their activities to meet citizens’ needs and expectations – key stakeholders that should not be overlooked. Moreover, businesses would benefit from considering the political implications of the recommendations and staying aware of potential impacts.
Reviewing and discussing this proposal sparked dynamic and insightful conversations within our team. We strongly encourage you to explore it!

Sources and ressources 
For more information about the Citizens’ Assembly on Sustainable Consumption, visit folkepanel.regjeringen.no.
​For the recommendations, click here. If you are interested in learning more about citizens' assemblies in general, you can find more information on folkepanel.no.