The IAP2 core values

IAP2 developed the Core Values for the Practice of Public Participation for use in developing and implementing public participation processes to help inform better decisions that reflect the interests and concerns of potentially affected people and entities.

The Core Values were developed with broad international input to identify those aspects of public participation that cross national, cultural and religious boundaries. Processes based on the Core Values have been shown to be the most successful and respected.

Seven core values of effective public participation

1. Public participation is based on the belief that those who are affected by a decision have a right to be involved in the decision-making process.
2. Public participation includes the promise that the public’s contribution will influence the decision.
3. Public participation promotes sustainable decisions by recognizing and communicating the needs and interests of all participants, including decision makers.
4. Public participation seeks out and facilitates the involvement of those potentially affected by or interested in a decision.
5. Public participation seeks input from participants in designing how they participate.
6. Public participation provides participants with the information they need to participate in a meaningful way.
7. Public participation communicates to participants how their input affected the decision.