This is a method which has evolved out of the Local Agenda 21 process; it is used to take stock of the current state of an ongoing process, to assess it jointly, to define goals for the future and to launch campaigns. It is suitable as a starting-point for a participation process, or where a process has got bogged down, or when a new phase is to be started.

Suitable

• for getting the participants to a uniform level of knowledge and tapping additional sources of knowledge
• for placing decisions on a broader footing
• for finding partners to implement goals and measures with, and for activating people previously on the sidelines

Sequence of events

Agenda Conferences feature a variety of structures, including plenary sessions, working in small groups and marketplace presentations.

Phase 1: the state of play – the facts
The team responsible for preparation collects information about the state of play beforehand (findings from stocktaking / analysis, campaigns / projects, approaches).
Phase 2: the state of play – assessment
As a lead-in to an Agenda Conference the state of play is presented informally for assessment by those present: what is satisfactory, what needs improvement, what does the future have in store for us, what is missing?
Phase 3: developing statements of principle and specific goals
At this stage the focus is on the future: where do we want to get to? What are the urgent problems, what are we aiming for? What guiding principles and visions are on hand?
Phase 4: developing measures and projects
At this stage concrete ideas for projects and measures are developed. (How do we intend to reach the goals agreed on?) Next, project groups should form and (starting from the results so far) get to grips with actual implementation. 

Participants
Ordinary citizens whose surroundings or workplaces are affected, representatives of interest groups, politicians and administrators

Points to note:

• For an Agenda Conference to work well it is particularly important to involve politicians and administrators who can take decisions in their respective departments. This is the only way to ensure that the ideas developed do in fact get put into practice.