CO-CREATE Dialogue Forum Tool

A Dialogue Forum is an inclusive space for discussion and co-creation across generations and sectors. Using a free canvas and a five-step process, participants are invited to connect with others, discuss an idea or intervention, and collaborate on action. The tool is available in digital and in physical formats, making it accessible across locations and time zones. To learn more about the tool, check out our concept videos and the Guidebook which provides step-by-step instructions on how to organize a Dialogue Forum.

The Dialogue Forum tool was designed to connect participants across ages, sectors and geographies. While anyone can organize or attend a Dialogue Forum, the target audience is:

• Young people or youth organizations looking to engage decisionmakers to increase awareness and action on an idea.
• Decisionmakers (policy, private sector, experts) who are looking to engage and meaningfully involve young people in the design, implementation or evaluation of interventions.

To ensure youth participation is meaningful, young people should make up at least 50% of the total participants. (The United Nations defines youth as persons between 15 and 24 years of age.)

Yes, anyone can organize a Dialogue Forum! The Guidebook provides step-by-step instructions on how to organize a Dialogue Forum and the tools are available to download for free. The digital tool is available here and the physical tool is available here. It is available for download in more languages in the FAQs below.

Yes, you can. It was designed to connect young people and adults, but it can be used with either group.

There are three stages to organizing a Dialogue Forum:

Stage 1: Plan (idea to discuss, inviting participants, training moderators, setting up logistics)
Stage 2: Discuss and hold the Dialogue Forum!
Stage 3: Act (thank participants, share outcomes, take ideas forward)

Check out our Guidebook for step-by-step instructions on how to organize a Dialogue Forum.

Yes, the Dialogue Forum tool is free and can be used by anyone, anywhere. You can download the digital tool as free package here and the physical tool here!

All Dialogue Forum methods and materials can be used free of charge, in a non-commercial way, and are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution, ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0). CO-CREATE and EAT must be credited and the “Dialogue Forum” title must be licensed using identical terms.

Yes, you can invite as many participants as you would like. Each canvas is designed to accommodate a maximum of six participants and one moderator. To engage more participants, you can use multiple tables (physical) or breakout rooms (digital).

You will need an organizer to coordinate the planning, execution and follow-up of the Dialogue Forum, and participants to engage in the activities, ask questions, contribute to the discussion and commit to action. Moderators are needed to guide participants through the activities and discussion using moderator cards. Technical support to help the moderators with taking notes of the discussion is encouraged.

Yes, a moderator can participate in the Dialogue at the same time.

The Dialogue Forum was designed to be 1.5 to 2 hours long to give all participants the opportunity to get to know each other, the space to contribute equally, and the time to explore the idea or issue in-depth. If you want to hold a shorter Dialogue Forum, you can invite participants to answer questions from the five-step process in advance so they are prepared to discuss during the Dialogue.