A/HRC/24/38 • there are opportunities for dialogue and participation as well as formal consultation processes in place for stakeholders’ and the public’s knowledge and views to be expressed, at a point in time when their input can still be taken into account; 3.1 Coherent need definition at EU and national levels 3.1.1 The Parties agree it is desirable to establish the need for new infrastructure development through consistent, coherent and transparent methodologies and participation/consultation processes, including at EU and national levels. 3.1.2 They also recognise the benefits of public participation and consultation at these levels, in order to build support for later, more local planning procedures. 3.6 Early and continuous involvement to allow substantial participation. 3.6.1 Ensuring that stakeholder and local knowledge are brought into the discussions at an early stage can lead to decisions which are supported by a broader community. In addition, the involvement of stakeholders, including relevant authorities at an early stage can reduce later disagreements and delays. The Parties therefore agree on the desirability and need to: • engage with stakeholders and the public at an early point in the process so that their contributions can be taken into account and plans modified accordingly where appropriate, without risking another loss in time; this may require engagement before official procedures are initiated. • ensure that in time of public consultation phases, sufficient information and time are provided to enable substantial input, and that time is allocated to discuss and to explain resulting decisions. • support the implementation of decision-making processes that enable and promote the consideration of reasonable alternatives suggested by the public, where these are relevant to the stage of decision-making in question. • promote opportunities to engage in ways that are convenient and effective for as many as possible in society; this can be achieved by developing a “concept for public participation” for each project, with detailed stakeholder mapping and identifying channels and formats to involve them from an early stage. • promote the establishment, where necessary, and support the work of (i) strategic multistakeholder working groups to deal with questions of general relevance for grid development, and (ii) project-specific working groups specifically to find solutions on topics of local concern. 3.7 Dialogue as a means to enhance relationships and build trust 3.7.1 The Parties recognise that a culture of dialogue, debate and collaboration is necessary to find solutions that are widely acceptable. They therefore seek to: • promote a culture of dialogue and debate, e.g. by including elements of direct dialogue and deliberation in participation concepts, and improving communication of the solutions found through participation and consultation procedures. • professionally organise dialogue and, especially in situations of conflict or high potential forconflict, consider the use of independent facilitation to help ensure deliberations are as constructive as possible. 33