Policy Fireside chat

What is a Policy Firechat?

A “policy firechat” is a shortened form of a “policy fireside chat is an informal, on‑stage conversation where a moderator interviews one or more policymakers or experts about specific public policies or issues. The term comes from Franklin D. Roosevelt’s informal radio talks explaining government policies directly to the public during the 1930s and 1940s, which have been seen as one of the best ways of engaging the citizens, especially during periods when formal gatherings are not feasible, like during wartime. A firechat is therefore a form of conversation on specified development issues

A fireside chat is structured but conversational and involves primarily a small group of seasoned contributors to the topic. Essentially, it aims to unpack the core ideas of, real impacts of or particular outcomes of a development policy issue. It is meant to be a relaxed discussion, rather than presenting formal speeches; thus making the atmosphere friendly to a broad audience. It should be followed by audience questions, which reveal how much the discussion has percolated the populace. . Hence, the appellation of firechat aims to make the setting, participation, and responses to the issue more relaxed, less academic-sounding and thus more people-friendly. All are welcome!!