MultiPoD is a three-year Research and Innovation Initiative funded by the European Union under the Horizon Europe program which pursues an open, context-aware, multilingual and cross-cultural approach to supporting communication and collaboration in a European Public Space for Citizen Deliberation.
Multilingual and Multicultural Spaces for Political Deliberation
Our mission
MultiPoD aims to transform democratic participation by bridging cultural and linguistic divides, empowering marginalised voices, and redefining the digital landscape of participatory democracy. The project seeks to create a multilingual and multicultural European public space for political deliberation by leveraging advanced technologies like generative AI and work with hybrid formats that blend virtual and face-to-face engagement.
Challenge
Europe is facing critical challenges: increasing polarisation, widespread disinformation, and diminishing trust in democratic institutions. The way citizens view global events is deeply influenced by their local media, as well as political and cultural influences. Additionally, language barriers prevent many from accessing foreign-language media, leading to isolated viewpoints, particularly among linguistic minorities.
Response
MultiPoD will pursue an open, context-aware, multilingual and cross-cultural approach to support communication and collaboration in a European Public Space for Citizen Deliberation. It will develop new methods to interconnect existing communities and increase the transparency of political deliberation.
Approach
Generative AI and innovative technologies such as a Culture-Specific Language Model (CSLM) and a Culture-Specific Knowledge Graph (CSKG) will facilitate interaction across linguistic and cultural boundaries and promote more balanced, evidence-based discussions, with the aim of reducing bias and confrontation.
