Civil Forum of East Kazakhstan Region

Forum Topic

Civil Forum of East Kazakhstan Region

Today, Ust-Kamenogorsk is hosting the Civil Forum of the East Kazakhstan Region under the theme “Public Councils — an Effective Institution for Citizens’ Participation in Addressing the Region’s Pressing Issues.”

The morning sessions focused on key aspects of civil society development: draft laws on NGOs and state social contracting were discussed, the results of the first stage of the Civil Society Development Concept were summarized, and recommendations were formulated for its second stage. Particular attention was given to the role of Public Councils in strengthening public oversight and engaging citizens in decision-making, as well as to successful practices in implementing grant projects, volunteer initiatives, and environmental programs.

The forum gathered Senator of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan Bibigul Zhexenbai, Chairperson of the Committee for Civil Society Affairs of the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan Gulbara Sultanova, President of the Civil Alliance of Kazakhstan Banu Nurgaziyeva, as well as representatives of non-governmental organizations, Public Councils, and the regional expert community.

The forum continues its work, and in the afternoon the discussions will focus on further strengthening civil society institutions and on the role of Public Councils as key drivers of social change.