Civil Forum: A Platform for Dialogue Between the State, NGOs, and Society

The forum became an important dialogue platform to discuss current issues in civil society development, state-third sector cooperation, and the implementation of new social initiatives.

• The forum was attended by the regional akim, Askhat Shakharov. At the forum venue at K. Zhubanov Regional University, representatives of NGOs, volunteer associations, activists, government bodies, and international partners gathered.
• In his welcome speech, Askhat Shakharov emphasized the significance of the civil sector in the sustainable development of the region:

“Today, civil society institutions can rightly be considered strategic partners of the state. Their activities cover key areas – from youth policy to culture, from healthcare to ecology. Joint efforts strengthen citizens’ trust in state institutions and the law.”

• The akim also highlighted tasks outlined in the President’s Address, including digitalization, human capital development, and improving the effectiveness of interaction between the state, business, and society. According to the regional leader, NGOs are already making a tangible contribution to achieving these goals.
• Speakers included Eldar Saparov, Deputy Chair of the Committee on Civil Society Affairs of the Ministry of Culture and Information, Banu Nurgazieva, President of the Civil Alliance of Kazakhstan, Lyazzat Shyngysbayeva, Chairperson of the Public Foundation “Kazakhstan Khalkyna,” and others. They noted support for NGO initiatives: 2.1 billion tenge were allocated this year for implementation, half of which went to district-level projects. Results of the national initiative “Taza Kazakhstan” were also presented: over 15,000 environmental events were held with the participation of more than 90,000 volunteers. Representatives of “Kazakhstan Khalkyna” Foundation spoke about developing small rural schools using digital technologies, updating their material and technical base, and equipping them with modern classrooms.