Focus Groups and Expert Interviews Conducted within the “ADAL AZAMAT – ACTIVE SOCIETY” National Center Project!

As part of strategic partnership and the state social order project, civil society representatives participated in discussions and shared key issues and recommendations:

1. NGO Concept and Status: the term “NGO” is outdated; it is proposed to use “public organization” or “public association”; objectives and types of activities need clarification.
2. Registration and Reporting: registration is simplified, but reporting optimization and easing the organization closure process are needed.
3. Funding: state orders are mostly awarded to large organizations; priority for local organizations and the introduction of a “local NGO” status are proposed.
4. Legislation Improvement: harmonization of laws concerning NGOs and public organizations; reconsideration of restrictions on foreign grants.
5. Public Oversight and Transparency: digitization of document flow, reduction of bureaucracy, introduction of public oversight mechanisms.
6. Selection and Evaluation: updating commissions, attracting qualified members, providing opportunities for newly established organizations.
7. Government–NGO Interaction: partnership has strengthened, but formalism persists; youth engagement should be enhanced.
8. New Forms of Cooperation: development of regional partnership platforms, implementation of joint projects, involvement of professional and active citizens in public councils.

These insights helped identify specific challenges and ways to further develop civil society.