Almaty, the largest city and former capital of Kazakhstan, hosted the fifth EU-Central Asia Civil Society Forum on January 28-30, focusing on digital transformation, climate change, and empowerment.
The forum is a key component of the EU Civil Society Facility project funded by the European Union and implemented by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS). This four-year initiative aims to empower civil society organizations (CSOs) from Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan by fostering collaboration and advancing their role in driving sustainable development, promoting transparent governance, and ensuring their active participation in regional decision-making.
EU Ambassador to Kazakhstan Aleška Simkić highlighted the importance of civil society in advancing democratic governance and sustainable development. “The EU is committed to strengthening its relationship with Central Asia and supporting the invaluable work of civil society in fostering regional stability, social inclusion, and sustainable development. Through collaboration, we can address the most pressing challenges of our time, from digital transformation to climate change, while empowering youth and women to play an active role in shaping their futures,” she said.
For his part, Kazakhstan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Roman Vassilenko emphasized his country’s commitment to supporting civil society initiatives and regional cooperation: “Kazakhstan views civil society as an essential partner in our development agenda. This Forum provides a platform for constructive dialogue between CSOs and governments to align our goals and work together towards a more prosperous and inclusive Central Asia,” Vassilenko stated.
Central Asia with its rich cultural heritage and dynamic societies is at a critical juncture on its journey toward a more prosperous and sustainable future, the European Union’s Delegation to Kazakhstan said in a press release on January 27. “As the region continues to develop, the role of civil society has never been more crucial. It not only advocates for good and inclusive governance, but also serves as a key driver of meaningful change, ensuring the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals to have no communities left behind,” the delegation noted.
The EU’s commitment to Central Asia is based on the EU Strategy on Central Asia and is implemented through Global Gateway Priorities in Central Asia. Global Gateway is the European strategy to boost smart, clean and secure links in digital, energy and transport sectors and to strengthen health, education and research systems across the world.
In Central Asia, the EU seeks with its partners transformational impact in the digital, climate and energy, transport, health, and education and research sectors. The focus is on smart investments in quality infrastructure, respecting the highest social and environmental standards, in line with the EU’s interests and values: rule of law, human rights and international norms and standards.
Kazakhstan, the host country of this year’s Forum meeting, has long recognized civil society as an essential ally in achieving the country’s development goals in line with the country’s Listening State approach. Civil society is viewed as a key player in promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance. By supporting initiatives such as the EU-Central Asia Civil Society Forum, Kazakhstan reaffirms its commitment to regional cooperation and inclusive development, the EU office in Kazakhstan stated.
Kazakhstan’s approach is based on the understanding that a prosperous and inclusive Central Asia can only be built through cooperation—between governments, civil society, and international partners, it added. By strengthening the capacity of CSOs, the country is ensuring that its citizens are actively involved in shaping the future of the region. Kazakhstan’s commitment to empowering civil society is evident in its strong support for initiatives that foster regional cooperation, good governance and inclusive development.
UN Resident Coordinator to Kazakhstan Stephen O’Malley highlighted collaborative efforts between the UN and the EU, noting projects designed to advance the SDGs in Central Asia. “With improved communication channels, we engage with over 7,000 civil society organizations. These partnerships highlight the effectiveness of collective action, providing opportunities for communities to actively participate in decision-making processes,” O’Malley added.