Kazakhstan Hosts the European Union - Central Asia Civil Society Forum
Nur-Sultan, October 7, 2021 – The European Union - Central Asia Civil Society Forum took place in Almaty on October 6 with the participation of nearly 300 representatives from the government and civil society sectors, as well as academic, business and media representatives.
Titled “Building Forward Better: engaging for a sustainable post-COVID recovery”, the Forum focused on the role of civil society in sustainable post-pandemic recovery and building a just, inclusive, and prosperous society, including through the promotion of gender equality and youth empowerment.
The event was attended by the EU Special Representative for Central Asia, Ambassador Terhi Hakala, EU Special Representative for Human Rights, Ambassador Eamon Gilmore, Special Representative of the President of Kazakhstan for International Cooperation Erzhan Kazykhan, Commissioner for Human Rights of Kazakhstan Elvira Azimova, Members of the Parliament of Kazakhstan, and representatives of NGOs from across the region.
Speaking on the role of the civil society in Kazakhstan, Erzhan Kazykhan stressed the development of civil society as one of the key points in the EU Strategy for Central Asia adopted back in 2019. Today, Kazakhstan pays great attention to strengthening and expanding the dialogue between state authorities and civil society.
He also noted that the forum raised issues related to climate change and to improving the status of women, including female entrepreneurship.
According to Ambassador Gilmore, the participants of the Forum discussed major issues on the development of civil society and what they are discussing here is that people should not be disadvantaged by nationality, gender, religion, and many other characteristics. Human rights apply to all human beings equally.
As part of their visit to Kazakhstan, Terhi Hakala and Eamon Gilmore had a meeting with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, during which they discussed the status and prospects of an expanded partnership and cooperation between Kazakhstan and the European Union, as well as regional security issues. Eamon Gilmore commended political, trade, and economic cooperation between Kazakhstan and the European Union and emphasized the timeliness and importance of maintaining contacts to strengthen the partnership.
The EU delegation welcomed Kazakhstan’s decision to locate the office of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan in Almaty and provide assistance to Afghan students.
President Tokayev also briefed the EU delegation on political and economic reforms in the country, as well as on measures to provide humanitarian aid to Afghanistan.
For reference
The Civil Society Forum is a platform for dialogue with the participation of representatives of civil society of Central Asia and the European Union. The event also focuses on discussing the implementation of the EU Strategy in Central Asia.
The Forum in Almaty was the third such forum. In previous years, it was hosted by Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.