The 11th Civil Forum in Astana brought
together over 600 delegates from non-governmental organizations (NGOs), civil
activists, chairpersons of public councils, representatives of government
agencies, regional and national development institutions, as well as the business
sector. The two-day forum focused on topical issues, including quality
education, gender equality, self-government, Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs), and respect for human rights. According to the participants, the forum
is aimed at defining the role and tasks of the civil sector as a full-fledged
and mutually beneficial partner of the state.
“It is only in unity that we can
build a real and just state, what every person, every citizen of the country
wants. Prosperity depends on how we can maintain unity and well-being. Of
course, we should improve the quality of knowledge and life, all this is
important for us,” said Banu Nurgaziyeva, the president of the Civil Alliance
of Kazakhstan.
“It is great that ministers and
vice-ministers attend such forums, meet with representatives of the civil
sector, study and observe the process of work, ask about our goals and wishes.
This is a normal process of democratization of our society without bureaucracy,”
said Zhanna Zhibrayeva, the president of the Family Center public foundation in
the Abai region.
It bears noting that all ideas
and proposals of activists and volunteers will be collected into a single
national plan to implement the Concept of Civil Society Development in
Kazakhstan.
