OSCE Centre in Astana supports discussion on regulatory framework for non-governmental sector

ASTANA, 20 August 2013 - A draft law on state support for non-governmental organizations was the focus of today’s roundtable discussion organized by the Culture and Information Ministry with the support of the OSCE Centre in Astana.

Some 40 stakeholders representing governmental agencies and civil society discussed how the proposed regulatory framework corresponds with international standards and the needs of the country. The discussions aimed to strengthen communication and interaction between the state and the non-state sector.   

The draft law stipulates the legal, administrative and economic grounds for partnerships between government and civil society actors, as well as the financial support that the government intends to provide to NGOs. It also outlines provisions in the regulatory framework for the awarding of governmental funds to NGOs for socially valuable projects.   

“A strong civil society empowers healthy democracies, contributing to sustainable public, social and cultural life. The OSCE is committed to helping secure state support for the NGO sector including access to financial resources,” said Jeannette Kloetzer, Deputy Head of the OSCE Centre in Astana.

“Kazakhstan’s government sees non-governmental organizations as key partners for dynamic and sustainable development. The proposed draft law aims to encourage interaction between the NGO sector and governmental structures and through state financial support, to further strengthen NGO development in Kazakhstan,” said Arman Kyrykbayev, Vice-Minister of Culture and Information. 

Recommendations on further improvement of the draft law will be presented to the Culture and Information Ministry’s Working Group, composed of ministerial and non-governmental experts.