OSCE Centre in Astana strengthens co-operation with Atyrau Region

Ambassador Natalia Zarudna, the Head of the OSCE Centre in Astana, concluded her visit to the Atyrau Region in west Kazakhstan on 6 December 2012 where she met with the region’s Akim (governor) Baktykozha Izmukhambetov, and civil society representatives.

During the meeting with the Akim and regional administration officials  Zarudna discussed current projects and outlined areas for future co-operation in accordance with the local partners’ needs and priorities. The main topics of discussion were the promotion of the Aarhus Convention and the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, sustainable development, the transition to a green economy, and maritime environmental security. The prevention and combating of trafficking in human beings, promotion of democratic policing, the management of labour migration and the training of journalists were also discussed.

During her visit, Zarudna took part in the Zhaik-Caspian Aarhus Centre’s board meeting, which focused on the Aarhus Centre’s 2013 strategy and action plan, envisaging the strengthening of the Caspian Sea region’s environmental security and enhancing public participation in environmental governance and justice. The Zhaik-Caspian  Aarhus Centre was the first of its kind in Kazakhstan; it was established in 2009.

Zarudna said: “The consistent and effective implementation of the Aaruhus Convention is an important component of the country’s democratization and plays a key role in promoting environmental security.”

Anatoliy Dernovoy, Executive Secretary of the Environmental Protection Ministry, said in his address: “Non-governmental organizations influence in a positive manner the formulation of national policies by putting forth initiatives on behalf of civil society, monitoring social attitudes and emerging problems. These flexible structures are able to regroup fast and easily, proactively responding to public appeals and facilitating solutions to different issues.”

The trip to the region also included a visit to the Atyrau Oil and Gas Institute and the Atyrau State University where Ambassador Zarudna delivered a lecture on the OSCE Centre’s activities in all dimensions, as well as discussed the role of young people in strengthening regional security and co-operation.