The 5th EU-Central Asia Civil Society Forum has commenced in Almaty.

The three-day event, organized by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) under the EU Civil Society Fund for Central Asia, funded by the European Union (EU), focuses on crucial issues that will shape the future of the region, including digital transformation, climate change, youth participation, and women's empowerment. This four-year initiative aims to enhance the capacity of civil society organizations in Central Asia by strengthening cooperation and increasing their role in promoting active participation in decision-making processes in the region to ensure effective governance and sustainable development.

The 5th EU-Central Asia Civil Society Forum serves as a vital platform for dialogue, providing participants with the opportunity to exchange ideas and collaborate on advancing the EU Strategy for Central Asia and the priorities of the "Global Gateway" initiative.

H.E. Aleshk Simkich, the Ambassador of the European Union to Kazakhstan, emphasized the importance of civil society in promoting democratic governance and sustainable development.

H.E. Mr. Roman Vasilenko, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, highlighted Kazakhstan's commitment to supporting civil society initiatives and regional cooperation.

Gürel Gurkan, Acting Director of the UNOPS Multilateral Office in Vienna, stressed the key role of civil society in ensuring sustainable change.

At UNOPS, we believe in the power of collaboration and innovation to address complex development challenges. Civil society is at the heart of this work, driving constructive change on the ground. Through our partnerships, we aim to empower civil society to foster inclusive development in Central Asia and support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. The Forum provides a unique opportunity to share knowledge, build partnerships, and accelerate progress on issues that matter most to the people in this region," Gürel Gurkan said.

A Platform for Action and Cooperation

The Forum offers stakeholders a crucial venue for sharing experiences, discussing regional challenges, and developing practical solutions. Through initiatives such as the Civil Society Fund for Central Asia, aimed at strengthening the capacity of civil society organizations in the region, participants will work towards establishing long-term partnerships that will improve social, economic, and environmental outcomes.

Over the next two days, the event will feature group discussions, specialized workshops led by the Danish Institute for Human Rights (DIHR), as well as networking events where participants can exchange ideas and deepen their engagement in addressing key regional issues.