OSCE concludes series of seminars on local self-governance reform

KOKSHETAU, Kazakhstan, 19 September 2014 – Establishing dynamic, accountable and efficient local governments in rural and small town municipalities that involve the public in decision-making processes was the focus of an OSCE-supported training seminar held today in Kokshetau, in the Akmola Region.

The seminar brought together some 70 akims (heads of local bodies of power) from the Akmola and adjacent regions to help them better prepare for the challenges and requirements of the new local self-governance strategy launched in 2013.

The seminar programme covers three major aspects of the strategy: legal framework and mechanisms; financial and economic framework and tools; and ways and means to enhance local citizens’ involvement in decision-making and development processes. The trainees were presented with a guide for rural and small town mayors, which was developed with the Centre’s support by international and national experts.

“We regard local self-governance reform in Kazakhstan as a powerful tool for establishing good governance and democratic decision-making at the core level,” said Ambassador Natalia Zarudna, Head of the OSCE Centre in Astana. “The implementation of local self-governance principles and practices is a good guarantee for the sustainable and democratic development of every country.”

“In the year since we switched to the local self-governance system, when the local Akims were first elected, experience has demonstrated that it was the right step to take. It not only helped us to further progress in the democratization of society, it also assisted us in addressing the pressing issues in the field through increased accountability of the government to the people,” said Sanat Tungyshbekov, Director of the Department for Local Self-governance and Rural Territories Development of the National Economy Ministry.

The event is organized by the Centre in partnership with the Department for Local Self-Governance and Rural Territories Development of the National Economy Ministry and the Akmola Regional Administration as the concluding event of a five-part series held in August and September. The workshops were held at the request of local and central authorities in Akmola, Aktobe, East Kazakhstan, Mangistau and North Kazakhstan Regions.

They form part of the Centre’s long-term efforts to promote good governance and democratization in Kazakhstan.