OSCE Centre supports the creation of expert councils to monitor the implementation of largest infrastructure project in Kazakhstan

ASTANA, 13 July 2012 – Some 40 representatives of state entities, non-governmental organizations, international financial institutions, banks and businesses met today for the first meeting of the National Expert Council for Transparency and Sustainable Development.

The event is part of an OSCE Centre in Astana project to support Transparency and Sustainable Development Expert Councils in the southern Kyzylorda and Zhambyl regions. The councils will be established at locations along the “Western Europe-Western China” International Transport Transit Project. The road construction project, which is popularly known as the Silk Road Motorway, crosses five of Kazakhstan’s regions.

The meeting was convened to discuss activities agreed in a recently signed memorandum of understanding between government entities, international firms monitoring the project and the Azamatyk Kuryltay (Citizens Convention) non-governmental organization. A number of local expert councils will monitor the economic, environmental and social aspects of the project’s implementation.

“The active participation of civil society and other stakeholders in the decision-making process is a prerequisite for sound democratic development and stability. It will help all parties achieve consensus and develop optimal solutions that are in the best interest of both the state and the people of Kazakhstan,” Natalia Zarudna, the Head of the OSCE Centre in Astana, said in her opening statement.

The meeting builds on the Centre’s previous efforts to facilitate the implementation of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) in Kazakhstan, and encourage participatory decision-making practices which lead to increased efficiency, more transparency and better accountability in the private sector and government.