OSCE supports Second Congress of Civil Initiatives against Corruption
The Second Congress of Civil Initiatives against Corruption, supported by the OSCE, took place on 14 March 2018 in Astana.
Some 200 representatives from the parliament, the President’s Administration, the ministries of Religion and Civil Society, Finance and National Economy, the National Entrepreneurship Chamber “Atameken” and civil society organizations discussed the steps made by the government to combat corruption. The participants also identified the main corruption challenges, emphasizing the role of public councils and NGOs in implementing a strategy to combat corruption. The event was organized by the Anti-Corruption and Civil Service Affairs Agency.
State Secretary Gulshara Abdykalikova said: “Citizens’ active participation and trust in the anti-corruption policy is very important to the Government of Kazakhstan. The Head of State continuously stresses the engagement of every citizen in the process of public control and initiatives to support the efforts of combating corruption. Today, we have launched public control maps and public councils throughout Kazakhstan to allow every citizen to monitor and control the targeted use of budget funds and report on any cases of fraud.”
Ambassador György Szabó, Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Astana, said: “The success of measures aimed at combating corruption largely depends on the active involvement of civil society organizations. A strong civil society and targeted anti-corruption measures are essential elements in promoting good governance best practices and attracting foreign investment to Kazakhstan.”
The Congress of Civil Initiatives is a public platform incorporating civil society and business community organizations in partnership with the Civil Service Affairs Agency. The Congress was launched in 2017 and aims at combating corruption by implementing joint inspections of public service providers.
The event is part of the Programme Office’s multi-year effort to promote good governance by focusing on anti-corruption activities in Kazakhstan.