The EU – Central Asia Civil Society Forum started in Almaty

On January 28, 2025, the 5th EU Civil Society Forum for Central Asia kicked off in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Approximately 160 representatives from civil society organizations across all Central Asian countries gathered for the event. The history of this forum dates back to 2019, with previous editions held in various countries in the region. In March 2023, around 20 representatives from Turkmen civil society participated in the 4th EU Civil Society Forum in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. And now, 16 representatives from 15 Turkmen civil society organizations are taking part in the 5th Forum, held in Almaty from January 28 to 30.

The 5^th EU Forum for Central Asia Civil Society serves as a key platform for addressing essential themes such as digital transformation, climate change, youth participation and women’s empowerment – topics fundamental to the region’s future. The Forum builds on the success of its previous sessions, strengthening civil society engagement in Central Asia and advancing key initiatives such as the EU Central Asia Strategy and the EU-Central Asia Global Gateway priorities.

The 2025 Forum dedicated to highlight civil society’s invaluable contributions to national and regional development. The event is feature plenary sessions, interactive discussions, and thematic working groups, as follows:

 28th January

– The EU Roadmap for Central Asia & Global Gateway: Strengthening EU- CA relations, supporting Civil Society and regional development

– CSOs Panel Discussion: Accessing Funding & Building Partnerships

– World Café: Overview of Current and Upcoming Opportunities and Initiatives

29th January

– Thematic Group Discussions (break out into 4 groups):

Digital Transition and Transformation

Climate change, green transition and environment

Strengthening Youth Participation in Policy and Decision-Making

Women’s Enpowerment & Social Protection

– CSOs Administrative and financial management capabilities

30th January

– Panel Discussion on Governance, Social & Responsible Business

– Panel Discussion: Civil Society Facility Inception Phase

For information: on January 24, 2025, the MFA of Turkmenistan held a press conference on the outcome of the cooperation between the European Union and Turkmenistan in 2024 and plans for 2025, where Ms Beata Pecs, The European Union Ambassador to Turkmenistan and Head of the European Union Representation in Turkmenistan mentioned the importance of supporting civil society, in particular, and providing the opportunity for participation of a civil society delegation from Turkmenistan in 5-10The EU Civil Society Forum in Central Asia.

Ayna Atayeva.