Transparent and Inclusive Stakeholder Participation through Public Councils in Kazakhstan
In Kazakhstan, over 200 public councils at national, regional and local levels provide a platform for civil society to voice its opinion on important social issues. This report analyses the legal and policy framework for stakeholder participation in Kazakhstan, and compares public councils' current practices against the requirements set out in regulations. It proposes practical recommendations to improve the legitimacy, transparency and inclusiveness of public councils in carrying out their duties. Recommendations are supported by good practices in both OECD and other countries that enable, improve and innovate stakeholder participation.
Executive summary
Kazakhstan is taking steps towards greater openness, is striving to ensure the transparency of government-held information and data by publishing official decisions and improving access to public services, including through digital channels. Yet, like many other countries around the world, it faces complex challenges on the path towards open government, which the OECD defines as “a culture of governance that promotes the principles of transparency, integrity, accountability and stakeholder participation in support of democracy and inclusive growth.”