PASOS aims to generate innovative research, and specialised policy analysis, in Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia
News Source: PASOS Secretariat, Prague, Czech Republic
PASOS, an initiative to strengthen independent think-tanks to ensure the lessons of transition are understood, shared, and applied, sets out its values, short-term and medium-term objectives, and strategic approach in Strategic Directions, 2010-2014
PASOS (Policy Association for an Open Society), an association of 41 independent think-tanks spanning more than 26 countries in Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia, has updated its strategy for the coming years. PASOS strives to facilitate the efforts of countries in the EU’s neighbourhood to catch up with the transition to a free society governed by the rule of law.
In Strategic Directions, 2010-2014, drafted by the PASOS Board in conjunction with the PASOS Secretariat, the PASOS mission to promote and protect democracy, human rights and open society values is reaffirmed. The text, duly amended and approved by the PASOS members, outlines four key priority areas for the association’s projects and activities, namely:
Democracy and Human Rights
• Development of effective strategies to promote and improve good governance, human rights (including minority rights), democracy and the rule of law
• Human security, including internal and external migration, the impact of migration, and related challenges at national and international levels
• Coping with the challenges of transition, ethno-cultural diversity, and conflicts
• Visa liberalisation and facilitating free movement of people.
Good Governance and Open Economy
• Transition to an open, free-market economy based on the rule of law
• Governance and anti-corruption strategies
• Ethics in government and political parties, accountable and participatory policy-making, and freedom of information.
Sustainable Development
• Sustainable development, poverty reduction, and social welfare
• Effective economic policy and political stability in the face of the economic crisis
• Climate change and energy security.
International Co-operation
• International and regional co-operation and diplomacy in the areas of economic development, democracy assistance, effective governance, security, and conflict resolution
• Reform of international and regional governance and co-operation mechanisms
• Euro-Atlantic integration and EU external relations, in particular EU relations with the eastern neighbourhood, Russia and Central Asia, and the European integration of South-East Europe and Turkey
• The perspective of new EU member-states in EU policymaking.
The following objectives are set out for the period 2010-2011:
1. Introducing and Implementing Policy Research and Advocacy Standards
2. Developing the PASOS Brand
3. Furthering Institutional Development and Sustainability
4. Assessing and Addressing the Needs of PASOS Members
5. Increasing Professional Advocacy Capacity
6. Publishing Policy Research and Expert Analysis
7. Engaging in International Projects with Targeted Policy Impact
Two interlinked streams will run through the main activities of PASOS co-ordinated by the Secretariat, namely Services to Members, and Advocacy and Publishing, including forming a concerted “voice” of independent think-tanks on policy challenges and developments crucial to the PASOS region.
strategyPASOS08April2010.pdf (493.24 kB)
