Opening the Doors of Policy-Making in the South Caucasus and Central Asia
“Opening the Doors of Policy-Making in the South Caucasus and Central Asia” seeks to empower civil society organizations and to enhance public participation in public policy development. It aims to strengthen CSOs, foster regional networking, and promote sustained dialogue with policymakers. The project draws on PASOS’ experience of training think-tank personnel in transitional countries. The initiative is supported by a grant from The United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF).
Target Countries:
Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan
Target Groups for Participation in Training and Networking:
-Existing CSOs (policy research units at universities, independent think-tanks, advocacy, watch-dog and development-promoting CSOs)
-Local non-registered public groups and non-governmental initiatives
-Individuals (experts, recent graduates of international universities returning to home countries) -Public officials on local and national levels
-Donors and international organizations
Schedule of programs
Policy training of civil society actors (Istanbul, June 2-3, 2011)
A two-day training on strengthening skills in policy analysis, research, writing, and advocacy, followed by three months of distance mentoring. Travel/accommodation expenses covered for up to 24 persons.
Fellowships at EU Think Tanks (June-August 2011)
Eight young researchers and/or scholars from the region (up to 1 per country) participating in the policy training shall be given the opportunity of a one-month visit to an EU think tank, followed by three months of online mentoring as they pursue completion of a policy study.
Training of Future Local Policy Trainers (Almaty, May 2012)
A three-day certified training in writing policy papers, conducting research and policy analysis, and engaging in advocacy, open to 8 future trainers (1 per country).
Public Policy Workshop for Public Authorities Officials (Almaty, May 2012)
A two-day training on effective policy-making, including writing policy papers, and use of evidence-based policy analysis to advocate for more effective decision-making. Open to a maximum of 2 officials per country.
Regional networking conferences (Istanbul, June 2-3, 2011, and Almaty, May 2012) Opportunities for broadening networking between think tanks and establishing closer contacts with officials.
