Today, the Government- Civil Society Dialogue Platform on Open Government Initiative had a meeting.

The meeting discussing the problems faced by NGOs was also attended by NGOs that are not members of the platform, members of the international organizations and embassies.

Coordinator of the platform, Alimammad Nuriyev, who invited participants to open discussions, noted that the main purpose of the event is to discuss existing problems, exchange views on the implementation of their solutions and to submit proposals to the state institution. A. Nuriyev stated that the government is open to the discussions of the problems faced by NGOs and expects concrete proposals from the Platform.  According to the coordinator of the platform, at the end of 2014 and in 2015, the amendments to the legislation regulating NGO activities created problems in practice, therefore developing the ‘road map’ is very important in order to achieve the efficient functioning of civil society. The basis of this ‘road map’ should be consisted of the proposals by NGOs.

Nuriyev said that “I want to recall that 10 state agencies, members of the parliament are represented in the platform. The format of this event is chosen in the way that NGOs could share their opinions. The next meeting will be held with the participation of state bodies.”

During the discussions, various problems faced by NGOs were raised, solutions were proposed and changes in the regulatory and legal framework has been put forward. A total of 27 NGO representatives spoke and shared their opinions on different issues in the discussions.

According to A. Nuriyev, all statements made at the meeting were recorded and will be sent to the government on behalf of the Platform. At the same time, proposal to establish a Working group to have debates on specific issues with authorities will be discussed.