A roundtable on implementation of activities of the 4th direction of the “Open Government” National Action Plan (Support to the CSOs) was held.

An event was held in frame of project titled “Support to the civil society and protection of citizens’ interests” financed by European Union by Government – Civil Society Dialogue Platform and “Tereggi” Social Researches Public Union (TSRPU).

Members of Parliament, representatives of Ministry of Justice, Council of State Support to NGOs under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, NGOs and Mass-Media take part in roundtable.

Coordinator of Open Government Platform Alimammad Nuriyev opened event with welcome speech and noted that, very important measures are envisaged to support civil society in the 4th direction of the “National Action Plan for the Promotion of the Open Government for 2016-2018”:

“Open Government Platform considers that, discussion of these issues; presenting proposals and suggestions are very significant. Such discussions give an opportunity to clearly see current challenges and enabling all sides to propose offers for solution.

Coordinator of the platform expressed his gratitude to European Union and TSRPU for the support in organizing this debate. Nureyev mentioned that “Open Government Week” will be held in 07-11 May worldwide.

“Azerbaijan Open Government Platform starts to hold various events in frame of “Open Government Week” by holding this roundtable. Platform will strive to remain in the focus the government reforms via different events and initiatives.

Member of Parliament Gudrat Hasanguliyev said that the material and technical base of NGOs in Azerbaijan is currently weak. According to him, the funds allocated from the state budget are often insufficient. The Law on Public Participation also does not work well. The Public Councils do not operate effectively. G. Hasanguliyev noted that NGOs should strictly adhere to the requirements of legislation in their activities. Also, legislation related to the NGOs should be improved. Member of Parliament said that he is ready to note proposals of NGO leaders in Milli Majlis.

Head of TSRPU Jalal Amanov gave information on project activities and added that such discussions contribute to the formation of common vision for the solution of existing problems, enhances exchange of views between government agencies, parliamentarians and NGOs. Amanov noted that the Open Government Platform is actively working in this direction and expressed confidence that cooperation with the Platform will bring good results. Member of Platform Mirali Huseynov, chairman of the “Democracy Learning” Public Union, made a presentation on “The activities of Public Councils: current situation and expectations”. The expert noted the shortcomings in the activities of the Public Council and suggested solution ways.

MP Fazil Mustafa said that the key role of Public Councils is to provide transparency to society more clearly: “Some state bodies are not interested in transparency. I think that we will make certain proposals in the Milli Majlis “.

Speaking on the topic “Creating a favorable environment for civil society activity: challenges and perspectives”, A. Nuriyev gave proposals. He noted that, as the main directions there is a need to strengthen efforts to the improve legislation related to the activities of NGOs, enhance and promote cooperation with the private sector, apply and develop alternative funding mechanisms, increase the number of NGOs in the regions and activate them.

The sides exchanged views on the proposals made during the discussions. The Open Government Platform was proposed to hold these discussions with the government.