«Aimak» Foundation of support for regional development and local self-government in the Republic of Kazakhstan» organized an event today, which explored how local self-government can further advance Kazakhstan’s democratic developments.

The event was supported by Konrad Adenauer Foundation and the OSCE Centre in Astana, brought together more than 80 participants from the capital and the regions of Kazakhstan. Attendees included parliamentarians, national and local government officials, representatives of international and non-governmental organizations and political parties.

"Local self-government is one of the main democratic institutions that brings the decision-making process closer to the public," said Jeannette Kloetzer, Deputy Head of the OSCE Centre. "A strong local self-government system can help tackle social, economic, environmental and security issues."

Murat Abenov, a member of Kazakhstan's parliament, added: "Government policy on regional development aims to even out social and economic differences between the country's regions. In this regard, we should continue the decentralization process, improve the budgetary allocation system and enhance the efficiency of local self-government mechanisms."

Participants discussed the implementation Kazakhstan's law on local self-government and its practical implementation in the regions. They also heard about Germany's local self-government experience and drafted recommendations for the government on legislative and institutional reforms.