Gulbara Sultanova: NGOs can contribute to solving many contemporary issues

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have the potential to contribute to solving many contemporary problems, including low quality of life, climate change, digital inequality, and unfair trade, Gulbara Sultanova, chairwoman of the Civil Society Committee at Kazakhstan's Ministry of Culture, said during a panel discussion at the inaugural conference of the Global South NGO Platform in Baku.

According to Report, Sultanova emphasized that the NGO forum in Baku would open new opportunities for positive change in the future.

She noted that in her homeland, Kazakhstan, civil society is rapidly developing thanks to the Civil Society Development Concept for 2021-2030: "Today, our country has more than 20,000 NGOs. About 40% of citizens are involved in civil activities. Kazakh NGOs make a significant contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They participate in consultations and working groups. The government has created platforms for dialogue, such as the Coordination Council, Public Councils, and Civil Forums," she said.

Sultanova also pointed out that annually, NGOs in Kazakhstan implement over 2,000 social projects aimed at achieving the SDGs in areas like healthcare, education, gender equality, environmental protection, and human rights.