KYRGYZSTAN TODAY Policy briefs on - Department of Geography

Altynai Arstanbekova,
Program Coordinator
Public Association Counterpart-Sheriktesh
Status of Social Partnerships between the Government
and NGOs in the Kyrgyz Republic:
An Assessment of Efficiency
The relevance of social partnerships between key actors in Kyrgyzstan’s society–the
government and NGOs – is clearly evident in the context of current reforms and the
country’s continued development. Civil society, institutions that comprise voluntary
public associations, trade unions, charitable and other organizations, is crucial to social
partnerships. Non-governmental organizations often bear the ultimate responsibility
for formulating problems (particularly social and economic problems) and presenting
them to social partners, i.e. the state and the capital sectors.
An ongoing efficiency assessment of social partnerships between the state and
NGOs in the Kyrgyz Republic demonstrates that practices of successful cooperation
exist alongside some obstacles. This is a natural result of the development of a social
partnership system. At this time, efforts must be focused on optimizing laws that address
socio-economic problems.
In this environment, an effective model of social partnership would involve broad
participation of non-governmental actors in law-making through the deputies of the
Jogorku Kenesh 1 .
Context and Relevance of the Issue
“Social partnership” implies mutually-beneficial collaboration between
governmental bodies, businesses, and non-profit organizations (sometimes called the
first, second and third sectors). Efficient problem-solving by these partners is contingent
on:
– using innovative approaches to solve specific local problems;
– learning from each other and exchanging experiences;
– developing an original understanding of phenomena;
– finding efficient ways to address social issues.
By reviewing the development of social partnerships in Kyrgyzstan, we identified
opportunities for various types and forms of such collaboration. On the whole, social
partnerships between government bodies and NGOs are experiencing dynamic
1
The Jogorku Kenesh, i.e. the Parliament of the Kyrgyz Republic, is a representative body that wields
legislative authority and performs some supervisory functions.
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