On April 20, 2018, the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum participated in the Workshop on Functional and Institutional Analysis of Public Institutions, Organizational Structure, held in Tbilisi under the framework of the Eastern Partnership Panel on Public Administration Reform (PAR). Gubad Ibadoghlu, from EaP CSF member organisation Economic Research Center (Azerbaijan), represented the Forum in the event and shared his expertise on the the role of CSOs in reforming public institutions and strengthening governance.

Mr Ibadoghlu focused on core issues of governance, such as the structure and functioning of state institutions; the participation of civil society in public decision making; transparency and accountability; public sector capacity building; and rule of law. He also presented specific policy recommendations for enhancing civil society participation in these reforms at EU, national authorities and civil society level.

Recommendations to the EU
  • Use policy dialogue in support to the implementation of Guidelines for EU support to Civil Society in enlargement countries
  • Establish a formal framework for regular and structured dialogue with civil society on implementation of Guidelines at national and regional level
  • Support independent monitoring of the implementation of Guidelines for EU support to Civil Society at national and regional level
  • Establish a formal framework for regular and structured dialogue with civil society on PAR at national and regional level
  • Monitor the civil society involvement in Public Institutions Reform (PIR) at national level
  • Support independent monitoring of the implementation of PiR strategic documents at national level
  • Support capacity building of CSOs to engage in PIR at national level
  • Support CSO networking to strengthen participation in PIR
Recommendations to the National Authorities of EaP countries
  • Create an enabling environment for civil society development and activity as per the Guidelines for EU support to civil society in enlargement countries
  • Establish formal structures for cooperation with civil society
  • Exchange practices of civil society participation in public administration reform
  • Design and implement strategy for cooperation with civil society
  • Review policy framework for effective public consultations
  • Establish a formal framework for regular and structured dialogue with civil society on PIR
  • Implement OECD Guiding Principles for Open and Inclusive Policy Making.
Recommendations to Civil Society
  • Engage more actively in policy making and monitoring of implementation of PIR Strategy and Action Plan at national level
  • Engage in regular dialogue with the EC/SIGMA on PIR
  • Establish/engage in national and regional networks for monitoring of implementation of PIR Strategies
  • Strengthen capacities for research and advocacy for better advocacy
  • Strengthen internal governance to improve image and credibility
  • Establish/engage in national and regional networks to advocate for an enabling environment for civil society development and operations
  • Engage in implementation and monitoring of EU Guidelines for Support to Civil Society in enlargement countries at national and regional level.

Presentation of Gubad Ibadoghlu at the Workshop

 

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