Robust Public Policy Dialogue a First in Azerbaijan
As Azerbaijan enters its second decade of transition, the government, private sector, and non-governmental organizations continue to explore approaches to fostering active participation in setting and implementing policies that promote the socioeconomic and democratic development of the country. The Government of Azerbaijan (GoA) is faced with the challenge of decentralization while maintaining stability, as non-governmental organizations and entrepreneurs continue to seek avenues for constructive input.
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| USAID Country Representative Scott Taylor participates in the series of nation-wide roundtables bringing together 250 leaders from government, NGOs, the private sector, and community-based organizations |
USAID’s Civil Society Project is helping the citizens and the GoA develop a dialogue while working towards the creation of a more representative and better functioning democracy by building the capacity of stakeholders to initiate an ongoing dialogue on the formulation and implementation of public policy. During the first stage of this initiative, 250 leaders from government, business, civil society, and the media came together to identify issues of mutual concern and priority in the areas of policies affecting poverty reduction and sustainable development. This robust, nationwide dialogue took place in four regional capitals, culminating in Baku, and is thought to be the first of its kind in Azerbaijan.
The process generated a dialogue among multiple stakeholders and framed opportunities for constructive policy dialogue with the GoA. As a result, civic, government and private sector leaders were able to assess the interests and buy-in of the key stakeholders, develop ideas for possible partnerships, and begin drawing lines for potential coalitions across a broad range of interests, including economic growth and diversification, infrastructure, environment, and social security. Cross-cutting themes identified included participation of women and gender balance in decision making, awareness of legal rights among citizens, and increased involvement of mass media in civil society issues.
Stakeholders prioritized and consolidated issues through a facilitated consensus-building process which now serves as a framework for local, regional and national initiatives to be supported by USAID, the GoA, and other development organizations. These stakeholders are vigorously promoting interaction and collaboration with NGOs that seek to be more effective advocates and service providers for their constituents and clients. Most importantly, the meetings have set a standard for creating a “space” for NGOs, business, the media, and government to meet and learn from one another.
Namig Heidarov of Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Economic Development observed, “Groups discussed a wide spectrum of issues. The results were compared and summarized, providing an opportunity for a range of views to be considered.
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