Discussion Forum in Talas

Talas Forum Partiripants

Discussion Forum in Talas

April 15^th, 2006.  Institute for Regional Studies held a discussion forum in Talas, which drew together 23 representatives of various NGOs, mass media and international organization 4 of which were alumni of International Visitors program.  They discussed the role of civil society in the development of Talas oblast.

It was a good opportunity for active members of civil society to pinpoint the problems of youth such as absence of interaction between youth and government, and lack of effective government policies.  Some participants mentioned the fact that present education system needs serious reforms in order to develop active younger generation.

There were also lively discussions of local issues like elections for local government, 70% of which was reelected on the basis of free and fair elections.  Many agreed that corruption is also one of the factors that hold the effective development back and needs to be fought with.

Larisa Desyatkova presented on the issue of democracy and reported on the work of IV alumni center, which was useful for many participants.  As for future plans, Sheishenov Seren, director of PF “Manas- 1000”, announced that they are planning to hold a conference for Talas oblast NGOs.