April 30, 2013
Dear Leaders of Civil Society,
The USAID project “Development through Regional Cooperation” implemented by the “ARGO” Civil
Society Development Association is preparing to host the “Insights Into Regional Development”
International Conference and invites dedicated and enthusiastic individuals for:
 Participation in the “Insights into Regional Development” International Conference to be
held June 4-6, 2013, at "KIMEP University" in Almaty;
 Contribution to the “Insights into Regional Development” book to be published in
September 2013.
This Сonference will be held in partnership with the Kazakhstan Institute of Management, Economics
and Strategic Research (KIMEP), a private university in Almaty offering credit-based, North Americanstyle degree curricula. “ARGO” has implemented three Kazakhstan-specific, “Insights Into
Development” conferences in 2010, 2011, and 2012. With funding from USAID, the Conference of
2013 will be expanded to focus on the Central Asian region and beyond.
Our goal is to improve Central Asian civil society organizations’ working capacity via the: transfer of
contemporary know-how and social sector operational skills; development of mutual understanding and
cooperation between civil society organizations in the countries of Central Asia and CIS; and
promotion of best practices and sharing of CSO experience.
We propose that “Insights Into Regional Development” conference will host approximate 150
participants from new and established civil society organizations (CSOs) and initiative groups,
government officials working with CSOs, the media, academics, and donors. We expect the event to
focus upon the following issues: public participation, access to information, financial sustainability and
cooperation with Parliament and Government. The format will include master classes and training
workshops on issues of planning, monitoring and evaluation of the Program, crowd-funding
technologies and mobile applications, development of network organizations and social network
analyses, knowledge management, using social technologies in working with target groups and expert
panel discussions.
During the Conference, participants will have the opportunity to share best practices and experience of
network interaction/cooperation in 3 thematic groups:
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Environment and Sustainable Development
Gender Equality and Strengthening the Role of Women
Promotion of Rights and Support for People with Disabilities
The Conference will host a public exhibition showcasing the highlights and achievements of civil
society organizations from the countries represented. In addition, we expect to present a Web-portal for
CSOs in the region, designed to function as an information portal and listserv for sharing information
and tools of use to CSOs in their work.
Following the Conference, we will publish the third annual Insights Into Regional Development book.
All Conference participants will be encouraged to submit an essay for the 2013 edition of Insights into
Regional Development, but participation in the Conference is not required to become an author. Any
individual or organization wishing to add a voice to the dialogue of development programs, projects,
successes, and failures in Central Asia is invited to submit a short essay based on personal experience.
The book will be published via the media.
Please find the following application materials enclosed and join us for the “Insights into Regional
Development” Conference to be held June 4-6, 2013 at "KIMEP University" in Almaty:
- Conference Information and Invitation Letter
- General Application to the Conference
Preliminary Conference Program and Guidelines for Submissions for the Insights into Regional
Development book will be distributed later.
Completed applications will be accepted until 24:00 on May 15, 2013. Please submit all materials
to: [email protected].
Contact Information:
Please direct all enquiries to [email protected] or contact:
Saida Turayeva, Training Coordinator
“ARGO” Civil Society Development Association
104A Auezov Str., Almaty, 050057.
Tel: 8 (727) 274-80-88 ext. 104.
Mob.: +7 702 216 71 61
Agnessa Gladkikh, Deputy Chief of Party
“ARGO” Civil Society Development Association
104A Auezov Str., Almaty, 050057.
Tel: 8 (727) 274-80-88 ext. 105.
Sincerely,
“Insights into Regional Development” Team
Information Letter
“Insights into Regional Development” International Conference
Purpose: To improve Central Asian civil society organizations’ working capacity via (1) transfer of
contemporary know-how and social sector operational skills (2) development of mutual understanding
and cooperation between civil society organizations in the countries of Central Asia and CIS (3)
promotion of best practices and sharing CSO experience.
Location: "KIMEP” University, located at the corner of Abai Ave. and Dostyk Ave. in Almaty.
Date: June 4-6, 2013. The organizers of the event reserve the right to change Conference’s dates up to
than 15 May, 2013.
Participants: leaders and/or representatives of civil society organizations, 20 representatives of
international organizations, the media, researchers and experts in the civil society development field.
Age of Participants: At least 18 years old.
Languages: Russian and English
Organizers: “ARGO” Civil Society Development Association and KIMEP University
Donor: USAID/CAR (U.S. Agency for International Development/Central Asian Republics)
Partners: Organizations and individuals contributing to the Conference and book.
Approximate Number of Participants: 150
Selection of Conference Participants: Participants will be selected on the basis of materials
completed in a competitive application process. All members of civil society are encouraged to apply,
but priority will be given to representatives of national and regional CSO networks and leaders who
have experience of cooperation.
Costs: Costs associated with organizing the “Insights into Regional Development” International
Conference and paid by the organizers and include: buffet-style lunches and coffee-breaks during the
Conference, materials, equipment, and rental of premises.
Selection of Authors for the National, Peer-Reviewed Publication: All Conference participants will
automatically be eligible and encouraged to write for the Insights into Regional Development book,
which will be distributed via web media. If you wish to submit an essay for the book without
participating in the Conference, please email [email protected].
Contact Information:
Please direct all enquiries to [email protected] or contact:
Saida Turayeva, Training Coordinator
“ARGO” Civil Society Development Association
104A Auezov Str., Almaty, 050057.
Tel: 8 (727) 274-80-88 ext. 104.
Mob.: +7 702 216 71 61
Agnessa Gladkikh, Deputy Chief of Party
“ARGO” Civil Society Development Association
104A Auezov Str., Almaty, 050057.
Tel: 8 (727) 274-80-88 ext. 105.
To apply for the “Insights into Regional Development” International Conference, please submit the
General Application Form no later than 24:00 on May 15, 2013. We will notify you when your
materials have been successfully received and processed.