The project, which will be coordinated by a regional project team based in Astana, Kazakhstan, will provide Central Asian CSOs with the opportunity to exchange on common issues affecting the region, such as environmental protection, water, energy transition and climate change, youth empowerment or digitalization. Building on the success of the annual EU-Central Asia Civil Society Forums, launched in 2019, and in collaboration with the Danish Institute for Human Rights (DIHR), the project seeks to increase the participation and engagement of Central Asian CSOs in regional dialogues. Johannes Baur, Head of Cooperation, Delegation of the European Union to Kazakhstan, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, "This initiative aligns perfectly with the EU's commitment to supporting civil society in Central Asia. By enhancing the capacity of CSOs and promoting regional cooperation, we can contribute to development and knowledge exchange within the region as well as involve civil society in our main Global Gateway priorities and Team Europe Initiatives in Central Asia." A key component of the project will be capacity development for Central Asian CSOs. UNOPS will provide training and support to help the organizations improve their operational competencies, including their ability to comply with relevant legislation and effectively manage financial resources. Freya von Groote, Director of UNOPS Austria Multi-Country Office emphasized the importance of UNOPS' role in supporting the project, saying, "UNOPS is honored to partner with the EU on this initiative. Strengthening the operational capacities of CSOs and providing a platform for technical exchanges across the region, will help to generate solutions to the challenges and opportunities identified across Central Asia.” The project will also focus on engaging young leaders from Central Asia. Building on the momentum of the Young Voices of Central Asia Forum held in Samarkand in 2022, UNOPS will provide dedicated training and knowledge exchange sessions for young people, focusing on topics such as sustainable development, environmental protection, and digitalization.

About UNOPS

UNOPS mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development. We help the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, and deliver sustainable infrastructure and procurement in an efficient way. Read more: www.unops.org

About UNOPS Austria

Multi-Country Office Established in 2019, the UNOPS Austria Multi-Country Office (AUMCO) represents the regional hub for UNOPS' programs and operations in 12 countries across Austria, Central Asia, Western Balkans, South Caucasus, and Türkiye. UNOPS presence in Vienna also includes the Water Environment and Climate Portfolio that manages global initiatives on climate, transboundary water management, biodiversity and the environment. Read more: www.unops.org/austria