Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on Approval of “The Concept of State Support to NGOs of the Republic of Azerbaijan” dated July 27, 2007 and establishment of the Council of State Support to NGOs under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan (hereinafter “the Council”) in December of the same year marked the beginning of the new era in the development of NGO Sector in Azerbaijan. Following this important and historic decision of the President of the Republic, for the first time financial resources have been allocated from the state budget to support NGO initiatives of public importance, NGO-state relations moved to a new stage and new opportunities emerged to mobilize all potentials of public sector for the sake of strengthening civil society in Azerbaijan.
Pursuant to these provisions, especially key principals and forms of state support embodied in the Concept and Regulations on the Council, in 2009 a close cooperation has been established with non-governmental organizations, their diverse initiatives were supported and a number of activities were organized with the purpose of promoting growth of civil society in Azerbaijan.
Essential forms of state support to NGOs
· Informative support
The Council’s monthly “Civil Society” magazine was issued in order to inform the public on Council’s activities as well as growth dynamics of non-governmental organizations in Azerbaijan. Twelve editions of the magazine were issued in 2009 which provided extensive information, article and interview on more than 220 projects funded by the Council, followed NGO activities in the country as a whole, and provided analysis of NGO legislation, NGO-state relations and other crucial issues.
The Council launched joint project with “Ictimai” Public Television and Radio Broadcasting Company to prepare monthly comprehensive TV programmes about NGOs. The first TV programme, attended by the Council’s representatives and experts, was devoted to the analysis of the relations between NGOs and the Council and results of the 1st stage of monitoring of the Council-funded projects.
Since July 2009, compiling of the sourcebook “Azerbaijan NGOs” which provides extensive information on the country’s NGOs, has begun. As a result of conducted inquiries, detailed information on some 800 NGOs has been collected.
Since July 2009, preparation of the book, devoted to the outcomes of the Council-funded projects, has started. It will contain short information on achievements and outcomes and illustrative materials of projects implemented with financial support of the Council.
Pursuant to the provisions on informational support embodied in the Concept of State Support to NGOs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, www.qhtxeber.az – internet site of the Council has been launched with the purpose of highlighting practical and theoretical aspects of NGO development in Azerbaijan. Serving to facilitate daily exchange of information on the third sector, the site provides a comprehensive overview of the implementation process of all local NGO projects and those funded by the Council. Exposing all kinds of news, announcements and reports on NGO activity, the site creates a room for public discussion about materials concerning NGO legislation, donor activity, coalition and international collaboration of NGOs are made available for public discussions in the site. Besides, the Council’s www.cssn.gov.az contains detailed information of the Council and its activity both in the Azerbaijani and English languages.
· Consultative Support
Regular consultative sessions were organized with the purpose of informing NGOs on thematic areas, conditions and rules of the call for proposals announced in January 2009, opportunities of receiving state support in other areas and advising on issues interesting NGOs. During the sessions more than 200 NGOs have received consultation on various issues.
In an effort to make improvements in thematic areas, rules and mechanisms of the call for proposals in 2010, discussion sessions were held with the participation of more than 600 representatives of local NGOs and general public in total (in towns of Ganja, Lankaran, Mingachevir, Shirvan, Sheki, Zagatala and Khachmaz) in August and September, 2009. During these discussion sessions, general public of the regions obtained detailed information on NGO activities, opportunities of receiving and applying for state support.
· Methodical Support
To introduce to the general public Approval of “the Concept of State Support to NGOs of the Republic of Azerbaijan and decrees of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan on the establishment of the Council as well as the Concept and Regulations of the Council”, special guidebook of the Council was published in the Azerbaijani and English languages and distributed to the interested parties.
Having worked with NGOs for two years since the establishment of the Council, a need for awareness-raising initiatives was revealed to ensure institutional development of NGO Sector. A necessity emerged to issue special publications to bring NGO management in conformity with existing legislation and international standards. In this regard, in December 2009 the Council decided to develop different methodic resources composed of 20 titles applying to all areas of NGO activities. At the moment, the work on this project is in progress. It is planned to publish these methodical resources and distribute them to NGOs in 2010. Since May 2009 preparation of National Report on the State of NGOs in Azerbaijan has been initiated. The report has seven chapters and gives detailed information on date of establishment and legal basis of NGOs, NGO-state relations, funding sources for NGOs, international relations of NGOs, general picture of NGO sector and classification of NGOs. Presently, it is in its final phase of completion and is expected to be published and presented to the public discussion early in 2010.
· Institutional Support
Strengthening skills and capacities of NGOs, especially of those located in the regions, has been among top priorities of the Council. Exchange of views has been conducted with a number of international organizations, including UN Development Program as result of which, an agreement was achieved between the Council and UNDP to implement joint project on “Strengthening Management Skills of Local NGOs in Azerbaijan” since September 2009. Within this project, a team of 20 professional trainers were trained, provided with necessary instructions and training resources on NGO management and were assisted in conducting trainings for NGOs in the regions. Experienced teams of trainers from 5 Regional NGO Resource and Training Centers in Guba, Gabala, Mingachevir, Shirvan and Shamkir, as well as trainers from other regions and Baku held trainings for representatives of regional NGOs on “Basics of NGO Management”, “Project Proposal Writing and Its Management” and “NGO Accounting”. The project attracted 60 NGO representatives from Baku and 400 from the regions.
The Council-sponsored debates devoted to NGO transparency, patriotism-related projects in donor activities, national donor activity, projects implemented in the area of Euro integration, the Council’s calls for proposals and other issues were held in June-December of 2009. During these debates, participation of all concerned parties and expression of their opinions were made possible. The main purpose of holding these debates was to provide the public with information on state-accomplished activities for civil society development and to advocate democratic and transparent way of administering these activities.
As establishment of relationships with the general public and formation of effective NGO-mass media cooperation were among priority issues for the NGO Sector to enhance knowledge and skills of NGO representatives in this area, the Council organized training sessions for more than 150 representatives of local NGOs and mass media on “NGO-Public Relations” in Ganja, Lankaran, Shirvan, Sheki, Mingachevir, Gabala, Guba and Baku in July-October of 2009.
· Financial Support
The Council has announced the subsequent grant competition on January 15, 2009. During the period of January 15 - February 15, 2009, the Secretariat of the Council received 569 project proposals from NGOs.
For the sake of comparison, we would like to mention that 361 project proposals were submitted during 2008 grant competition. The first “Call for Proposals” was announced in July-August of 2008 and financial assistance of AZN 1,2 mln. was allocated for public financing of NGO projects. From 361 submitted project proposals 190 projects were awarded grants. Implementation of the Council-financed projects promoted revival in Azerbaijan’s Public Sector, stimulated significant theoretical and practical issues on civil society building among the public and displayed importance of steps taken for the formation of national donor institution.
As a result of above mentioned dynamic development and increased public trust, 252 more project proposals were submitted during the second grant competition held in 2009. 569 project proposals were submitted during this grant competition, 17 project proposals were received during joint calls for proposals, 27 project proposals were submitted in the course of the year in free topic thematic area (in total 613 project proposals). The cost of 569 submitted project proposals amounted to AZN 8,978,890 mln., the amount of allocated funds was AZN 2,068,000 mln.
Assessment of submitted project proposals was done by a group of 19 experts consisted of representatives of national NGOs, state authorities and international organizations. Each project proposal was assessed by three different experts.
Information on thematic areas, allocated funds and a number of financed project proposals is presented in the following table:
New Page 1
|
№
|
Names of thematic areas
|
Total fund of the grant competition
|
Amount allocated by the Council
|
Number of financed project proposals
|
|
1
|
Human Rights and Democracy
|
200.500,00
|
212.600,0
|
21
|
|
2
|
Institutional Development of NGOs
|
156.590,00
|
157.970,0
|
15
|
|
3
|
Advocating and Defending Azerbaijan’s Just Position in
Azerbaijan-Armenian, Nagorno Karabakh Conflict in Foreign Countries and
International Organizations
|
160.220,00
|
152.219,0
|
18
|
|
4
|
Support to Addressing Problems of Families, Women and Children
|
151.960,00
|
151.960,0
|
21
|
|
5
|
Support to Addressing Social Problems
|
130.590,00
|
123.059,0
|
13
|
|
6
|
Support to Development of Culture
|
170.320,00
|
169.740,0
|
23
|
|
7
|
Development of Health Care and Protection of Population’s
Health
|
109.000,00
|
104.000,0
|
15
|
|
8
|
Protection of Environment and Rational Use of Natural Resources
|
103.640,00
|
103.640,0
|
14
|
|
9
|
Support to Addressing Problems of the Youth
|
77.960,00
|
70.388,0
|
13
|
|
10
|
Support to Development of Science and Education
|
73.530,00
|
86.529,0
|
11
|
|
11
|
Enhancing Role of NGOs in Combating Terrorism, Drug Addiction,
Corruption and Human Trafficking
|
83.000,00
|
83.000,0
|
9
|
|
12
|
Support to Initiatives of Regional NGOs
|
225.260,00
|
225.257,0
|
29
|
|
13
|
Support to Development of Entrepreneurship
|
89.900,00
|
85.890,0
|
10
|
|
14
|
Support to Addressing Social Problems of IDPs, Invalids, Veterans
and Families of Martyrs
|
115.530,00
|
104.070,0
|
12
|
|
15
|
Joint call for proposals with the World Bank
|
20.000,00
|
19.986,0
|
4
|
|
16
|
Joint call for proposals with the Open Society
Institute-Assistance Foundation
|
16.000,00
|
16.000,0
|
4
|
|
17
|
Projects implemented in thematic area of free topics
|
184.000,00
|
201.644,0
|
16
|
|
|
TOTAL
|
2.068.000
|
2.067.952
|
248
|
As the year of 2009 was announced by President of the Republic of Azerbaijan to be the “Year of Children”, the Council paid special attention to the problems of children. Thus, 42 project proposals addressing children’s problems were financed in 2009, of which 31 projects were implemented in Baku, 11 in the regions. As a result, 109 events and 172 training sessions in different areas were held for children, 31 publications devoted to children’s problems were prepared and 3 internet sites were created. These projects involved 11,300 children in total, of which 1,500 were children suffered from war.
Implemented activities
· Council’s meetings
Pursuant to provision 4.7 of the Regulations on the Council of State Support to NGOs under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Council held 20 regular meetings in 2009. Issues like organizing Council’s activities and grant competitions, results of grant competitions, cooperation with international organizations, joint calls for proposals and other issues stemming from the Concept of State Support to NGOs were discussed and relevant decisions were adopted during these meetings.
· Organized events
The following events highlighting the development of NGO Sector and its participation in addressing issues of public benefit were held:
On April 3, 2009 a press conference on the results of the grant competition, announced on January 15, 2009, was held at “Trend” Information Agency.
Taking into consideration public importance of NGO-mass media relations, a conference on “NGO-Mass Media relations” was held on June 3, 2009. The conference was attended by heads of national NGOs, popular newspapers and information agencies, representatives of TV and radio companies, state bodies and members of the Milli Majlis. They exchanged thoughts on mechanisms of highlighting NGO activities in mass media and on problems existing in this area, as well as on ways of NGO-mass media cooperation.
NGO engagement in the State Proqramme on Poverty Reduction and Sustainable Development in the Republic of Azerbaijan in 2008-2015 was extensively discussed. On June 24, 2009 a conference, aimed at discussing responsibilities stemming from the State Proqramme, was held. The issues of extending tangible support by NGOs to the implementation of the State Proqramme and of the Council’s responsibilities to ensure sustainable development of the NGO Sector in 2008-2010 were discussed.
To ensure transparency in the implementation of the Council-financed projects, a conference on results of the 1st stage of monitoring was organized. During the conference, held on September 16, 2009, shortcomings in the outcomes of the projects being implemented in 2009, achievements and issues related to monitoring were discussed.
On September 25, 2009, a subsequent meeting of the organizing committee of the proposed international conference on “Civil Society Development: Gained Experiences and New Opportunities” took place. Participants of the meeting were informed on the works done for the preparation of the conference. Along with the Council and Counterpart International, organizations like UNDP, OSCE Office in Baku, USAID and Open Society Institute-Assistance Foundation were represented in the organizing committee. The mentioned international conference is expected to be held in April-May of 2010.
On October 13, 2009 a round table on “Current situation in Azerbaijan’s On Air Broadcasting” was organized by the Council and the National TV and Radio Council of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Exchange of thoughts on “Azerbaijan’s On Air Broadcasting: Problems and Responsibilities”- an article by the head of President’s Administration, Academician Ramiz Mehdiyev published in “Azerbaijan” newspaper on October 2, 2009, took place.
Presentation of the “Road Starting from Chanaggala” documentary produced with the support of the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey in Azerbaijan and the Council took place in the hall of the Azerbaijan Union of Cinematographers on October 28, 2009. Thoughts about this documentary, dedicated to the events of the 1920s when Azeri Turks extended fraternal support to Turkey in its national independence struggle, were shared by members of the Turkish Parliament and Milli Majlis, historians and representatives of the Embassy of Turkey.
On December 3, 2009 within the cooperation between the Council and the Open Society Institute-Assistance Foundation, a conference on “Effective NGO Management, Transparency and Accountability” was held. Transparency and accountability issues were discussed as important components of the NGO Sector development in the country.
One of the year-end events was an announcement of the winners of the “Best NGO Project of 2009” and “Best Media Highlighting NGO Activity in 2009” competitions. The winners were announced on December 16, 2009 in the presence of representatives of state authorities, international organizations, press and general public and members of the Milli Majlis.
On December 21, 2009 a conference on the 60th Anniversary of the Council of Europe was organized. The conference was attended by representatives of diplomatic corps in Azerbaijan, mass media and members of the Milli Majlis. Opinions about Azerbaijan’s commitments towards the Council of Europe were expressed and presentation of the book “Azerbaijan and the Council of Europe”, published by the Council, took place.
· Improvement of the legislation
As improvement of the legislative grounds was mentioned in the Concept of the State Support as one of the key forms of ensuring state support to NGOs, the Council took initiatives in this area and participated as a moderator in a number of discussion sessions on amendments to the Law on NGOs.
On June 9, 2009 Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan adopted the Law “On Voluntary Activities” which was approved by the President. This Law will protect rights and interests of citizens involved in voluntary activities, strengthen civil society in Azerbaijan and widen reliable legal grounds for free and unimpeded activities of various civil society institutions.
To discuss proposed amendments to the Law “On NGOs (public associations and foundations)”, members of the Council met with Chairman of Legislative Policy and State Building Committee of the Milli Majlis, Mr. Ali Hasanov and members of the working group engaged in the preparation of these amendments, on June 17 and 29, 2009. During these meetings Council’s opinions on proposed amendments were expressed and were mainly taken into consideration.
On June 25, 2009 taking into consideration proposals of NGOs, the Council held discussion session on various issues of the NGO legislation. The discussion session was attended by members of the Council, heads of leading NGOs and media representatives. Proposed amendments to the Law “On NGOs (public associations and foundations)” were extensively discussed in the meeting.
We would like to note that most of the Council’s proposals were taken into consideration by the Milli Majlis during the final discussions of the amendments to the Law on June 30, 2009.
International Relations
· Meetings
To ensure development of the NGO Sector in conformity with international standards and to learn experiences of relevant foreign institutions, the Council paid special attention to the cooperation with international organizations.
In the course of the year, meetings with the Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights Mr. Janez Lenarcic, Special Representative of the Secretary General of the Council of Europe Ms.Veronica Kotek, Head of the OSCE Office in Baku Mr. Ali Bilge Cankorel, UN Resident-Coordinator, Head of the UNDP Mr. Bruno Puezat, International Executive Education Proqramme Manager, University of Washington Mr. Ken Peavler, Programme Director of Counterpart International Head Office Mr. Altunay Kuchukeyev, President of Eurasia Partnership Foundation Mr.George Zarubin, Head of Operations Section of the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Azerbaijan Mr. Jean Louis Lavroff, Executive Director of the Baku Office of the Open Society Institute-Assistant Foundation (OSI-AF) Mr. Farda Asadov, USAID Caucasus Mission Director Mr. Jonathan M. Conly and with others were held. During the meetings extensive information on establishment of the Council, its activities and state-financing of NGO proqrammes and projects was provided and thoughts on possibilities of cooperation were exchanged.
· Visits
Delegation headed by Chairman of the Council visited Turkey on April 10-15, 2009. The delegation participated in the conference on “Current Conditions of Turkish-Armenian Relations”organized by the Center for International Relations and Strategic Analysis of Turkey. During this trip, the delegation held meetings with state and governmental officials of Turkey, leaders of political parties, members of the Turkish Parliament, representatives of NGOs and media and conveyed opinion and anxiety of the general public in Azerbaijan about possible reopening of Turkish-Armenian border.
On May 5-7 of 2009, Chairman of the Council participated in Civil Society Forum in Prague organized within the framework of the European Commission Eastern Partnership Programme. The Forum was attended by representatives of civil society of Azerbaijan, Byelorussia, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine and Armenia, state and governmental officials, as well as representatives of 27 European Union Member States. They discussed possible areas of future cooperation within the Eastern Partnership Programme. In his speech, the Council’s Chairman informed the audience on the extensive support being provided by State to civil society organizations in compliance with the conducted reforms in Azerbaijan and on established cooperation, mutual trust and confidence.
On November 1, 2009 a study visit to the Republic of Croatia was organized for members of the Council and a representative of an international organization. Acquainting themselves with the best European experiences in the field of NGO activities was the main objective of this week-long visit.
· Partnerships
On September 10, 2009 the Memorandum of Cooperation on implementation of the joint project between the Council and UNDP entitled “Strengthening Management Capacity of the NGO Sector in Azerbaijan” was signed. Cooperation in further developing potentials of regional NGOs of Azerbaijan to ensure sustainable development of the NGO Sector was the main objective of this Memorandum.
On October 2, 2009 the Council and the Open Society Institute-Assistance Foundation/Azerbaijan signed the Memorandum of Cooperation. The Memorandum affirmed agreement between the two organizations to cooperate in areas of raising public awareness on the role of civil society and possibilities of NGO engagement in socio-economic processes, supporting establishment of Donor Coordination Council aimed at strengthening relations between donors in Azerbaijan and joint coordination of their activities, enhancing NGO capacities, etc.
On December 15, 2009 the Memorandum of Understanding on international cooperation was signed between the Council and USAID. The Memorandum assumes cooperation in areas of learning and applying best international practices in public financing of NGOs, strengthening NGO skills and capacities, raising public awareness on the role of civil society in Azerbaijan and possibilities of engaging NGOs in socio-economic development processes, holding grant competitions, improving legislative framework regulating NGO activities, etc.
· Joint Grant Competitions
On March 2, 2009 the Council and Azerbaijan Representation of the World Bank announced joint grant competition on “Youth - Equal Opportunities” topic. 47 NGOs submitted project proposals during submission period that lasted till March 31, 2009. The project proposals were jointly assessed by experts from the Council and the World Bank and 8 projects were awarded.
On October 2, 2009 the Council and the Open Society Institute-Assistance Foundation (OSI-AF) announced joint grant competition on “Azerbaijan-European Union Relations”. 33 project proposals were submitted during submission period of April 2-30, 2009. The project proposals were jointly assessed by experts from the Council and the OSI-AF and decision on awarding grants to 10 projects was taken.
Conclusion
In 2009, the Council implemented numerous activities directed towards accomplishment of tasks stemming from the Concept of State Support to NGOs of the Republic of Azerbaijan. We consider that programmes and projects of a wider scale must be implemented in this area in coming years. In the course of the subsequent years, the Council plans to implement proqrammes and projects in the following areas:
Announcement of joint grant competitions with international partners,
Establish the International NGO School to enhance management potentials of NGOs,
Organize international conference aimed at raising awareness of the international community about works accomplished on civil society building in Azerbaijan,
Strengthen potentials of regional NGOs,
Create NGO website aimed at providing extensive information on the NGO Sector,
Prepare NGO standards aimed at adjusting NGO activities to international standards,
Prepare national strategy for strengthening civil society in 2010-2015 and implementation plan,
Enhance NGO transparency using TV programmes, publications and other means,
Implement new projects and programmes related to other tasks stemming from the Concept.
