This event will showcase two EU-funded initiatives designed to strengthen collaboration between civil society organisations (CSOs) and state migration authorities in Central Asia. The first initiative, part of the BOMCA 10 Programme, enhances the capacity of CSOs in Central Asian border regions through training in fundraising, grant management, and project implementation, aiming to foster cross-border cooperation and address local challenges. The second initiative, under the PROTECT project, focuses on establishing Migrant Resource Centres (MRCs) in partnership with state migration authorities. These centres provide potential migrants with essential information on migration processes and risks, promoting safer, informed migration decisions.
The event's main goals are to highlight the initiatives' successful outcomes, encourage collaboration between CSOs, government, and international stakeholders, and share best practices to enhance awareness and inspire similar projects in other regions.
This half-day event will highlight two key initiatives, funded by the European Union and implemented by the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), aimed at fostering cooperation between civil society organizations and state migration authorities in Central Asia. Strengthening Civil Society Cooperation in Central Asian Border Regions: This initiative, being implemented within EU-funded BOMCA project, focuses on empowering civil society organizations (CSOs) operating in the border regions between Central Asian countries. Through capacity-building on fundraising, grant management, and small-scale project implementation, CSOs are better equipped to contribute to regional development. By promoting cross-border cooperation, the initiative seeks to enhance social cohesion and address local challenges related to migration, governance, and economic development.
Supporting Migrants through Resource Centres: The second initiative, supported by the EU-funded PROTECT project, involves collaboration with state migration authorities to establish and operate Migrant Resource Centres (MRCs). These centres serve as a vital hub for potential migrants, offering them access to evidence-based information on migration opportunities, risks, and processes. The MRCs aim to ensure that migrants are well-informed and prepared, reducing vulnerabilities and promoting safer migration pathways.
Event Objectives: Highlight Achievements: Showcase the success stories and tangible outcomes of these initiatives in improving migration management, supporting civil society and raising awareness on legal migration in Central Asia. Foster Collaboration: Encourage dialogue and partnerships between civil society organizations, state authorities, local governments, and international actors to strengthen future efforts in migration management. Raise Awareness: Share best practices and lessons learned to enhance the visibility of these initiatives and their potential for replication in other regions.
Speakers include Sarah Rinaldi, Head of Unit, INTPA C1- the Middle East and Central Asia, Ralph Genetzke, Director, ICMPD Brussels Mission, Violeta Wagner, Regional Portfolio Manager, Eastern Europe and Central Asia (ICMPD), Ekaterina Belukova, Project Manager, Eastern Europe and Central Asia (ICMPD), and Xenia Pilipenko, Project Manager, Eastern Europe and Central Asia (ICMPD).
