Zhanar Suleimenova, an influential Kazakh public figure, prominent social activist and politician, told us about the problems and successful cases of advocacy in Kazakhstan, as well as the importance of international panel discussions and meetings of government affairs professionals as one of the most effective experience exchange tool. On March 6, she took part in the VII
International GR Forum, held in Washington, D.C.
– Ms. Suleimenova, international experts are now closely following parliamentary elections in Kazakhstan. Some analysts hold out hope for change and democratic development of the country. Could you, please, comment on that?
– Snap parliamentary elections in Kazakhstan are to be held on March, 19. I run as an independent (non-partisan) candidate – it was an important decision not only for me, but also my team from the “Asyl Niet” non-governmental organization (NGO). Together we prepared a Sustainable Development Program for Kazakhstan called “Confidence in Tomorrow” that I am planning to implement as an MP (Member of Parliament). It is aimed to advocate the interests of Kazakh entrepreneurs and domestic manufacturers, because I strongly believe that it is the development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) that should become a foundation of sustainable economic development of Kazakhstan. Growing middle class is the real key to economic growth that fosters democratic reforms and solves the majority of social problems.
We conducted an in-depth political and economic analysis and research on the situation in our country. Alongside with that, we organized a series of public discussions on reforming public administration and education and developing SME by bringing in speakers from expert and business community. Having analyzed all the suggestions and recommendations, I presented the results of our work at the VII International GR Forum, since I was interested to hear the opinion of the world’s leading experts and study their experience.
– What was the reaction to your presentation?
– Interestingly enough, there was a significant interest of the international expert community in the events taking place in my country today, as well as in my program that I presented as a means to sustainable development of Kazakhstan.
I entirely agree with Stephen Blank, a Senior Fellow at Hudson Institute and leading expert on European and Asian security that also participated in the Forum – Kazakhstan has a change to has a real chance to take a leadership role in Central Asia and dominate its economy. To do this we must protect and develop domestic industries, rather than continue being dependent on oil money.
In a discussion with Ian J. Campbell, a well-known American expert on government relations and business development, we came to the conclusion that Kazakhstan needs to strengthen the legal framework for advocating the interests of various social groups.
And Joe Wertz, an American politician and leading public relations consultant, shared
valuable pieces of advice on how to run an effective campaign and push forward my agenda.
– I wonder if you learnt some new ideas and experiences from the Forum experts that can be used in your work in Kazakhstan?
– As for me, I found environmental advocacy crucial to economic recovery and development. That is why in future, I hope to actively cooperate on environmental issues with Mihael Cigler, Head of FIPRA in Slovenia from our panel discussion at the Forum.
I was fascinated by the cases of social advocacy and human rights protection. There is a lot to learn for us in Kazakhstan and use it in our work.
– What else have you learnt here in DC and would like to replicate in Kazakhstan?
– I massively enjoyed participating in the “Lift Women Now, Elevate the Future” event in celebration of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day. Recognizing the contributions and achievements of women worldwide and elevating their voices in today’s society is of utmost importance to all of us. We should all unite and fight tirelessly for greater gender equality. This problem is very relevant to Kazakhstan as well. Personally, I have always been promoting women’s economic empowerment and equal participation in the workplace, as well as their representation in top positions: I have been conducting workshops and trainings, giving lectures, and supporting women’s business initiatives.
And of course, it is also important that I gained lots of support and, hence, confidence in what I am doing and planning on doing in my country. I made sure I was on the right track. Now I am even more convinced that we will be able to achieve our goal and make our initiative come true. This International GR Forum in Washington, D.C. was a great opportunity for me to share practical experience with the world’s top professionals and experts.
Every year the International GR Forum organized by IGAPA (International Government Affairs Professionals Association) brings together leading experts in the field of government relations, communications, and advocacy. The VII International GR Forum gathered government affairs professionals from all over the world, including Stephen Blank, Senior Fellow at Hudson Institute; Joe Wertz, leading PR expert; Victoria Spartz, US Congresswoman; Kendall Coffey, former US Attorney and founding member of Coffey Burlington; Mihael Cigler, Head of FIPRA (Finsbury International Policy & Regulatory Advisers) in Slovenia; Ihor Dovban, Ukrainian politician; Jan J. Campbell, Managing Partner at Manchester Global Solutions, Inc.; Natalija Dobrovic, Political Scientist from Montenegro, and others.
Editor’s Note: Right after the Forum, Zhanar Suleimenova’s registration as a candidate has been cancelled by the decision of the Central Election Commission of Kazakhstan based on the alleged bureaucratic inaccuracies – one week before the election.
