Reflection piece on“Alternative Future: Way Out through Sub-Regional Dialogues and the 4th SDG 16 Plus Forum”

22nd April 2024

NE and Central Asia

In collaboration with international and Asian stakeholders, ARGO and ADA plan to initiate a series of sub-regional dialogues with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) from South-East, South and West, Central, and North East Asia. These dialogues aim to explore alternative futures in global/Asian cooperation. This initiative aims to contribute to the mid-point assessment of SDGs implementation, fostering collaboration, foresight, and accountability to build a more just, inclusive, and peaceful world.

Key discussion

"Coping with Challenges: Taiwan's Position in a Changing World"

In the current tense situation between China and the United States, Taiwan faces geopolitical difficulties. Travel between Taiwan and Mainland China is getting harder. In Mainland China, civil society isn't talked about openly, scholars refer to it as "city people's society." There's a lot of false information online, especially in countries with strict rules, while democratic countries struggle to balance free speech and online safety.

Thanks to technology, governments are becoming more open and accountable. They're sharing more information with the public. Decision-makers are realizing the importance of civil society and are working to include public interests in their decisions. This shows a positive shift towards more inclusive governance.

“Empowering Civil Society: Navigating Challenges and Embracing Opportunities in Central Asia”

In the diverse and complex geopolitical landscape of Central Asia, the development of civil society stands as a critical pillar for progress and democratic governance. However, this journey is marked by a multitude of challenges and opportunities that shape the trajectory of civil society organizations (CSOs) in the region.

Central to the advancement of civil society in Central Asia are international standards and development indexes set forth by organizations such as the World Association of Non-Governmental Organizations (WANGO) and the CIVICUS Monitor. WANGO provides invaluable guidance and benchmarks for CSOs, ensuring adherence to principles of transparency, accountability, and good governance. Conversely, the CIVICUS Monitor assesses the status of civil society and civil freedoms in 196 countries, shedding light on the challenges faced by CSOs in the Central Asian region, where civil society is often categorized as "closed."

Moreover, initiatives like the Open Government Partnership (OGP), Universal Periodic Review (UPR), and Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) play pivotal roles in promoting transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement in government affairs. By upholding these international standards, Central Asian countries can create an enabling environment for civil society development and ensure the protection of human rights.

Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) offer Central Asian countries a platform to assess their progress towards sustainable development goals and highlight efforts to strengthen civil society and promote accountability. Additionally, capacity-building initiatives, such as GALA workshops and training programs, enhance the skills and capacities of local experts and organizations, fostering innovation and collaboration within civil society.

the empowerment of civil society in Central Asia is a multifaceted endeavor that requires concerted efforts from both local and international actors. By adhering to international standards, fostering cooperation, and investing in capacity-building initiatives, the region can overcome challenges and leverage opportunities to build a vibrant and inclusive civil society that serves as a catalyst for positive change. Through collective action and collaboration, Central Asian countries can create an environment where civil society thrives, democracy flourishes, and the rights and freedoms of all citizens are protected.

“Mongolia: The Changing Narrative of Democracy”

In Mongolia, the policy of neutrality significantly influences civil society dynamics, demanding careful consideration of diplomatic ramifications. This strategic neutrality underscores the importance of tailored training for civil society actors, particularly in advocacy, across different provinces. While civil society serves as a key advocate, varying levels of expertise and resources exist among provinces, necessitating additional training initiatives. Simplified strategies to grasp democratic principles are essential for effective civic engagement.

Moreover, Mongolia is experiencing notable progress, driven by recent constitutional revisions and the overhaul of over 40 laws. These legal reforms hold promise for local development, providing avenues for citizen empowerment. It is hoped that these changes will pave the way for enhanced civic participation and contribute to the overall advancement of Mongolian society.

“Importance Of Dialogue in NE And Central Asia”

"In the current political context, there's a notable absence of suitable platforms for stakeholders to engage in meaningful dialogue aimed at promoting a peaceful and just society. However, civil society stands poised to fill this crucial gap by facilitating constructive discussions and fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders. Through their advocacy and community engagement initiatives, civil society organizations have the potential to create inclusive spaces where all voices are heard and where collective efforts can be directed towards addressing social injustices and promoting lasting peace."

"Promoting Neutrality and Solidarity: Building a Stronger Civil Society"

In both Japan and Korea, neutrality and solidarity are key to building stronger communities. Japan values fairness and respect for diverse opinions, fostering harmony and cooperation among its people. They have stronger Civil society who operates more freely. Meanwhile, Korea's strong sense of solidarity promotes unity and support, inspiring collaborative efforts to address social issues (E.g. KOICA). In Korea Civil society have more channel to access Government bodies unlike Japan.

“Topic of peace is very significant in Malaysia”

The significance of peace in Malaysia is paramount, given its diverse population. However, maintaining harmony becomes challenging when politicians exploit differences for personal gain. Despite this, promoting peace can be achieved by celebrating Malaysia's social diversity through various religious festivities and fostering dialogue to address mental barriers. It's a journey that requires unlearning old prejudices and striving for common ground among communities.

Closing Remarks: Ideal vision of cooperating future

Envisioning an ideal future of cooperation hinges on mutual respect and trust as the keys to peace. Through less conflict and more friendships, we pave the way for a brighter tomorrow. Thank you for the insightful discussion. Let's continue this dialogue in larger forums, such as high-level political gatherings or future summits, to further our collective goals.

You can find the recording of the discussion here - https://youtu.be/SCXkws9s_kI?si=Iel7VNUI_pU45TE-