Civil Society Development in CIS and Other Foreign Countries Discussed at the XIII International Research Conference on Civil Society
The second day of the XIII International Research Conference on Civil Society, traditionally organized by the HSE Centre for Studies of Civil Society and the Nonprofit Sector, commenced with a panel discussion on "Civil Society Development in CIS and Other Foreign Countries."
The thematic focus of the second day centered on monitoring civil society, volunteering, and the activities of nonprofit organizations (NPOs) in Russia and CIS countries. Participants from across Russia and post-Soviet states (Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Moldova, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Abkhazia, and South Ossetia) shared experiences, discussed legislative frameworks, state support for NPOs, and the importance of transparency in reporting. The presentations underscored the significance of cross-border cooperation, knowledge exchange, and advancing research in civil society.
Cross-Country Research and the Role of International Collaboration
Addressing the conference attendees, Irina Mersiyanova, Director of the HSE Center for Studies of Civil Society and the Nonprofit Sector, emphasized that one of the key objectives of the conference was to identify partners for cross-country research:
"How can our Center contribute? With our methodological expertise and research tools, we could facilitate comparative projects assessing the state of civil society in our countries."
She highlighted that international collaboration is crucial for understanding civil society dynamics and finding effective solutions to pressing challenges. Mersiyanova also spoke about the Center’s educational initiatives, framing them as part of its "third mission":
"Our first mission is education, the second is research, and the third involves engaging in socially significant projects and interacting with the communities we serve."
A notable example is the psychoeducational podcast "Fairy Tales for Life", featuring stories crafted by professional psychologists and narrative therapists.
Global Volunteering Trends and the UN Agenda
Vyacheslav Ivanov, Lead Expert at the HSE Center and a long-time UN consultant on international policy, shared insights from the 27th World Volunteer Conference, held in October 2024 in Busan, South Korea, under the theme "The Power of People: Building a Sustainable Future Through Volunteering."
Ivanov remarked:
"Despite economic instability, such global platforms allow us to discuss shared challenges and exchange best practices. This conference is a unique opportunity for national delegations to share experiences and set new development trajectories. Officially, we are now in the Decade of Action for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which envisions eradicating poverty, protecting the planet, and fostering peaceful societies. With only a few years left, it is critical to assess progress—by measuring, analyzing, and consolidating what has been achieved."
He elaborated on the UNDP and UN Volunteers program, which he represents, emphasizing their longstanding commitment to evidence-based research on volunteering’s role in achieving the SDGs:
"The 2022 Global Report on Volunteering focused on building equitable societies through inclusive volunteering, particularly for marginalized groups, in collaboration with governments."
Volunteering in Central Asia: Key Findings
Ivanov presented his Report on Volunteering in Central Asia, launched in October 2024 in Astana at the CICA Youth Summit Volunteer Forum. The report examines:
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The integration of volunteering into UN strategies and national development plans of Central Asian states,
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Volunteers’ contributions to national priorities and the 2030 Agenda,
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Methodologies for assessing volunteers’ economic impact,
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Best practices in the region, serving as a knowledge-sharing resource for the Global South and beyond.
The Decade of Science and Education and Kazakhstan’s Initiative
Ivanov noted that the conference aligns with the UN Decade of Science and Education. He highlighted Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s initiative, endorsed by the UN General Assembly, to declare 2026 the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development:
"Let us move forward systematically in this direction."