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Recognizing the ongoing challenges around the lack of distributive policies in resource-rich countries, undergoing multidimensional reforms, this Conference will stimulate an open discussion about social spending in the realms of health, education and social protection in three neighboring oil-rich countries: Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Russia. Health, education and social protection are central to the improvement of standards of living and economic sustainability in the Eurasia, and as such, they deserve special attention from policy-makers.

Over the past few years, rising world prices for oil and natural gas have provided a major economic boost for the resource-rich countries of the former Soviet Union. After nearly two decades of negative growth, these countries have started to record exceptionally high growth rates. Rising oil and gas prices have generated enormous fiscal revenues. While  a significant portion of these funds has been spent to improve the social sector,  without substantial improvements in the efficiency of public services,  higher spending alone cannot produce positive social outcomes.

Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Honorable Yerbol T. Orynbayev will make opening remarks to the participants. The conference will feature the keynote address from Dr. Dennis de Tray (USA), a distinguished expert in the field of economic development, and other confirmed speakers, including:

•    Ms. Karin Lissakers, Director, Revenue Watch Institute, USA
•    Mr. Simen Bjørnerud, Senior advisor at Ministry of Finance, Norway
•    Dr. Janar Jandosova, President, Sange Research Centre, Kazakhstan
•    Dr. Azer Mehtiyev, Chairman, Center for Public Initiatives, Azerbaijan
•    Dr. Sergei Shishkin, Research Director, Independent Institute for Social Policy, Russia
•    Dr. Shamil Yenikeyeff, Research Fellow, Oxford Institute for Energy Studies, UK

Representatives of the Government of Kazakhstan, international development organizations, NGOs and international experts have all been invited to participate in the event. A set of policy recommendations on public sector transparency improvement and enhancing public spending efficiency will be the outcomes of this international conference.

For contacts: Bota Ayazbayeva, Budget Transparency and Accountability Program Director, tel: +7 777 220 7894.

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The New York-based Revenue Watch Institute (RWI) is a non-profit policy institute and grantmaking organization that promotes the responsible management of oil, gas and mineral resources for the public good. With effective revenue management, citizen engagement and real government accountability, natural resource wealth can drive development and national growth. RWI provides the expertise, funding and technical assistance to help countries realize these benefits.

Soros Foundation-Kazakhstan (SFK) is a non-governmental charitable organization that contributes to democratization and civil society development in Kazakhstan. Strengthening capacity of civil society in Kazakhstan, SFK supports advocacy and policy work of local non-governmental organizations and individuals to achieve government transparency and public accountability, and improve the justice system.