The First International Scientific Conference “Philanthropy in Kazakhstan” was held at 10 a.m. in a large concert hall of the Kazakh National Conservatory named after Kurmangazy. This conference was organized by charity foundations “AYALA” and “Baurzhan”. Conference participants were warmly welcomed by deputy mayor Serik Seydumanov, executive director of the Foundation of the First President Bektas Mukhamedzhanov. After that the plenary session of the conference started at whichMaria Chertok – President of the foundation “CAF” Russia (Moscow), Vyacheslav Bakhmin, a consultant of Charles Stewart Mott Foundation in the Russian Federation (Moscow), Tyufekchi-Ogly Hayati, a doctor of sociology, professor, director of the Eurasian institute of Istanbul university (Istanbul), Zamira Kanapyanova, a head of regional office of “Chevron” corporation in Kazakhstan and others made presentations.

After the lunch break meetings began in the following sections: “Charity in Kazakhstan as a social institution: the history and development” “State and charity” “The role of media in the development of philanthropy” “Business and philanthropy”

The reports in each section provoked strong reactions and intense discussion. In the section “Business and charity” it was agreed that a working group of representatives from major national companies and nonprofit organizations will prepare amendments to the tax code which would stimulate business to donate. These amendments will allow potential sponsors to be engaged in charity activities without “interference”. The second working group will look at refining the concept of the “Association of Charity Organizations” of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

In the section “Role of media in the development of charity” there were a lot of interesting opinions about what the media`s role in the development of charity was and this role could not be overemphasized. It was proposed to prepare the memorandum between the charity organizations and mass media for newspaper space and television air time for posting materials on the activities of nonprofit organizations.

In the section “Charity in Kazakhstan as a social institution: the history and development” reports were devoted to the creation of a theoretical framework of the NGOs. This section attracted active discussion as well. The reports and articles of the participants will be published as a result of the conference. We can say with confidence that the success of the first international conference on charity in Kazakhstan will turn it to an annual event.

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