Ilham Polukhov, senior expert of Center for Economic and Social Development (CESD) attended the annual meeting of PASOS (Policy Association for an Open Society), a network of 40 independent think-tanks spanning more than 25 countries in Europe and Central Asia, was held in Lviv, Ukraine, 24-25 October 2009. Mr. Polukhov mentioned that several topics were discussed at the conference such as “Strategic Challenges facing Think-Tanks in Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia”, “ How PASOS and OSI can support institutional development, communications and advocacy (training, mentoring, exchanges)”, “ Poverty alleviation projects focused at local level”, “ Eastern Partnership civil society forum”, “Fostering policy analysis and debate in Cuba”, “Policy bridging between think-tanks in Eastern Partnership countries and EU think tanks”, “ Meeting on strengthening policy centers in Central Asia through PASOS engagement” and etc.

There was also Formal PASOS Assembly held during the conference. Narrative and financial report, Treasurer’s Report, Amendments and Finalization of PASOS Strategic Directions and Board elections and etc. were approved during the Assembly.   

During the discussions there were thoughts that PASOS must pay more attention on the Central Asia and South Caucuses countries. There would be projects focusing more of civil society of those countries. There also were discussions that PASOS should cooperate with CAREC organization working on the region countries.