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Abstract

This paper explores the institutional role of public councils in Kazakhstan as consultative bodies designed to facilitate interaction between government institutions and civil society. The study is based on qualitative empirical data collected through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with members of public councils, representatives of civil society organizations, and experts. The research analyzes how these actors perceive the functioning of public councils, their capacity to influence decision-making processes, and the institutional constraints that shape their effectiveness. Particular attention is paid to issues such as the advisory nature of councils’ recommendations, the quality of communication with government agencies, and the broader challenges of participatory governance in Kazakhstan. The findings highlight both the potential of public councils as platforms for dialogue and the structural limitations that affect their ability to serve as effective mechanisms of civic participation. The paper concludes by outlining possible directions for strengthening their institutional role in Kazakhstan’s governance system.