Central Asian Sustainable Development Information Network (CASDIN)

CASDIN was developed in 1994 by the Center in Support of Environmental Education, which identified the need for an NGO support network in Central Asia. The network was originally planned to be interregional, with offices in each country of Central Asia. However, financial constraints and the presence of similar support organizations in other Central Asian countries led to the group's current focus on Kazakstan. At present, CASDIN offers electronic and print information about hundreds of organizations representing a variety of interests, including ecology, women's issues, law and democracy, children/youth and social welfare.

The network publishes Sustainable Development, a bimonthly newsletter featuring articles by and about members of the local NGO community. Opinion pieces by NGO leaders on such topics as western nonprofit models and their applicability to Central Asia are also included. The newsletter also publicizes news and upcoming events (conferences, seminars, grant competitions) relevant to independent organizations throughout Central Asia.

CASDIN assists NGOs with proposal writing and provide access to computer, fax, photocopying and e-mail on a limited basis. It organizes seminars and workshops on NGO management, fundraising and community involvement. CASDIN was responsible for organizing the first forum of Kazak NGOs, held in October 1996.

Last updated:    November 1998

A print version of much of the information contained in this Central Asian Third Sector Organizations section can be found in Civil Society in Central Asia (Seattle: University of Washington Press, 1999).

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