Field Visit Highlights Intergenerational Cooperation and Support for Older Persons

The visit provided an opportunity for representatives from the Commissioner’s Office and SDC to gain insight into the PRO Programme’s social protection activities, particularly the establishment of the RCIC.

RCICs are an innovative local governance model designed to strengthen the capacity of local self-governments in Serbia to respond to demographic transition. Alongside centres in Pirot and Svilajnac, the Trstenik RCIC promotes cooperation between older persons, young people, civil society organisations, institutions, and the private sector through activities focused on healthy ageing, digital inclusion, and silver economy initiatives.

Established in 2025, the Trstenik centre implements initiatives such as the “Digital Bridge” programme supporting digital literacy among older persons, school-based intergenerational activities, and the “Health at the Doorstep” outreach programme for older persons in rural areas.

During the visit, participants met with municipal representatives, local institutions, and partners, and visited Primary School “Miodrag Čajetinac – Čajka,” where RCIC activities are implemented, as well as the future community space.The Resource Centre model is implemented by UNFPA in partnership with the Commissioner for the Protection of Equality and the Centre for Research and Social Development (IDEAS), within the “PRO – Local Governance for People and Nature” Programme.

The “PRO – Local Governance for People and Nature” Programme is jointly implemented by United Nations agencies in Serbia — UNOPS, UNICEF, UNFPA and UNEP — in cooperation with the Government of Serbia, with the financial support of the Government of Switzerland.