Partnership for Better Social Protection

Under the framework of the "PRO – Local Governance for People and Nature" Programme, an event titled "Partnership for Better Social Protection" was held to officially mark the completion of intensive activities dedicated to advancing social inclusion at the local level.

On behalf of the Programme, Nataša Ivanović, Social Inclusion Officer, addressed the attendees, emphasizing the importance of systemic empowerment of local self-governments and the long-term impacts of field-based mentorship.

Every step toward systemic solutions is vital, particularly regarding the accessibility of support in the daily lives of individuals. The activities within this Programme enabled a valuable exchange of acquired knowledge and experience, establishing a solid foundation for all future local community initiatives aimed at improving the living conditions of socially vulnerable groups," Ivanović stated.

The national perspective and broader systemic framework of these interventions were presented by Slavica Milojević, Head of the Department for Information, Promotion and Support at the Republic Institute for Social Protection. She highlighted the significance of the targeted support provided to various vulnerable groups through these activities.

From a national perspective, a major contribution was achieved in enhancing the quality of professional work and strengthening intersectoral cooperation. Today's social challenges cannot be solved as isolated examples. Connecting the social protection, education, healthcare and local governance systems is a prerequisite for delivering high-quality, accessible, and sustainable community-based services," Milojević noted.

The local perspective and direct, practical experiences were shared by Zorica Đerić, Director of the Center for Social Welfare Arilje.

The project has contributed to capacity building within local institutions and fostered better cooperation between the Center for Social Welfare, the education system, healthcare, and the local self-government. We believe that this type of collaborative approach forms the cornerstone for higher quality and more accessible social protection services in the future," Đerić stated.

The event also served as an opportunity to present another important activity within the "PRO – Local Governance for People and Nature" Programme - the results of the fifth cycle of the Mapping of Social Protection Services and Material Support for 2024. This comprehensive study, conducted across all 145 local self-government units in Serbia by the Center for Social Policy, provides a detailed insight into the accessibility, efficiency and quality of services at the local level. To mark the presentation of these results, a dedicated panel discussion was organized, where participants analyzed the key findings of the mapping in detail, discussed the current situation on the ground, and reviewed recommendations for the further development of the support system.

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