For a democratic and European Serbia, citizen participation, respect for human rights, solidarity, sustainable development…

For more than 30 years, the Center for Democracy Foundation has been dedicated to the development of democracy and the rule of law, European integration of Serbia and the region, sustainable socio-economic progress based on human rights, principles of good governance, and citizen participation.

During the first decade of our work, we educated young people about democracy and tolerance, empowered civil society for democratic change, created networks and coalitions for the promotion of European values, reform preparation, and improvement of democratic institutions and procedures. We organized the First Forum of Yugoslav Non-Governmental Organizations, followed by the second and third, conducted 8 courses of the POLITEIA School for Civil Society, a series of international round tables on interethnic relations, the European Union, media, and culture, the first program for the education of judges as support for the development of an independent and impartial judiciary, and contributed to social change through the Exit campaign.

In the next decade, our focus was on contributing to the development of a modern democratic society in Serbia by strengthening the human and institutional capacities of the parliament, judiciary, public administration, local self-government, and civil society as carriers of reform processes. We continued with youth education through the School for Social and Political Leadership Pericles, Student Parliamentary Practice, and the Politeia School, promoted European values and expanded knowledge about accession to the European Union, launched programs to improve the respect and protection of economic and social rights, workplace safety, and carried out the large campaign for decent work Black and White.

Over the past ten years, we have empowered and mobilized citizens to build a democratic and solidarity-based society and to participate in decision-making on community development, improved the realization of economic, social, and cultural rights, and contributed to the fight for responsible and efficient institutions by promoting the principle of solidarity and sustainable development. We are engaged in the preparation, creation, and monitoring of the effects of public policies, regional networking of young people, encouraging the public to participate in decision-making processes, reforms, EU integration, strengthening the capacities of trade unions and CSOs, inclusion and empowerment of vulnerable social groups, improving gender equality, contributing to the sustainable development goals of the UN 2030 Agenda, and participating in the work of organizational networks at the European and global level.

We have worked with young people, trade unions, representatives of state institutions, academia, independent institutions, international organizations, the business sector, women’s organizations, members of various vulnerable groups in society, media, and friends from civil society, established strong partnerships in Serbia, the region, and Europe, initiated relevant and important topics, with more than 20,000 participants in our programs and public events.

We have contributed to improving the quality of public dialogue on political, economic, and social issues, advocating European values and promoting European integration in Serbia and the Western Balkans, improving public policies for sustainable development with respect for human rights, solidarity, and the principle of “leaving no one behind”.

In 2024, we marked the 30th anniversary of the Center for Democracy, continuing decisively to fight for a democratic and European Serbia, to empower citizens to participate in decision-making on community development, to advocate for the principle of solidarity and sustainable development, and to improve economic and social rights.

Our most popular brands:

– Dialogue in the Center – Social Forum

– Politeia – Regional School for Youth Participation

– Black and White – promotion and advancement of socio-economic and labor rights

– Traditional Public Reading of the European Commission Report on Serbia

– Regular Annual Report on the State of Labor Rights in Serbia

Our most notable projects:

– Regional Youth Dialogue for Europe (RYDE)

– “SDGs for All” Platform

– Dialogue in the Center – Social Forum (Democratic Political Forum)

– Labor Rights are Our Rights, Black and White

– Regional Youth Compact for Europe (RYCE)

– Connecting the Dots

– Citizens for Inspections Reform

– Justice above Politics

– Democracy towards Constitutional Reform

– Stop Corruption that Threatens Decent Work

– Coordination of the National Convention on the EU Working Groups for Negotiating Chapters 2 and 19 and the Cross-Sectoral Working Group for Regional Cooperation

Our results in numbers:

– Over 2,000 young people educated

– 285 public debates and round tables

– 95 conferences

– 250 seminars and trainings

– Cooperation with over 2,100 organizations and institutions

– 173 publications

– Engagement in more than 45 local governments

– 3,280 experts involved

– Partnership in 10 European, regional, and national networks

– More than 125 projects

– 10,000+ social media followers

CDF in Cities and Municipalities: Together for a Better Life in Local Communities

Wherever you go in Serbia – from Apatin to Vranje, from small municipalities to larger cities – you will meet people who want their town to breathe more freely, function more justly, and live better.

On the path of local community development, the Center for Democracy Foundation (CDF) has been a recognized partner, supporter, and ally for over 30 years.

Why are we here?

Because we believe that sustainable development of local communities is possible and that citizen involvement in development planning and decision-making is a necessary condition. Development is most visible where people live – in villages, neighborhoods, and towns. For us, development means economic and social progress along with the preservation and improvement of natural resources.

Through our engagement in over 40 local governments across Serbia, we help communities become stronger, more inclusive, and better prepared for today’s challenges.

How do we work?

Field experience shows that improving institutional capacities is necessary, as well as strengthening human resources.

It is also necessary to create and support frameworks for the exchange of knowledge and experiences in defining development priorities and planning social services. In conditions of limited resources, inter-municipal cooperation must be improved. Cross-sector collaboration between local governments, businesses, and civil society is also essential.

Our focus areas:

• European reforms at the local level
• Democratic processes and citizen participation
• Strengthening the capacity and accountability of local institutions, especially municipal and city assemblies and local administration
• Gender equality
• Improving the position of vulnerable groups
• Development planning
• Empowering civil society and civic activism
• Supporting youth through education and regional networking

That’s why we listen, connect, and build:

• We listen to people’s needs – especially those whose voices are rarely heard, through focus groups, interviews, and direct actions with citizens
• We connect all stakeholders – the public sector, civil society, the private sector, academia, independent experts, schools, health centers, social work centers, media…
• We build partnerships and capacities – for long-term change that remains after us, with citizen associations, local governments, elected representatives, employer associations, trade unions…
• We support the development of civil society through assistance to informal citizen groups and associations

What have we achieved together?

• Improved local governance and offered concrete recommendations for better public policies – by analyzing policy documents and assessing their impacts
• Strengthened the capacities of local governments and council members
• Collected data and conducted social mapping – the needs and opportunities of vulnerable groups were recognized and their voices became louder, while new data filled gaps in local knowledge
• Connected service users with decision-makers at the local level
• Empowered civil society – especially women’s, youth, and vulnerable group organizations
• Contributed to improving social inclusion, gender equality, and the fight against discrimination
• Integrated a gender perspective into local and regional development plans
• Encouraged the economic empowerment of women, especially women in rural areas
• Motivated citizens to participate in decision-making
• Opened dialogue on important topics – from social inclusion to environmental justice
• Advocated for solidarity, the fight against poverty, and sustainability as the foundation of local policies
• Promoted European values and the importance of the social dimension of European integration

Every place carries a unique challenge, but one thing is the same – the desire for change. That’s why we work with people who know their environment, recognize needs, and have ideas, but need support to implement them.

What’s next?

We will continue to go deeper into communities. To build networks of solidarity. To strengthen voices that are not heard enough. To be a support for those who want something better – for themselves and for everyone around them.

Center for Democracy Foundation (CDF)