What we do
The Center for Democracy Foundation – Founded in 1994.
The Center for Democracy Foundation (CDF) is a non-governmental, non-partisan, and non-profit organisation, established in 1994 in the Republic of Serbia
Since its establishment in 1994, the Center for Democracy Foundation has been dedicated to the development of democracy and the rule of law, along with sustainable socio-economic progress based on human rights, the principles of good governance, and civic participation.
For 30 years, the Centre for Democracy has advocated for Serbia’s European integration and the embedding of European values within Serbian society. It collaborates with numerous European organisations to connect citizens and public figures who promote the benefits of the European Union’s expansion.
The CDF is a reliable partner in discussions, working alongside non-governmental associations, independent institutions and international organisations. By applying the principles of open public dialogue, the CDF brings together decision-makers, experts, academia, business, and the civil sector to examine strategic political, economic, and social issues in Serbia, local communities, and the Western Balkan region.
The CDF influences public policy and reform processes, monitoring their implementation, particularly in terms of strengthening democratic institutions, developing the rule of law, and shaping employment and social protection policies.
The CDF enhances the capacities of institutions and organisations, empowers the citizenry for active participation in community decision-making. It also actively puts forward programmes aimed at improving the status of vulnerable groups.
The CDF is recognised for its commitment to respecting, protecting, and advancing social rights.
The CDF’s mission across three decades
1994-2024
1994.
Establishment
The Center for Democracy was established on 5 July 1994.
1994-2000
We empower
civil society for democratic change in Serbia, educate young people on democracy and tolerance, and create networks and coalitions to promote European values and prepare for reforms.
2000-2007
We strengthen
democratic institutions and procedures and enhance the capacities of the parliament, judiciary, public administration, local governments, and civil society as drivers of reform processes.
2007-2015
We contribute
to the development of a modern democratic society in Serbia by strengthening human and institutional capacities through research, educational and developmental programmes and by advancing the realisation of economic, social, and cultural rights.
2015-2023
We encourage and mobilise
the people to build a democratic and inclusive society, advance economic, social, and cultural rights, and advocate for accountable and efficient institutions through research, education, and public dialogue.
2024
We advocate
for a democratic and European Serbia, empower citizens to participate in community development decisions, promote the principle of solidarity and sustainable development, and advance economic and social rights.
MEMBERSHIPS
Collaborating and taking synergistic action toward the achievement of common goals
We are strengthening existing and establishing new partnerships in Serbia, the Western Balkans region, the European Union and the world.
United Nations Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC)
The Center for Democracy Foundation was granted special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC).
The UN Economic and Social Council was established by the United Nations Charter in 1945 as one of the six principal organs of the UN. ECOSOC plays a leading role in identifying emerging challenges, promoting innovation, and achieving a balanced integration of the three pillars of sustainable development – economic, social, and environmental.
Recognized for its commitment to the advancement and protection of economic and social rights, the Center for Democracy Foundation contributes its expertise and experience through engagement and active cooperation with ECOSOC and its bodies. In doing so, it supports the realization of rights for all citizens, particularly those belonging to vulnerable social groups.
NCEU (The National Convention on the European Union)
The National Convention on the European Union (NCEU) is a platform of civil societies that represent the interests of the people of Serbia in all phases of the European integration process.
The NCEU is an alliance of associations created with the aim to sustain and improve dialogue between representatives of government bodies, political parties, non-governmental organisations, experts, businesses, trade unions and professional organisations concerning Serbia’s accession to the European Union. NCEU’s mission is to monitor, analyse and assess developments in the accession process, to advocate for and present the benefits and cost of membership in the EU to the citizens of Serbia.
Nataša Vučković (CDF) coordinates the work of the Working Group for the National Convention on the European Union for Chapters 2 (Freedom of Movement for Workers) and 19 (Social Policy and Employment) and the Intersectoral Regional Cooperation Working Group of the NCEU.
The NCEU publishes the annual Book of Recommendations of the National Convention on the European Union.
ALDA (The European Association for Local Democracy)
The Center for Democracy Foundation is a member of the European network: ALDA (the European Association for Local Democracy), seated in Strasburg, founded in 1999, at the initiative of the Council of Europe.
With over 350 members from 45 countries, the ALDA encourages the active participation of the population in the political life of local communities, the collaboration of civil society with local authorities, promotes tolerance, cross-border cooperation and the principle of good governance.
The Center for Democracy Foundation has implemented numerous activities in collaboration with the ALDA network through the Regional Youth Compact for Europe project.
Nataša Vučković is ALDA’s President and member of the Governing Board, representing Center for Democracy Foundation (CDF), Serbia.
Society-Wide Dialogue Platform SDGs for ALL
The Center for Democracy Foundation is one of the partners on the Society-Wide Dialogue Platform SDGs for ALL project, collaborating alongside the Ana and Vlada Divac Foundation and working to spread knowledge, the inclusion of all key actors, proposing priorities and policies concerning a few of the core goals of sustainable development: Goal 1 – No Poverty, Goal 2 – Zero Hunger, Goal 3 – Good health and Well-being, Goal 4 – Quality Education, Goal 5 – Gender Equality.
The “SDGs for All” Platform enables a broad discussion among the Serbia’s non-state actors, including civil society, corporate sector, academic and research community, media and the citizens, on aligning Serbia’s development priorities within the objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The “SDGs for All” Platform is supported by the governments of Switzerland and Germany and is implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, within the project “Public Finance Reform – 2030 Agenda”. The project partners are Foundation Ana and Vlade Divac, Center for Advanced Economic Studies, Belgrade Open School, Foundation BFPE For a Responsible Society, Center for Democracy Foundation, TOC – Association for sustainable communities development, and SMART Kolektiv.
FEPS (The Foundation for European Progressive Studies)
The Center for Democracy Foundation is a member of the FEPS network, the Foundation for European Progressive Studies, which brings together organisations with progress and/or socialdemocratic profiles.
FEPS is the think tank of the progressive political family at the EU level. FEPS’s mission is to develop innovative research, policy advice, training and debates to inspire and inform socialist and socialdemocratic politics and policies across Europe.
UN Global Compact Network Serbia
The Center for Democracy Foundation is a member of the UN Global Compact Network Serbia (Globalni dogovor UN u Srbiji).
The UN Global Compact is a voluntary initiative of the representatives of companies, academic institutions, civil societies, municipal government and trade unions that have aligned their operations with the Ten Universal Principles on human rights, labour rights, environmental protection and anticorruption.
Platform of Organisations Monitoring the Fulfilment of Recommendations Issued by UN Human Rights Bodies
The Center for Democracy Foundation has joined the Platform of Organisations Monitoring the Fulfilment of Recommendations Issued by UN Human Rights Bodies.
Within the framework of this platform, the CFD coordinates the work of the Working Group responsible for economic, social and cultural rights.
EAPN (The European Anti-Poverty Network)
The Center for Democracy Foundation is a member of the EAPN – European Anti Poverty Network.
The European Anti-Poverty Network is the largest European network of national, regional and local networks, involving anti-poverty NGOs and grassroot groups as well as European Organisations, active in the fight against poverty and social exclusion. It was established in 1990.
Through engagement in working groups and advisory bodies, we contribute to the improvement of public policies, democratic procedures, and reform processes
- Joint Consultative Committee EU–Serbia (JCC), composed of representatives of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) and representatives of social partners and civil society organizations in the Republic of Serbia, the Ministry of Human and Minority Rights and Social Dialogue, and the Ministry of Labour, Employment, Veterans and Social Affairs.
- Working Group for the Development of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy for the period 2023–2028 and the accompanying Action Plan, Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Serbia.
- Council for Creating an Enabling Environment for the Development of Civil Society, Ministry of Human and Minority Rights and Social Dialogue.
- Council for the National Qualifications Framework of the Republic of Serbia, Ministry of Human and Minority Rights and Social Dialogue.
- Working Group for the Development of the Draft Social Protection Strategy, Ministry of Human and Minority Rights and Social Dialogue, and the Ministry of Labour, Employment, Veterans and Social Affairs.
- Council for Monitoring the Implementation of the Strategy for the Prevention and Protection against Discrimination for the period 2022–2030, Ministry of Human and Minority Rights and Social Dialogue.
- Working Group for the Preparation of Amendments to the Legal Framework for Consultations and Public Debate, Ministry of Human and Minority Rights and Social Dialogue, and the Public Policy Secretariat of the Republic of Serbia.
- Council for Gender Equality of the Government of the Republic of Serbia, Ministry of Human and Minority Rights and Social Dialogue.
- Special Inter-Ministerial Working Group for the Development of the Fifth Action Plan for the Implementation of the Open Government Partnership Initiative in the Republic of Serbia, Ministry of Human and Minority Rights and Social Dialogue.
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