IDC – Second working group meeting in Novi Pazar advances inclusion efforts
The EMPOWERED project, dedicated to advancing the inclusion of persons with disabilities and fostering regional cooperation across the Western Balkans, recently convened its second working group meeting in Novi Pazar. Organized by IDC, the meeting brought together diverse stakeholders to collaborate on enhancing social protection services and strengthening community support. Participants engaged in comprehensive discussions covering a range of critical themes. These included upcoming project activities such as focus groups, interviews, trainings, and career guidance and counseling sessions, providing a platform for valuable exchange of experiences and practical insights. A significant portion of the dialogue was dedicated to local strategic documents, the financing mechanisms for social protection services, and crucially, the position and needs of service beneficiaries. This approach allowed for a deeper understanding of the current situation and challenges inherent within the local social protection system. Particular emphasis was placed on enhancing cooperation between institutions, civil society organizations, and the broader community. The goal was to develop specific, actionable proposals aimed at improving the delivery of services and ensuring better access to rights for persons with disabilities. Through these open discussions, participants identified key areas for intervention and formulated concrete suggestions to address existing gaps. This meeting underscored the project’s commitment to a participatory approach, recognizing that sustainable change can only be achieved through the joint efforts of all stakeholders. The EMPOWERED project, through such local engagements, aims to empower communities to build more inclusive environments where persons with disabilities can thrive and fully participate. The EMPOWERED team extends its sincere gratitude to all participants for their constructive suggestions, open dialogue, and collective efforts toward building more inclusive local communities.
Strengthening Inclusion Through Dialogue in Novi Pazar
The second Empowered Working Group meeting was held in Novi Pazar, gathering representatives of the local self-government, Center for Social Work, associations, and other relevant institutions and stakeholders. During the meeting, participants discussed upcoming activities — focus groups, interviews, trainings, and career guidance and counseling — and shared their experiences and insights from the field. By exchanging perspectives between institutions, organizations, and beneficiaries, we gained a deeper understanding of the current situation and challenges within the local social protection system. Special emphasis was placed on enhancing cooperation between institutions, civil society organizations, and the community, as well as on developing concrete proposals to improve services and access to rights for persons with disabilities. We extend our gratitude to all participants for their constructive suggestions, open dialogue, and joint efforts toward building more inclusive local communities. 💬 #EmpoweredWB #Inclusion #SocialProtection #NoviPazar #ASBSEE #IDC #WesternBalkans Partners:City of Novi Pazar • ASB South East Europe • LIR CD • Alfa Centar Nikšić • Albanian Disability Rights Foundation • PREDA Plus Foundation • CDI Macedonia • Forum mladih sa invaliditetom Srbije • Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung (BMZ)
Foča: Community voices for an inclusive futur
Within the #Empowered project, three focus groups were organized in Foča by LIR CD, gathering professionals working with persons with disabilities, parents of children with disabilities, and persons with disabilities themselves. The aim of these discussions was to better understand everyday challenges, needs, and priorities related to inclusion and access to rights and services. Through open and honest conversations, participants shared their personal experiences — from difficulties in accessing health and social protection services to the lack of adapted infrastructure and limited employment opportunities. Parents highlighted the need for better institutional cooperation, early intervention, and more inclusive educational environments for their children, while professionals emphasized the importance of continuous training and intersectoral collaboration. ➡️ These exchanges created space for mutual understanding and collective reflection on how local policies can be improved to make inclusion not just a concept, but a lived reality in Foča. Participants also expressed their belief that the upcoming Local Inclusion Plan, developed within the Empowered project, will serve as a concrete step toward strengthening local mechanisms of support and ensuring that no one is left behind. The discussions were deeply emotional and inspiring — many shared their hopes that their voices will be heard, that the process will lead to visible and sustainable change, and that Foča will continue to build a community based on solidarity, equality, and mutual respect.
Invitation to tender – Tender Reference No.: BOS2404-ALFA-SER-T01
Tender Reference No.: BOS2404-ALFA-SER-T01On 10.10. 2025, organization ALFA Center hereby announces the launch of a tender for the provision oflogistic support to capacity building of local implementing partners on the project (training organization),reference number BOS2404-ALFA-SER-T01 within the project “EMPOWERED – Inclusion of persons withdisabilities (PWDs), regional cooperation and development in the Western Balkans”, funded by the FederalMinistry for Economic Cooperation and Development, Germany (BMZ). All interested bidders are invited to submit their request for tender documentation on company’s letterhead,to the e-mail addresses: alfacentar@t-com.me The deadline for submitting offers in accordance with the tender documentation is 10.11.2025, by 12:00.
IDC working group meeting in Leskovac – joint steps toward stronger local support systems
The EMPOWERED project continued its impactful work recently with a crucial Working Group meeting held in Leskovac. IDC, partner for Serbia in the #EMPOWERED project, organized this second gathering, bringing together a diverse array of stakeholders. Valuable perspectives were shared by representatives from local institutions, civil society organizations, and, critically, beneficiaries of social protection services. Through an open and constructive dialogue, participants engaged in detailed discussions on several important topics, aiming to strengthen local support systems: Thanks to the constructive suggestions and shared experiences, all involved parties agreed on tangible steps to strengthen inter-institutional cooperation and advance more inclusive local policies. This collaborative approach underscores the EMPOWERED project’s commitment to empowering local communities to build sustainable and equitable social systems. The EMPOWERED team extends its sincere gratitude to all participants for their constructive dialogue and active engagement. Together, we are building an environment where every voice matters and social protection systems become more accessible and fair for all.
Tender ref.no.: BOS2404_CDI/SER T 01
Tender ref.no.: BOS2404_CDI/SER T 01 PROVISION OF SERVICES FOR LOGISTIC SUPPORT TO CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT OF LOCAL PROJECT IMPLEMENTING PARTNERS (ORGANISATION OF THE TRAINING) We are informing you that on 06.10.2025 the organization Community Development Institute is opening the procurement for Provision of services for logistic support to capacity development of local project implementing partners (organisation of the training), reference number BOS2404_CDI/SER T 01, within the project “EMPOWERED – INCLUSION OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (PWDS), REGIONAL COOPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT IN THE WESTERN BALKANS”, funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Co-operation and Development, Germany (BMZ). All interested bidders may send a request on company’s memo to request the tender documentation to the e-mail info@cdi.mk. The deadline for submitting offers is November 5th 2025. at 12:00 hours.
Fostering Inclusion: First EMPOWERED Working Group Meeting Held in Leskovac
Driving forward the EMPOWERED project’s mission, Leskovac recently hosted its first Working Group meeting for the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities. Spearheaded by IDC, this gathering formally initiated a dedicated process aimed at creating truly inclusive local policies within the municipality. This inaugural meeting served as a crucial platform for members, representing various local institutions, civil society organizations, and other key stakeholders, to familiarize themselves with the overarching goals and planned activities of the EMPOWERED project. Discussions focused on laying the groundwork for developing a robust Local Inclusion Plan, specifically addressing the needs and rights of persons with disabilities within Leskovac. Participants collectively outlined the immediate next steps required to build a stronger and more inclusive community. The EMPOWERED project, through its collaborative approach, underscores the belief that sustainable change is achieved by bringing together diverse local stakeholders. This meeting initiated a vital participatory process, ensuring that the development of inclusive local policies is informed by a wide range of perspectives and experiences. The EMPOWERED team extends its sincere gratitude to all participants for their active engagement and commitment during this foundational meeting. Their dedication is essential in guiding Leskovac towards a future where every individual can thrive and fully participate in society.
Invitation to Tender: Installation of an elevator in the building of the Municipality of South Mitrovic
Tender Reference No.: BOS2404-PP-S03 Invitation to Tender: Installation of an elevator in the building of the Municipality of South MitrovicaPREDA Plus hereby announces the launch of the tender for a “Installation of an elevator in the building ofthe Municipality of South Mitrovica”, under reference number BOS2404-PP-S03. This tender is issued aspart of the project “EMPOWERED – Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), Regional Cooperation,and Development in the Western Balkans”, funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation andDevelopment, Germany (BMZ). Interested bidders are invited to submit their requests for tender documentation on official companyletterhead between September 04 – 17, 2025, by sending an email to: info-kosovo@predaplus.eu. The deadline for submission of bids is October 2, 2025, at 15:00.
Laying the foundation for an inclusive future in Travnik
In Travnik, an important meeting took place with the working group from the Municipality of Travnik, the LIR CD project team, project partners, and consultant Mirsada Bajramović. This gathering marked a crucial step in the creation of the Local Action Plan for Inclusion, a strategic initiative that aims to foster a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable community. The Local Action Plan for Inclusion is part of a broader effort to align local policies with international frameworks that promote social inclusion and equality. This includes adhering to guidelines set by organizations such as the United Nations and the European Union, both of which emphasize the importance of inclusive development and equal opportunities for all citizens, regardless of their background or abilities. During the meeting, participants discussed several key areas: The primary goal of the meeting was to establish a strong, evidence-based foundation for the Local Action Plan, ensuring that it aligns with both local needs and global standards. By adhering to existing legislative frameworks and strategic guidelines, the plan is designed to create an effective and sustainable inclusion process that will benefit all residents of the Municipality of Travnik. At the heart of this project is a commitment to creating lasting solutions that are rooted in international principles of inclusion, equality, and human rights. By integrating these global standards into the local context, the project team aims to ensure that the process of inclusion is not only effective but also sustainable over the long term. As the project progresses, we continue to collaborate closely with local stakeholders, international partners, and experts to develop inclusive solutions that will improve the quality of life for all citizens of Travnik. This project is more than just a local initiative; it is part of a global movement towards building more inclusive societies where everyone, regardless of their circumstances, can thrive. Together, we are building a fairer, more equal, and inclusive society that mirrors international values of solidarity, human dignity, and social justice.
TENDER FOR PROVISION OF COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES FOR EXPERT CONSULTACY AND DEVELOPMENT OF LOCAL STRATEGIC DOCUMENTS
Tender ref.no.: BOS2404_IDC/SER T 04 TENDER FOR PROVISION OF COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES FOR EXPERT CONSULTACY AND DEVELOPMENT OF LOCAL STRATEGIC DOCUMENTS, CAPACITY-BUILDING OF LOCAL STAKEHOLDERS, AND EDUCATIVE SUPPORT TO THE PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES (PwDs) We are informing you that on 25.08.2025 the organization Initiative for Development and Cooperation is opening the procurement for provision of comprehensive services for expert consultacy and development of local strategic documents, capacity-building of local stakeholders, and educative support to the people with disabilities (PwDs), reference number BOS2404_IDC/SER T 04, (divided into three lots), within the project “EMPOWERED – INCLUSION OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (PWDS), REGIONAL COOPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT IN THE WESTERN BALKANS”, funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Co-operation and Development, Germany (BMZ). All interested bidders may send a request on company’s memo to request the tender documentation to the e-mail zorica.z@idcserbia.org. The deadline for submitting offers is September 25, 2025. at 12:00 hours