Upcoming Trilateral Conference “EMPOWERED – Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities, Regional Cooperation and Development in the Western Balkans”
The trilateral conference “EMPOWERED – Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities, Regional Cooperation and Development in the Western Balkans” will be held in Sarajevo on October 22, 2025, at the Hotel Hills. The event will bring together representatives of relevant ministries, local governments, civil society organizations, and the private sector from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, and other Western Balkan countries. Organized within the regional project EMPOWERED, implemented by Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund (ASB) in partnership with IDC, CDI, LIR CD, Alfa Centar, PREDA Plus, and ADRF, with the support of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the conference will focus on strengthening regional cooperation and exchanging experiences in advancing the rights and employment of persons with disabilities. Three panel discussions will address key topics: The conference will feature speakers from ministries, local governments, and organizations from across the region, who will share experiences, examples of good practice, and innovative approaches to creating inclusive and supportive communities. Through dialogue and exchange, the conference aims to promote solidarity, cooperation, and the development of inclusive systems that ensure equal rights, access to services, and participation for all citizens across the Western Balkans.
TENDER FOR PROVISION OF SERVICES FOR PREPARATION OF THE REGIONAL DECLARATION ON INCLUSION OF PwDs
We are informing you that on 21.10.2025 the organization Initiative for Development and Cooperation is opening the procurement for provision of services for preparation of the Regional Declaration on inclusion of PwDs, reference number BOS2404_IDC/SER T 05, 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 procurement@idcserbia.org. The deadline for submitting offers is November 20th, 2025. at 12:00 hours.
Second working group meeting in Dimitrovgrad fosters collaborative social protection
The EMPOWERED project continues its dedicated efforts to enhance social inclusion across the Western Balkans. Recently, a pivotal event took place in Dimitrovgrad, hosting the second Empowered Working Group meeting, meticulously facilitated by IDC – Initiative for Development and Cooperation. This gathering convened a diverse array of stakeholders, including representatives from the local self-government, the Center for Social Work, various local associations, and other key community figures. The primary objective of this productive session was to engage participants in a comprehensive discussion on the intricacies of how institutions, organizations, and beneficiaries navigate the existing social protection system. Attendees shared valuable experiences, openly identified persistent challenges, and collaboratively proposed innovative strategies to enhance cooperation and streamline access to essential social services. The dialogue focused on fostering a more responsive and efficient system that genuinely serves the needs of all community members, particularly persons with disabilities. Through this open and constructive dialogue, participants exchanged valuable perspectives and insights. These contributions are instrumental in refining local policies and practices, ultimately strengthening the framework for social inclusion and bolstering community support within Dimitrovgrad. The EMPOWERED project firmly believes that such collaborative forums are vital for building consensus and developing sustainable solutions that reflect the unique needs of each community. The successful organization and outcome of this working group meeting underscore the commitment of all involved parties to collectively advance the project’s goals. The EMPOWERED team, alongside IDC Serbia and its partners, remains dedicated to fostering an environment where every individual has equal access to opportunities and support.
Empowered working group meeting – Dimitrovgrad with IDC Serbia
The second Empowered Working Group meeting was held in Dimitrovgrad, bringing together representatives of the local self-government, Center for Social Work, associations, and other key stakeholders. 🤝 Together, participants discussed how institutions, organizations, and beneficiaries navigate the social protection system — sharing experiences, identifying challenges, and proposing practical ways to improve cooperation and access to services. Through open and constructive dialogue, participants exchanged valuable perspectives that will contribute to strengthening inclusion, community support, and the overall effectiveness of social protection mechanisms.
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.