The second focus group meeting dedicated to promoting the inclusion of persons with disabilities took place in the Municipality of Istog. The event brought together a diverse range of participants, including institutional representatives from the social, health, and economic sectors, officials from the Mayor’s Office, and members of relevant NGOs working in the field of disability inclusion. This meeting was organized within the framework of the #Empowered project, implemented by PREDA Plus Foundation. The discussions centered around identifying infrastructural priorities, enhancing current service conditions, and developing concrete ideas to be integrated into the municipality’s future strategic plans. A significant part of the conversation addressed one of the key challenges faced by the community — the lack of official statistical data needed to support the development of an effective Local Inclusion Plan. Recognizing this, the participants emphasized the importance of collecting accurate data to inform decision-making and ensure targeted interventions. As part of the project’s ongoing support, the Municipality of Istog will assist in drafting the Local Inclusion Plan, transforming it into tangible local initiatives that promote inclusion and accessibility. Additionally, participants were informed about upcoming stakeholder interviews designed to gather valuable qualitative insights to further strengthen and refine local strategies. This collaborative effort aims to foster an inclusive environment where persons with disabilities have equal opportunities and access to services, ultimately contributing to a more equitable community.

In Novi Pazar, a three-day educational activity has begun, focusing on empowering persons with disabilities and promoting their inclusion in the labor market and society as a whole. Taking place from October 28 to 30 at Kompas, these activities represent an important step towards building an inclusive society and better opportunities for all. 🆕️ Project proposal writing training and career counseling sessions offer a unique opportunity for participants to develop professional skills, acquire new knowledge, and foster personal growth. The training covers topics such as project cycle management, budgeting, result monitoring, and preparing for funding competitions. The goal is to equip participants with practical skills they can use in future projects and professional endeavors. 🤝 Parallel to the training, individual counseling is being provided to support persons with disabilities in their personal and professional development. These sessions are tailored to each individual and focus on recognizing their potential, career planning, and active engagement in the labor market. Through this support, participants gain the necessary tools and guidance to achieve their professional goals and personal development. 📍 These activities are implemented by IDC and Forum mladih sa invaliditetom Srbije This initiative is part of the broader #EMPOWERED program, aimed at promoting rights, inclusion, and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities across the region! The goal of these activities is not only to empower individuals but also to foster social change through education, mentorship, and collaboration among key stakeholders.

The Trilateral EMPOWERED Conference was held in Sarajevo, bringing together representatives of ministries, local governments, civil society organizations, and the private sector from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, and other Western Balkan countries. The event was part of the regional project EMPOWERED – Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities, Regional Cooperation and Development in the Western Balkans, implemented by Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund (ASB) and partner organizations from across the region. The conference opened an important dialogue on employment policies, inclusion, and local solutions that foster greater participation of persons with disabilities in both social and economic life. Through open discussion and exchange of experiences, participants explored ways to strengthen cooperation, improve institutional frameworks, and develop inclusive practices that ensure equal opportunities for all. Three panel discussions highlighted key regional perspectives: 🔹 Regional cooperation and systemic change – exploring how institutions and organizations can jointly advocate for sustainable inclusion models across the Western Balkans.🔹 Employment policies and support for employability – addressing challenges in the labor market and presenting innovative approaches to professional development and workplace adaptation.🔹 The role of local authorities in creating accessible and empowering communities – showcasing successful practices of municipalities that implement inclusive local policies and create accessible environments for all citizens. 💬 The shared goal of all participants was clear – to build inclusive, supportive, and accessible communities where the voices of persons with disabilities are heard, respected, and actively shape decision-making processes. The conference reaffirmed the importance of regional solidarity, cross-sector collaboration, and mutual learning in achieving long-term social change. Our heartfelt thanks to all participants for their valuable contributions, inspiring discussions, and continued belief in our common goal – inclusion without borders. #EMPOWERED #InclusionWithoutBorders #ASBSEE #BMZ #RegionalCooperation #DisabilityInclusion #WesternBalkans #Empowerment

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.