On November 25, 2024, a conference titled “Equal, Safe, Empowered” was held to mark the beginning of this year’s “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” campaign. The event was attended by the President of the Republic of Serbia, the Vice President of the National Assembly, numerous government ministers, ambassadors, and civil sector representatives.President Vučić emphasized the severity of the issue: "According to the data, the number of emergency measures issued this year will be around 30,000, which is 2,000 fewer than last year. It's a significant number, underscoring the importance of openly discussing violence. Recently, I have demanded a zero-tolerance policy toward those involved in violence, no matter their role in society."Minister without portfolio responsible for gender equality, the prevention of violence against women, and the economic and political empowerment of women, Tatjana Macura, highlighted the alarming fact that one in five girls in Serbia has experienced violence. Of those, 74% did not feel confident enough to report their experiences to institutions or family. In the past decade, Serbia has seen over 400 women killed, according to media reports, with only 3% of these victims having previously reported abuse."Our ultimate goal is to build a society free from violence, one that is empathetic, supportive, and does not tolerate abuse. Institutions must be there for all women and girls who are victims of violence, providing a strong response to such acts," Macura emphasized and encouraged victims to report violence by calling the helpline at 192. Charlotte Samelin, the Ambassador of Sweden, participated in the panel discussion alongside Macura and Matilde Mort, the UN Resident Coordinator in Serbia. Mort pointed out the challenges of addressing gender inequality saying, "Violence against women and girls cannot be prevented or eliminated in the long term unless we address the root causes that perpetuate gender inequality. The UN works with diverse partners and engages directly with society to promote gender equality and prevent gender-based violence. Improving data collection and public education campaigns remain key priorities.”Plamena Halačeva also participated in this important dialogue, emphasizing that despite progress, much work remains to be done in promoting gender equality within the EU. "According to the latest Gender Equality Index published by the European Institute for Gender Equality, the average score for the 27 EU member states is 70.2 out of 100. Today, only Sweden, with a score above 80, is nearing gender equality. Sweden accounts for just about two percent of the EU's population, indicating the work that still needs to be done. We must not allow efforts on gender equality to be de-prioritized," she asserted.This conference marks a continued commitment to advocate for a safe and equal society for all, emphasizing the necessity of collective action from governments, institutions, and civil society.

Belgrade, 13-November - 2024 - The "PRO – Local Governance for People and Nature" program, implemented by United Nations agencies with
financial support from the Swiss Government, will enhance the living conditions of around 1,600 informal waste
pickers and their families. The Swiss Government has allocated 2 million euros to improve their economic
standing, social inclusion, and access to public services.
Support will focus on 12 municipalities, covering 61 households with a total of 310 family members of informal
waste pickers affected by the modernization of waste management systems and the closure of existing landfills.
This initiative will provide them access to health, education, and social services, as well as training, mentorship, and
support for employment or self-employment.
Swiss Ambassador to Serbia, Anne Lugon-Moulin, highlighted that this partnership initiative reflects the Swiss
Government's commitment to supporting local communities in improving quality of life and reducing the social
exclusion of vulnerable groups.
“This initiative marks an important step in our shared efforts to support Serbia on its path to greater prosperity,
ensuring that economic, social, and environmental goals go hand in hand by supporting the most vulnerable groups
to integrate into the formal labor market and have access to education, healthcare, and social protection,
enhancing quality of life and reaffirming their place in society. This effort goes beyond waste management – it’s
about people,” said the Ambassador. She noted that Switzerland has been a key bilateral partner supporting Serbia
for over 30 years, with this program focusing on governance in local municipalities, environmental protection, and
social inclusion.
Tim Lardner, UNOPS Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia, emphasized the importance of partnership and
joint efforts among all parties involved in this initiative, stating: “UNOPS, UNICEF, and UNFPA, together with the
Government of Serbia, local municipalities, and civil society organizations, with support from the Swiss
Government, are working to address the complex challenges faced by informal waste pickers, one of the most
vulnerable communities in Serbia.”
Ninoslav Jovanović, State Secretary at the Ministry of Labor, Employment, Veterans, and Social Affairs, added, “The
Ministry provides ongoing support to vulnerable groups. Informal pickers of secondary raw materials, many from
the Roma population, collect 80 percent of waste generated in Serbia, yet live and work in inhumane conditions. It
is essential to protect their labor, social, and health rights.”
Matilde Mordt, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Serbia, emphasized that this program focuses on enhancing
local governance, social inclusion, and environmental protection, aligning with key sustainable development goals
such as reducing inequality, poverty, and creating sustainable communities with responsible institutions.
"This intervention approach targets poverty eradication and social inclusion, and also encompasses sustainable
cities and communities and the establishment of accountable and inclusive institutions," she stated, noting that the
aim is to provide sustainable livelihoods and social services, focusing on lasting solutions. “This is not just about
infrastructure improvement but measurable improvements in individuals' lives.”
This intervention is synergized with Serbia’s Solid Waste Program, jointly financed by the European Bank for
Reconstruction and Development and the French Development Agency, under the Ministry of Environmental
Protection.
Tatjana Kaluđerović, Assistant Minister of Environmental Protection, noted that the Ministry is establishing a
sustainable waste management system and plans to close municipal landfills and develop regional centers. This has
created the need for an intervention to assist informal waste pickers dependent on these landfills.
“We recognize that closing unsanitary landfills has a direct impact on informal waste pickers, displacing their
economic activities and causing income loss for their households. However, closing landfills is unavoidable,” stated
Kaluđerović, adding, “this initiative is not only about improving waste management systems but ensuring no one is
left behind as we move forward.”
Milena Popović Martinelli, Assistant Director for the Western Balkans at the European Bank for Reconstruction and
Development, underscored the importance of modernizing waste management in Serbia through strategic
infrastructure investment to protect the environment and support vulnerable communities.
“Through collaboration, we can enhance the social aspect of modernizing solid waste management, ensuring
significant positive impacts on the environment and improving quality of life for minorities and vulnerable groups,”
said Martinelli, emphasizing that the role of waste pickers must not be overlooked in the transition to a green
economy.
François Vince, Deputy Director of the Regional Office for the Western Balkans at the French Development Agency,
stated that waste management is a complex issue that requires collaboration and joint efforts across various
societal layers.
“Waste management requires substantial investments, technology, and regulations, but ultimately, it’s a social
issue. It involves people who need attention and action. We are pleased to see today that UN agencies, ministries,
local governments, and communities are working together to empower them,” said Vince.
The program's support includes the engagement of family assistants as key contact persons who will connect
informal waste pickers and their families with local institutions and services, represent their interests, and help
them exercise their rights according to their specific needs. The program additionally supports local governments
through the development of systematic policies, establishing structures and processes to ensure long-term
solutions for improving the position of informal waste pickers.

Belgrade, November 4, 2024 – Today, the Ministry of Environmental Protection hosted a " Dialogue on Climate Change", to discuss with key stakeholders on strategies for Serbia to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and leverage the green transition for economic and social development. This event, organised in partnership with the United Nations (UN) Team in Serbia and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), precedes this year's global UN Climate Conference – COP29, in Azerbaijan.The dialogue included representatives from relevant Serbian ministries, international development partners, domestic and international financial institutions, the business sector, and UN agencies in Serbia.At the opening of the event, Sandra Dokić, State Secretary of the Ministry of Environmental Protection, stated that Serbia is extremely vulnerable to climate change and that the Climate Change Adaptation Program defines 25 priority measures necessary to reduce future losses and improve society's readiness for climate risks, especially in the agriculture sector, where damages have been particularly high in recent years. “Through the Low-Carbon Development Strategy, the Climate Change Adaptation Program (CCAP), the Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan, as well as future policies—primarily the Environmental Protection Strategy—we are laying the foundations for a sustainable, competitive, resource-efficient economy which is resilient to climate change. We are committed to accelerating the energy transition and and promoting innovation, because it is only through collaboration and sustainable models that we can achieve climate-neutral development”, emphasized Dokić. She also mentioned that the Ministry of Environmental Protection, inspired by the EU model, has established a system for issuing GHG emission permits to operators of energy and industrial facilities, which is now digitized and fully operational.The Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Serbia, Plamena Halacheva, said that the EU continues to support the implementation of the Green Agenda, to help Serbia tackle climate change and decarboniSe ITS economy.  "We are working to improve the legal and policy framework, to invest in people’s skills and innovative SMEs for a just transition, and to reduce emissions across energy, transport, and agriculture by transitioning to renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, and promoting sustainable farming", Halacheva emphasised, adding that thanks to the Green Deal, the EU will deliver on its 2030 target to reduce its net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels.The dialogue highlighted how advancing public policies can enhance Serbia’s adaptation to climate change and increase the use of renewable energy resources, which have significant potential in the country, such as geothermal energy and biomethane.“Our aim is that by 2030, nearly half of all megawatt-hours will be generated from renewable sources. By then, a total of about 3.5 GW of new capacities from renewable energy sources (RES) will be added to the grid, from both public and private investments. With significant increases in energy efficiency in households and public buildings, there is an expectation of a 40.3% decrease in harmful gas emissions by the end of the decade, compared to levels in 1990”, said Jovana Joksimović, Assistant Minister of Mining and Energy for International Cooperation and European Integration.She stated that, thanks to the completed desulfurization plants at TPP Kostolac B and TPP Nikola Tesla A, and after the construction of the same plant for TPP Nikola Tesla B, more than 90 percent of Serbia's thermal power capacity will be completely environmentally acceptable and up to European standards, which also means better air quality.A key focus of the dialogue was ensuring stable financing sources for the green transition, which is crucial for the economy to continue growing, while preserving the environment and improving the quality of life for all citizens.This dialogue was held ahead of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which will take place November 11-22 in Baku. This year's conference aims to strengthen global efforts to limit climate change and adapt to its impacts, as well as secure the necessary funding to achieve these goals. “Our world is at a critical crossroads, facing the urgent challenge of global climate change that demands immediate and robust action from all countries and actors. Serbia, with its commitment and efforts, is well-positioned to amplify its climate actions. It is imperative for Serbia to accelerate its efforts across all sectors through coordinated and integrated strategies to ensure a sustainable and inclusive future”, stated Matilde Mordt, UN Resident Coordinator in Serbia. As part of the dialogue, UN Women organized a discussion titled "Women at the Center of Climate Policies and Actions: Enhancing Resilience to Climate Change through Gender Equality". This discussion stressed that integrating a gender perspective into climate policies and financing is essential for achieving fairer, more inclusive, and sustainable solutions in tackling climate change.In addition, an exhibition was organized to showcase innovative products created through recycling and the reuse of waste, in line with the principles of the circular economy, including items such as face masks, biosoaps, and construction materials.The Climate Change Dialogue was supported by projects implemented by UNDP in partnership with the Government of the Republic of Serbia, thanks to funding from the European Union, and the governments of Switzerland, Sweden, and Serbia, as well as the Global Environment Facility (GEF).

Pirot, October 2024 -  “Climate change is causing the Nisava River to become highly torrential, leading to frequent floods. As classmates with a shared entrepreneurial mindset, we developed this device together and applied to UPSHIFT, hoping to raise awareness about our device and the potential dangers the river poses,” explains 19-year-old Mihajlo Tosic, representing the six-member "Hydro Heroes" team from Pirot.Mihajlo, Mateja, two Jovans, Nemanja, and Isidora participated in the UPSHIFT workshop in Nis, southern Serbia, at the beginning of July, where they presented their idea—a DIY alarm system designed to alert citizens and swimmers of rising river water levels. Out of ten teams, five received financial and mentoring support to bring their ideas to life, including Hydro Heroes.For Mihajlo, environmental activism is a clear part of his future. He now understands just how much climate change can affect people’s lives and health. He’s proud to be part of a team that has created something beneficial for the people of Pirot.   “We designed a device equipped with an ultrasonic sensor to measure water levels. It operates on a solar panel and includes a built-in battery for use at night or when the solar panel is temporarily non-functional. The device features a visual alarm to alert people when the Nisava River is unsafe for swimming.”Mateja Simic, who joined the project partly due to his love for fishing on the Nisava, explains where Pirot residents can access the data captured by the device.“The device measures data in real-time, including water level, air temperature, and humidity, and sends it here. The website is accessible to everyone at any time from both phones and computers,” says Mateja  The young heroes have installed their first device on the "Love Bridge," with two more planned for the Railway Bridge and the Big Bridge.The PRO – Local Governance for People and Nature Programme, jointly implemented by United Nations agencies in Serbia—UNOPS, UNICEF, UNFPA, and UNEP—aims to improve citizens' quality of life by enhancing local governance, social inclusion, and environmental protection. The programme also raises awareness and builds knowledge about climate change, promoting youth-led initiatives. This is achieved on the ground through UPSHIFT, a global program for adolescents and youth that fosters climate activism, connects social entrepreneurship with innovation and teamwork, and empowers young people to address challenges in their communities.Nemanja Djordjevic says they learned about UPSHIFT from their teacher at the Technical School. They didn’t hesitate to apply, he adds, because the idea is both good and practical.“We’re raising awareness of potential risks on the river. We had a feeling we had a shot at winning because the idea is unique. We joined this project to set an example for other young people, encouraging them to follow our lead and create new projects that help protect the environment. It’s vital for youth to take part in environmental protection and initiatives that preserve their surroundings, as it lets them contribute to their town, community, and country,” says Nemanja. Hydro Heroes, a team of six, had been working together on student business projects throughout high school, explains Isidora Zivkovic. The UPSHIFT project introduced them to a new challenge.“We worked together as a team, brainstorming and building on each other’s ideas. The workshop was fantastic, especially since some of us were speaking in front of an audience for the first time,” says Isidora.Their mentor, Dusan Stankovic, a communications specialist, guided them from idea to the alarm system now installed on the bridge. Dusan, passionate about mentoring young people and team development, shares his thoughts on Hydro Heroes.“What I can say about my Hydro Heroes team is that they are truly enthusiastic young people, defined by their persistence. My role in the project was to guide them through the process and help them understand the deeper social impact of their work, encouraging them to embrace social responsibility. I also supported them in applying methodology so they could focus not only on technical aspects but also on running an effective campaign,” Dusan explains.According to UNICEF surveys conducted via the U-Report online platform, 92% of young people are willing to change their habits and lifestyles to help protect the planet. Isidora agrees but adds that young people often lack the confidence and support needed to take practical action.
“I believe young people should apply for workshops like UPSHIFT or any project that can benefit their local community. It’s important. We’re young, we can enact change. Our future is important. We are an example of young people who succeeded in bringing their project to life, and I believe that any young team with a good idea can succeed too.”  These young heroes—future programmers, engineers, and entrepreneurs—show that community care goes beyond words or social media likes. They prove that our future is already in good hands with those who are the future.