Engaged Democracy Convention: Engage, Inspire, Empower!

As the process is open, the European Fund for the Balkans (EFB) and the Institute for Democratic Engagement Southeast Europe (IDESE) are happy that the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Dialogue Southeast Europe is joining efforts in organizing the Engaged Democracy Convention: Engage, Inspire, Empower! Through solidarity to democracy in the Western Balkans, which will take place in Belgrade on September 16 and 17, 2021.

In the previous period, EDI partners have organized working sessions with more than 60 active individuals and representatives of local, independent, and engaged media from Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Albania. Together, they have discussed the experiences, needs and difficulties regarding the work of local initiatives and movements, as well as the potential for regional networking and joint work on specific issues, such as clean air, river protection, anti-corruption activities, public space, and decent work.

The Convention provides a space for exchange, and it will unite the diverse citizens’ perspectives by delivering an agenda that meets up their needs.  This event is a kick-off for the future joint work on the possibilities of shaping a genuinely democratic and engaged region through exchange of experiences, advice, and information on activities, and facilitating joint work and cooperation both at the local and regional level.

By raising awareness on major concerns, sharing experiences and good and effective practices, the Engaged Democracy Convention under the slogan Engage, Inspire, Empower! will enable the formation of a new, non-hierarchical network of individuals and organisations working together on a regional level.

Note: During the Convention, all the epidemiological protective measures in context of the Covid19 pandemic which are prescribed by the authorities of the Republic of Serbia will be followed, with a mandatory antigen testing of all the participants before the start of the programme, including journalists that plan to enter the venue.

For more info, please contact Elena Petkovska Gjorgjievska, Communication Manager, European Fund for the Balkans @  elena.petkovska(at)balkanfund.org /mob.069 62 60 85.

Check our website and social media accounts under the hashtag #EngageInspireEmpower