Communication for Development of Inter-Municipal Cooperation in the Field of Social Protection

The training gathered representatives of local government departments responsible for social affairs from across Serbia, with the aim of empowering participants to more effectively plan, implement and evaluate communication activities that encourage citizen participation, strengthen communities, and contribute to the development of more accessible, high-quality and sustainable social protection services.

Recognising that many local governments, especially smaller and resource-constrained ones, are unable to independently provide all necessary social protection services, the training focused on the role of inter-municipal cooperation as a mechanism for ensuring citizens’ rights and improving quality of life. Participants had the opportunity to explore key principles of the C4D approach—including participation, dialogue, interculturality and evidence-based planning—through practical exercises, theoretical lectures, and experience sharing.

Topics covered during the training included an understanding of social change and its relation to communication, planning communication interventions in a local context, C4D tools and channels, as well as community empowerment and citizen engagement in decision-making processes.

Special emphasis was placed on building trust between citizens and institutions, identifying local resources, and developing strategies for creating effective messaging and campaigns tailored to local needs. Through the C4D approach, the focus is placed on communication as a driver of social change, empowerment, and the creation of inclusive communities where no one is left behind.

The Programme "PRO - Local Government for People and Nature" is jointly implemented by the United Nations agencies in Serbia - UNOPS, UNICEF, UNFPA and UNEP, in cooperation with the Government of the Republic of Serbia and with the financial support of the Government of Switzerland.