Switzerland supports the improvement of social protection services in 15 cities and municipalities across Serbia

Through the “PRO - Local Governance for People and Nature” programme, the Government of Switzerland is supporting the implementation of 15 local self-government projects aimed at enhancing social protection services and providing direct support to over 5,000 citizens from vulnerable groups.

The “PRO – Local Governance for People and Nature” programme has supported 15 local self-governments through a public call to implement projects aimed at improving social protection services and providing direct support to over 5,000 citizens from vulnerable groups.

With support from the Government of Switzerland valued at nearly EUR 370,000 and contributions from local self-governments exceeding EUR 50,000, projects to enhance social protection services will be implemented in 15 cities and municipalities across Serbia.

The projects cover various areas of social protection, education, and healthcare. Their implementation includes the establishment of counselling services, day-care centres for children and youth, support for persons with disabilities, services for the elderly, and counselling for families in crisis situations.

Special emphasis has been placed on supporting children with developmental difficulties, youth from at-risk groups, persons with disabilities, and elderly citizens, as well as on strengthening intersectoral cooperation among relevant institutions at the local level.

This support also contributes to enhancing cross-sectoral and inter-municipal cooperation, fostering the exchange of knowledge and experience among local self-governments, and strengthening the capacities of local institutions.

The following local self-governments have received support to improve social protection services: Arilje, Boljevac, Bor, Čačak, Ivanjica, Kraljevo, Loznica, Mali Zvornik, Prijepolje, Prokuplje, Surdulica, Svilajnac, Trstenik, and Veliko Gradište.

More information on the supported projects is available in the results overview of the public call.

Through these activities, the “PRO - Local Governance for People and Nature” programme continues to support the development of inclusive communities and the long-term strengthening of social cohesion in Serbia.

The Programme "PRO - Local Governance 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 Serbia, and with the financial support of the Government of Switzerland.