Mission, Objectives and Activities
Serbia based not-for profit, non-governmental and non-partisan organization
Center for Democracy Foundation is Serbian based a not-for profit, non-governmental and non-partisan organization which, along 27 years of operation, has had a remarkable impact in advancing resources for democratic governance and EU oriented reforms in Serbia.
Our Mission
We encourage and mobilize citizens for building a democratic society based on solidarity and sustainable development, to advance economic, social and cultural rights and advocate for accountable and efficient institutions through research, education and public dialogue.
Center for Democracy Foundation is recognized in public for its devotion to public dialogue, strong institutions and for improvement and protection of economic and social rights, with focus on work related rights. Center is a reliable interlocutor in discussions, partner to other CSOs, independent institutions and international organizations. CDF has extensive experience in working with and within large coalitions, as well as in developing capacities of local civil society organizations.
Membership in Networks and Key Partnerships
- Member of ALDA (European Association for Local Democracy), Strasbourg, France
- Member of FEPS (Foundation of European Progressive Studies), Brussels, Belgium
- Cooperation agreement signed with Trade Union Independence and with CATUS
- Member of the UN Global Compact
- Lead Partner in Regional Youth Compact for Europe, a 14-member consortium of CSOs and think tanks from WB, Turkey and Europe
- Cooperation with National Assembly of the RS (EU Integration Committee), Government`s negotiation team, Commissioner for Protection of Equality, Ombudsman, National employment Service, Agency for Peaceful Resolution of Labour Disputes, Labour Inspectorate,
Organization and Management
Foundation`s founders are experienced and prominent opinion makers in Serbia: sociologists, lawyers, philosophers, politicians, artists, political analysts, psychologists, media experts... They govern the Foundation through its Assembly of Founding Members, by electing the Management Board of 11 founders, Secretary General (Director) and Audit Committee. Secretary General leads the CDF team of young and experienced staffers.
Main Donors 2017-2019:
European Union; International Center Olof Palme; Fund for an Open Society; Swiss Development Agency (SDC); GiZ; GMF - Balkan Trust for Democracy; Friedrich Ebert Foundation
Center for Democracy Foundation works through three programmatic domains:
- EU VALUES AND EU INTEGRATION – Strengthening Human Resources and Institutional capacity
- LABOUR, EMPLOYMENT AND SOCIAL COHESION
- PUBLIC DIALOGUE
- Equality
- Tolerance
- Knowledge
- Accountability
- Solidarity
- Sustainability
- Democratic, civil and European values rooted in Serbian society
- Rule of law and democratic procedures are respected in the Serbian institutions
- Citizens efficiently exercise and improve their economic and social rights, with social solidarity as a key value of our society
- Increased social cohesion and reduction of poverty and inequality
- Participation of civil society in creation and implementation of reforms
- Accession of Serbia to European Union
- Developed culture of human and civil rights, political culture, tolerance and dialogue
- Establishment of market competition together with development of socially responsible state
- Expert support to reforms through EU accession process and development planning
- Inclusion of citizens in consideration of policies and decision making
- Analysis and creation of practical policies proposals
- Campaigns and advocating
- Improving legal framework and monitoring the implementation of laws
- Research
- Education and training
- Publishing activities
- Decision makers at national level and in local community
- Civil society organizations
- Citizens whose rights are in risk or being violated and vulnerable groups
- Employed and unemployed persons whose work related rights are endangered
- Small and medium size enterprises, business associations
- Media
CDF TODAY
- Leading organization in the field of socio-economic rights, labour market issues and social development - Recognized as credible interlocutor and partner - Has a large network of partners and associates, i public and private sector, on local, national and regional level, cooperating with government agencies, companies, trade unions, universities and NGOs - Member of the UN Global Compact and Associate member of the Foundation for European Progressive Studies (FEPS) - Chairs the Working Group for Migrations, Employment and Social Reform in the National Convention on the EU (civil society platform for monitoring the accession negotiations with the EU) |
Foundation is registered in 1994 at the Ministry of Culture of Republic of Serbia by decision no. 022-2373/94-03, July 5, 1994 and recorded in the Register of Foundations by the Ministry. According to the new Law on Endowments and Foundations, it is registered at the Business Register Agency under the number BZF 72/2012.
EVENTS
HIGHLIGHTS
CURRENT PROJECTS
PUBLICATIONS
- Analysis: Elderly poverty in Serbia and Agenda 2030 (Summary)
- Closing Conference of the SDGs for All Platform - Recommendations
- Analysis: Child Poverty and the 2030 Agenda (Summary)
- Energy Poverty Analysis (Summary)
- Analysis of the Gender Mainstreaming in the Economic Reform Programme for the period 2022-2024 (summary)
- Publication: Social Impact of Public Policies
- Regional Youth Compact for Europe - Project Report
- SDGs for ALL Project Brochure
- Serbia 2030: Development priorities – the non-state sector report
- Youth Transformative Potential in the EU Integration Processes and Post-Covid-19 Developments in the Western Balkans (Comparative Study)
- Democracy and EU enlargement in the Western Balkans: Can there be one without the other?
- Policy recommendation: Eradicating Poverty as Serbia’s Number One Strategy
- Policy Recommendation: Fulfilment of International Labour Organisation Standards as a Precondition of Sustainable Development in Serbia
- Serbia 2030: Readiness for implementation of the 2030 Agenda
- LABOUR MARKET AND EMPLOYMENT - SUMMARY REPORT
- Public Sector Ban on Employment – Issues and Recommendations
- Do we have the right to cultural rights?
- The Rule of Law in the Chapter 19 - Social Policy and Employment