06/08/2025
SECURE International Event in Serbia Strengthens Civic Engagement and Democratic Participation Across Europe
Irig, Serbia – The second international event of the SECURE project, titled “Building Trust: Strengthening Civic Engagement and Democratic Participation,” successfully concluded on August 4th in Irig, Serbia. Organized by Lighthouse Languages (Italy) and Razvojni Centar Vojvodine (Serbia) and funded by the EU’s CERV Programme, the event brought together participants from 13 European countries to foster dialogue, collaboration, and trust in democratic processes.
The four-day event focused on empowering citizens, civil society organizations, and local stakeholders to actively participate in shaping their communities. Through interactive workshops, cultural exchanges, and collaborative problem-solving sessions, participants explored innovative ways to strengthen civic engagement and rebuild trust in institutions.
Key highlights included:
- The “SECURE Wishlist” Initiative: ahead of the event, partner organizations collected anonymous recommendations from citizens across Europe on how to improve community participation. These insights were analyzed and discussed, leading to actionable advocacy plans.
- Hands-on workshops: attendees practiced democratic dialogue techniques and developed practical skills for community engagement, including a seminar on active citizenship and an “Unconference” to crowdsource solutions.
- Cultural Exchange: delegations shared sustainable tourism initiatives during the “Forest, Wellness, and Tourism” Conference in Fruška Gora, highlighting the role of local heritage in fostering social cohesion.
The event saw representation from Serbia, Italy, Greece, Hungary, Spain, Latvia, Portugal, Slovenia, Malta, Poland, the Czech Republic, Cyprus, and France. Participants included local government officials, civil society leaders, educators, and youth advocates, ensuring a multidisciplinary approach to democratic innovation.
The SECURE project continues to bridge gaps between citizens and institutions by:
- Encouraging participatory governance through crowdsourcing and advocacy training.
- Creating safe spaces for inclusive dialogue among diverse groups.
- Amplifying local voices in policymaking processes.
For photos, session materials, and further details, visit the project’s webpage:
www.secureprojectnot.wordpress.com
About SECURE:
SECURE is a Network of Towns project funded by the EU’s Citizens, Equality, Rights, and Values (CERV) Programme, and led by Lighthouse Languages APS (Italy). The action aims to strengthen democratic participation, civic engagement, and trust in institutions across Europe.
