On the occasion of the International Day of the Elderly, the conference "My Future - Who Cares? An Inclusive Society for All" was held at the Europe House in Belgrade.
During the event held on October 6, speakers and stakeholders emphasized that human capability and inclusion of the elderly are key to sustainable development and represent important values in the process of Serbia's accession to the European Union.
Commissioner for the Protection of Equality Brankica Janković , emphasized the need to act in various fields in order to prevent widespread discrimination of the elderly.
"It is necessary to adapt society to the aging of the population through changes in education, health care, economy, but also in culture and relations with the elderly. Support system of social protection is insufficiently developed, as well as the digital exclusion of the elderly and the overly complicated procedures of e-government, which is often glorified as a solution to all our problems," she said.
The Austrian Ambassador to Serbia Christian Ebneralso spoke at the conference. He pointed out that Austria is proud to stand with Serbia and other partners in celebrating International Day of the Elderly.
"Our cooperation in the fields of ageing, social protection and inclusion has deepened in recent years, reflecting the common challenges and opportunities of our societies. Austria remains committed to supporting regional cooperation in the Western Balkans, because we believe that inclusive aging policies and solidarity are necessary for the social cohesion of Europe as a whole."
Head of the United Nations Population Fund in Serbia (UNFPA), Borka Jeremić, stated that this institution, together with the institution of the Commissioner for the Protection of Equality, the Red Cross of Serbia and the Office of the Attaché for Labor, Social Protection, Health and Consumer Protection of Austria in Serbia, traditionally organizes events intended for elderly, and pointed out that UNFPA has been working for years to promote active and healthy aging through the demographic resilience program.
President of the Serbian Red Cross, Dragan Radovanović, presented the project whose goal is "to increase access to health and social services, empower the elderly and their caregivers, improve participation in society and reduce social inequality.
Project also included opening of helplines in several cities, which provide support and information to the elderly and their families.
The play "Waiting for the Rain" was shown at the conference, as well as three panel discussions. At the end of the event, the "Bridge of Understanding - Intergenerational Solidarity" prize was awarded for the children's competition in the field of art and creativity.