Programs

The development of a society is inseparably linked to education and the building of individual capacities. Since its establishment, BFPE has been dedicated to political education and capacity building for actors who will be engaged in places where policies are created and decisions are made. Building democratic political culture, rule of law, strengthening institutions, understanding responsibility for participation in public life, and building citizens' trust in political actors and institutions, equal participation in decision-making, and fostering dialogue are just some of the topics that BFPE focuses on through its programs.

By bringing together representatives of different political options, as well as representatives from different decision-making levels, including civil society, business, media, educational, and cultural institutions, new constructive connections are created that facilitate the transformation of Serbian society.

Through a series of activities, BFPE contributes to establishing sustainable democratic institutions and consolidating democracy and the rule of law, emphasizing the interests of various relevant actors and the necessity of their active participation in shaping the most significant public policies.

By nurturing networks that emerge during the implementation of interactive educational programs, BFPE motivates and encourages participants to translate the knowledge gained during these programs into real and concrete actions in daily political practice.

* BFPE is a member of the network of schools of political studies of the Council of Europe

Working on good governance and building local democracy involves improving collaboration and building trust among different actors, often on polarized sides, by promoting dialogue and opening new channels for discussion. BFPE, through various programs and projects, directly involves political and other actors in a dialogue on key democratic principles, values, and practices.

BFPE creates opportunities for equal participation of different groups in political processes and decision-making at all levels to contribute to the creation of a truly accountable and open society. Through dialogue-based learning, trust among stakeholders grows.

Bringing together various relevant actors and the ability to stimulate constructive dialogue represents one of the most significant characteristics of BFPE’s work. Decision-makers open to citizen participation and seeking genuine collaboration and exchange of opinions, involving various actors at both the national and local levels, can ensure a systemic approach to initiating change and engaging all stakeholders in constructive dialogue.

Well-informed decision-makers lay the foundation for societal development.

Sustainable development goals represent a global plan aimed at ending extreme poverty, reducing global inequality, and promoting planet protection by 2030. They are focused on development that meets current needs without jeopardizing the needs of future generations, encompassing political, economic, ecological, and cultural sustainability.

Through various programs, BFPE contributes to better information, changing awareness, and involving public figures, researchers, business representatives, as well as citizens in public debates on energy efficiency, renewable energy sources, just energy transition, green economy, ensuring citizen participation in the fight against climate change, and promoting much better cooperation among all actors involved in creating and implementing more responsible and comprehensive sustainable development policies.

Additionally, by following and participating, to the extent possible, in the creation of public policies, BFPE itself influences the design, creation, and implementation of various public policies. The importance of acquiring new knowledge and raising awareness among decision-makers, their willingness to dedicate themselves to work on these issues, and enabling local communities to actively participate and become partners in these processes contribute to creating synergies and sustainable decentralized and democratic development.

“No one left behind” is the guiding idea when we talk about building a sustainable society and, consequently, sustainable democracy.

For more than two decades, we have been bringing together decision-makers, those who implement, interpret, and criticize these decisions, encouraging their responsible actions in the context of supporting our country and the entire region on the path to EU membership.

By creating various platforms for dialogue and cooperation among key actors in Europe and the region, we provide a space for exchanging views, proposing solutions, fostering good neighborly relations, enabling better understanding of different sides, and their needs.

By supporting various initiatives and formats, we encourage the establishment of trust through intensive dialogue among all relevant actors in the region, emphasizing regional cooperation as a necessary precondition for sustainable development and democracy.

Additionally, through policy analysis, trends, and impacts, we contribute to understanding international and regional relations, with a special focus on geopolitical actors active in the Western Balkans.