Rethinking Citizen Participation: From Symbolic to Systemic Change

A blog that shows how empowered citizens can move from the margins to the mainstream of policymaking, transforming governance into a more inclusive and accountable system.

Our vision is of a just world in which all men and women determine the course of their lives in dignity and security, using environmental resources in a sustainable manner.

Publications

Get access to insights from our projects

Our latest blogs & news

Blog 21. August 2025

Rethinking Citizen Participation: From Symbolic to Systemic Change

Blog 17. July 2025

Restoring Integrity: Shifting Power to Tackle Corruption

Blog 14. May 2025

Building Trust through Taxation: Example from Serbia’s Property Tax Reform

Blog 21. January 2025

Empowering Women in Kosovo’s Solar Panel Industry

All blog articles

Selected Projects

North Macedonia

Conserving Biodiversity, Managing Complex Landscapes

Armenia, Albania, Azerbaijan, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, Moldova, North Macedonia, Serbia, Ukraine, Montenegro

RECONOMY - Revitalize, Reconnect, Reshape

Serbia

ACT for a Stronger Civil Society

Contact us

Do you have questions, ideas, suggestions? We are happy to hear from you.

Contact us

Helvetas Eastern Europe Office
Trešnjinog cveta 1/7th floor
11000 Belgrade, Serbia
Serbia

E-Mail: easterneurope@helvetas.org

Our global topics

Climate & Disaster Resilience

Every year, we support over 1,000,000 people in adapting to climate change, reducing the risks of disasters, sustainably managing natural resources, and conserving nature.

Education and Vocational Skills

Lack of education perpetuates inequality because poor countries cannot compete economically without a skilled workforce.

Voice, Inclusion & Cohesion

In many countries where we work, men and women are unable to claim their rights and participate actively in decision-making processes.

Our work in the countries

In addition to the countries listed below, we implement the RECONOMY program for the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), spanning 11 countries of Eastern Europe.

How Helvetas works in Albania

Helvetas promotes labor market development and supports municipalities in institutionalizing democratic processes and improving public services.

How Helvetas works in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Helvetas is now focusing on developing new labor markets in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

How Helvetas works in Kosovo

Helvetas seeks to improve career prospects for graduates and is working closely with local authorities to support institutional reforms and democratization.

How we work in North Macedonia

Helvetas’ efforts focus on job market development and vocational education and training.

How we work in Serbia

Helvetas focuses on forging links between policymakers, social scientists and civil society.

How Helvetas works in Moldova

Helvetas aims to stimulate its market systems and generate more economic opportunities for its citizens.

About Helvetas

Helvetas is part of a network of independent development organizations. With head offices in Switzerland, Germany and the USA, Helvetas is working in 35 countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America and Eastern Europe. We bring about real change in the lives of over three million disadvantaged people every year. In Eastern Europe we implement development projects in the areas of good governance, economic perspectives, green transition and humanitarian response.