Description
GIZ and SDC developed this project based on CEVES' advocacy for inclusive development reforms. In pursuit of a society-wide dialogue on Serbia's development priorities, CEVES coordinated the Economic Pillar of the "SDGs for All" Platform (other platform partners were Ana and Vlade Divac Foundation and Belgrade Open School) a multi-stakeholder initiative enabling inclusive discussion among civil society, academia, the private sector, media, and citizens, aiming to align the country's growth strategy with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
CEVES' Role and Results
Phase 1 (2020–2022):
• Spearheaded national dialogue on sustainable economic development (expert workshops, national conferences, and stakeholder consultations)
• identified strategic economic policy priorities
• coordinated production of first SDG Priority Report, providing inputs for Serbia's National Development Plan
• launched the inaugural SME100 EXPO laying foundations for SME100 Expo platform (see above).
Phase 2 (2022–2025):
Through the flagship initiative “To Bring SMEs to the Forefront by 2030”, CEVES advocated SME-centered policy reforms, organized two SME100 EXPOs (2023–2024) with hundreds of participants, and launched the SME Barometer to track SME-led initiatives and policy impact, while partnering with TOC to ensure local-level inclusion.
Types of Services Provided
• Leadership and coordination of the Economic
• Policy research and design, including the platform's first SDG Priority Report
• Organization of national conferences, thematic workshops, and SME100 EXPO events
• Advocacy and strategic outreach through the "SMEs to the Forefront by 2030" initiative
• Development and application of the SME Barometer for impact monitoring
• Stakeholder mapping and facilitation of inclusive, multi-level dialogue
• Partnership with TOC for local-level outreach and SDG localization
• Expanded outreach in partnership with TOC, conducting local consultations in Pirot, Knjaževac, and Sombor, integrating SDG priorities into municipal medium-term plans.
• Contribution to aligning Serbia's National Development Plan with SDG targets and indicators
