Population aging constitutes a major demographic challenge of the 21st century, with Serbia ranking among the most significantly affected nations. Between 2002 and 2022, the national average age increased from 40.2 to 43.8 years, with projections indicating that by 2052, 28.5% of the population will be aged 65 or older, and the average age to be 46,4. This case study analyses the approach within AGE+ program as a systemic, project-based intervention designed to address these demographic trends through partnership and an integrated top-down and bottom-up governance framework. Key milestones include the establishment and formal recognition of Senior Citizen Councils, which develop Local Action Plans in partnership with municipal authorities, and the creation of Centres for Intergenerational Solidarity and Resource Centres aimed at institutionalizing community support structures. Methodologically, the analysis draws on case studies of Šabac and Sombor—the first two cities from the Republic of Serbia, progressing within the World Health Organization’s Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities. Empirical evidence suggests that a balanced strategic approach enhances the sustainability, resilience, and inclusiveness of social development initiatives, while simultaneously strengthening democratic participation and promoting intergenerational solidarity. The findings underscore the AGE+ program’s potential as a replicable model for participatory governance and demographic resilience in small- and medium-sized cities striving toward age-friendly community status in Western Balkan Countries.

AGE+ “Building Age-Friendly Communities through Intergenerational Action in Serbia and Kosovo” with funding from the Austrian Development Cooperation, co-financed by Volkshilfe Solidarität, is implemented by Tara International Consulting Ltd. in Šabac and Sombor (Republic of Serbia).

 

Keywords:

Serbia, age-friendly cities, community development, systemic approach, combined top-down and bottom-up governance model, partnership, participatory governance

Hugo A.M. van VEGHEL

A gestallt driven individual who around the milenium change shifted from a defence carreer in navy and army aviation to the not-for-profit sector. With a dr.sc. degree in 2004 he started lecturing and retired as associate professor in 2018, but continued voluntary functions in Tara International Consulting Ltd (TARAIC) which he established in 2010, as chairman of the International Centre for Knowledge and Technology Transfer, Partnership and Innovation (.org), and as chairman of the Belgian Serbian Business Association (bilateral chamber of commerce) (.org), tasks which he still fulfills today. Since 2000 developing of and assisting in projects and programmes with international, mainly EU funding. He started a solid framework programme cooperation with the Austrian Development Cooperation since 2012. After 3 frameworks on “Support to Education and Employment Development” the focus went to the demographic shift and ageing effects in communities and co-developed the first Age-Friendly framework programme in the Western Balkans in 2023 (“Building Age-Friendly Communities through Intergenerational Action in Serbia and Kosovo”). Hugo is of Belgian nationality, living with his family in Serbia since 2007.

 

Biljana van VEGHEL KONDIĆ

A psychologist pedagogist who after her experiences in the violent Balkan conflict of the 90-ties further specialised in conflict resolution and prevention in Stadt Schleining (Austria). As Dudley Weeks trainee in facilitation and mediation she became executive director in the Vukovar Peace Institute until she assumed her tasks as a mother (2005). In 2008 she obtained an additional master degree in HR management, and joined the TARAIC team where she is Senior Adviser for Capacity and Project Development and Senior HR and capacity building expert while being a University Assistent on Master Academic Studies at the Faculty for Applied Management Economy and Finances (Belgrade). She is a member of the management board of the International Centre for Technology and Knowledge Transfer, Partnership and Innovation. As project consultant she is a driving force in human relations, capacity and capabilty building, advocacy and policy development, with tangible and sustainable results in the field. With her skills as development expert displayed in the AGE+ project, Šabac became the first Serbian city to be registered in the WHO Global Network of Age Friendly Cities and Communities (2024). Biljana is of Serbian nationality living with her family in Serbia since 2007.