On 13 October 2025, the second meeting of the working group convened in Leskovac as part of the regional EMPOWERED Western Balkans project, which seeks to enhance the status of persons with disabilities and promote their social inclusion at the local level. Organised by IDC, the project partner for Serbia, the meeting brought together representatives from relevant institutions, civil society organisations, and beneficiaries of social protection services. This gathering facilitated substantive, evidence-based dialogue focused on improving local support systems.

The meeting featured structured discussions on advancing project activities, enhancing inter-institutional cooperation, and improving local social protection policies, with particular attention to the availability and quality of services for persons with disabilities. Through a participatory approach, participants developed initial proposals for measures to establish a more inclusive and equitable local social protection system, grounded in the full and effective participation of persons with disabilities in decision-making processes.