The trilateral working conference EMPOWERED was held in Sarajevo, organized by the organization LIR Civil Society. The conference gathered representatives of ministries, local authorities, civil society organizations and the private sector from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Montenegro.

The event was implemented within the regional project EMPOWERED – Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities, Regional Cooperation and Development in the Western Balkans, carried out by Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund (ASB) together with partner organizations from the region.

The conference opened an important dialogue on employment policies, inclusion and local solutions that encourage greater participation of persons with disabilities in social and economic life. Through open discussion and exchange of experiences, participants explored ways to strengthen cooperation, improve institutional frameworks and develop inclusive practices that ensure equal opportunities for all.

Three panel discussions highlighted key regional perspectives:

• Regional cooperation and systemic changes – examining how institutions and organizations can jointly advocate for sustainable models of inclusion in the Western Balkan countries.
• Employment policies and employability support – analyzing labor market challenges and presenting innovative approaches to professional development and workplace adaptation.
• The role of local authorities in creating accessible and empowering communities – showcasing successful practices of municipalities that implement inclusive local policies and create accessible environments for all citizens.

The joint goal of all participants was clear – to build inclusive, supportive, and accessible communities in which the voices of persons with disabilities are heard, respected and actively involved in decision-making processes.

The conference reaffirmed the importance of regional solidarity, cross-sector cooperation and mutual learning in achieving long-term social change.

The EMPOWERED project runs from 2024 to 2027, implemented by Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund Deutschland e.V. (ASB) and funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The total project value is 3.33 million euros.

The project is implemented in 15 municipalities across the region, and in Bosnia and Herzegovina it includes: Bosanska Krupa, Foča and Travnik. The project aims to promote employment and economic empowerment of persons with disabilities, develop inclusive policies and strengthen regional cooperation.

The participation of LIR CD and other representatives from Bosnia and Herzegovina at this conference confirms their active role in regional processes and their shared vision of an inclusive society.