Nearly one in five people in Serbia is at risk of poverty, according to the latest data from the Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia.
This data reflects a complex, multidimensional issue that demands equally multifaceted solutions – which is one of the key conclusions of a conference held on October 21 at the Europe House in Belgrade, marking the International Poverty Day.
The full-day event, jointly organized by the EU Delegation in Serbia and the United Nations Team in Serbia, brought together representatives of the Serbian government, the European Union, the United Nations, the World Bank, and civil society to raise awareness about poverty, which is commemorated worldwide on October 17.
Speaking at the event, Plamena Halačeva, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Serbia, emphasized that addressing multidimensional poverty is not solely the responsibility of governments.
“It requires a collective effort from businesses, civil society, academia, and international partners. Investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and digital actors are vital for creating equal opportunities and jobs, particularly in rural and underdeveloped regions. These can transform communities and lift families out of chronic poverty”, Halačeva said.
The conference sought to shift the focus from mere economic growth toward shared prosperity, with speakers underscoring the central challenge: ensuring that no one, especially the most vulnerable, is left behind in the process of development and progress.
Matilde Mordt, Permanent Coordinator of the UN in Serbia, said that Serbia is making progress in reducing poverty, but that challenges remain.
“Globally, Serbia ranks well, but about 7% of the population still lives in poverty, and 19.4% face the risk of social exclusion. It’s crucial that no one is overlooked. Partnerships with the EU and investments in education, gender equality, and employment for vulnerable groups are key to sustainable development”, Mordt stressed.
Other speakers included UNICEF Serbia Director Deyana Kostadinova, UNFPA Serbia Head Borka Jeremić, State Secretary at the Ministry of Finance Marko Jovanović, and Đorđe Todorov, State Secretary at the Ministry of Labour, Employment, Veterans and Social Affairs.
Following panel discussions, participants concluded that targeted social protection spending and international support are essential to combating multidimensional poverty and strengthening Serbia’s human capital.
‘At risk of poverty’ or ‘social exclusion rate’ measures the proportion of people who are either at risk of poverty, severely materially and socially deprived, or living in households with very low work intensity.
