The opening day of the regional conference “Bridges of Experience: Boosting Senior Volunteering for Sustainable Development across the Balkans” successfully concluded on 24 November 2025 at the Parliamentarian Club in Skopje. The event brings together key regional and European actors committed to strengthening senior volunteering as a driver of social cohesion, knowledge transfer, and sustainable development.
Organised by the Confederation of European Senior Expert Services (CESES), Centre for European Volunteering (CEV), the Association for Sport and Volunteering, the Institute for Good Governance and Euro-Atlantic Perspectives (IDUEP), and the Ministry of Labour and Economy of North Macedonia, the conference opened with a shared vision: building stronger bridges of experience across the Balkans through active senior engagement.
Opening Ceremony and Keynote Interventions
The first day featured keynote addresses highlighting commitments, priorities, and ideas linked to the UN’s proclamation of 2026 as the International Volunteer Year.
Speakers included:
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H.E. Michalis Rokas, EU Ambassador, Delegation of the European Union in Skopje
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Besar Durmishi, Minister of Labour and Economy of North Macedonia -
Gabriella Civico, Director of the Centre for European Volunteering (CEV)
Their remarks emphasized the crucial role of senior volunteers in strengthening democratic resilience, intergenerational solidarity, and regional cooperation.
Workshop on Volunteering Law Amendments
Earlier in the day, participants took part in a dedicated workshop on the amendments to the Volunteering Law of North Macedonia, led in cooperation with the Ministry of Labour and Economy. The session enabled constructive dialogue among policymakers, civil society, and volunteer organisations, laying foundations for more supportive and inclusive legislation.
A Strong Start to a Promising Conference
Day 1 set an inspiring tone for the discussions and exchange of best practices to follow. With growing recognition of senior volunteering as a strategic resource for the region, the conference continues over the next days with thematic sessions and networking opportunities aimed at advancing sustainable volunteer engagement across the Balkans.
