Regional Conference: Parenting for the Wellbeing of Children – Towards Institutionalization and Sustainability of Parenting Programs in the Western Balkans and Southeast Europe
Date: May 6, 2025
Time: 14:00–16:00 CET
Location: Online via Zoom
Organized by: Center of Excellence in Parenting (NGO Alternativa, North Macedonia)
Supported by: Parenting for Lifelong Health (PLH) and LEGO Foundation
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About the Event:
This virtual conference aims to promote regional exchange, align strategies, and inspire high-level policy commitments for the institutionalization and sustainability of parenting programs across the Western Balkans and Southeast Europe.
We joined a dialogue, celebrated regional milestones, and shaped a strong regional Call to Action for the wellbeing of children and families.
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Conference Agenda:
14:00–14:20 Opening Remarks:
• Sabine Rakotomalala, Senior Technical Advisor, Violence Prevention Unit, Social Determinants of Health Department, World Health Organization
• Prof. Jamie Lachman, Child and Family Global Health - University of Oxford, CEO - Parenting for Lifelong Health
14:20–15:10 Country Presentations: Achievements & Policy Perspectives
Keynote Speakers:
• Mila Vuković Jovanović, Early Childhood Development Officer, UNICEF Serbia
• Aida Ivković, Child Protection Programme Manager, Save the Children Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Ida Ferdinandi, Child Protection Officer, UNICEF Montenegro
• Inga Grosu, Senior Consultant, Ministry of Education and Research, Moldova
• Emilija Arsovska, Head of Education Department, Municipality of Karposh Skopje, North Macedonia
15:10–15:40 Regional Panel Discussion: Shared Challenges and Strategic Alignment
Panelists:
• Prof. Dr. Marija Raleva, Executive Expert, NGO Alternativa, North Macedonia
• Dr. Galina Lesco, Head of National Resource Centre, Moldova
• Kristina Mihailovic, CEO, NGO Parents, Montenegro
• Armina Čerkić, CEO Institut Mentis, Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Lana Vucicevic Miladinovic, NGO Belgrade Psychological Center, Serbia
15:40–16:00 Q&A, Closing Reflections and Regional Call to Action
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Our Regional Call to Action:
We now call on governments, policymakers, donors, and stakeholders to:
- Institutionalize parenting programs into national health, education, and social welfare systems.
- Secure funding within cross-sectoral collaborations and explore sustainable public-private partnerships.
- Recognize and accredit parenting interventions as essential public services.
- Build systems that support parents, not just in times of crisis, but throughout their child’s development.
This is not just about social services—it is about nation-building.
👉 Investing in children through parents today means fewer crises tomorrow.
👉 Empowered families mean healthier children and more resilient societies.
Let this conference be a turning point. Let’s move forward with one voice, one region, one commitment: To embed parenting support where it belongs—in national strategies, in community systems, and in everyday lives. Together, we can make it happen.
Our final message for Regional Decision-makers, Stakeholders & Implementers:
We have the tools. We have the network. Now we need the policies and support. Invest in parents today—secure a better future for children tomorrow.
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