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DIASPORA HOMELAND BRIDGE
Round Table Program
The objective of the Round Table Program is to provide a vehicle that identifies, airs, and promotes important reform needs relevant to Serbia’s citizens and its future progress. It catalyzes public awareness and civil involvement in affecting policy and legislative reform.
The Round Table projects engage domestic, Diaspora and other outside expertise. In all our Round Table projects the Diaspora input is instrumental. Diaspora’s experience in more developed democracies brings to bear their understanding of the democratic process. The projects in this program follow a model format that has at least two phases. The Round Table projects help citizens understand and support necessary reforms contributing to the building of civil society in Serbia.
Ministry for Diaspora – Over 30 Serb Diaspora organizations were brought together to cooperate on affecting the adoption of this Ministry by the government of Serbia. Today this agency is maturing and engaging with the Serbian Diaspora in cooperative ventures.
Foundations in Serbia – Legal, academic and other experts on philanthropic institutions came together to explore the potential role of this institution in Serbia’s democracy and its historical role in Serbia’s culture. Today working groups are doing the necessary groundwork to create conditions for the return of foundations to Serbia.
Rehabilitation and Restitution - Serbia lags behind other former socialist states in implementing new policies and laws on these very important issues. Experts explored needed legal and other steps necessary to address fully and remedy the wrongful denial of citizenship and expropriation of private property during communism.
Diaspora / Homeland Business Linkage -- A delegation of representatives of the Serbian business community explored possibilities of linking business interests with a local business community in the Cleveland area through Diaspora networks.
The Diaspora Round Table and subsequent work resulted in a Ministry for Diaspora and a Diaspora law draft currently in the Serbian Assembly for adoption. The other Round Tables have concluded Phase I and are entering Phase II.
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