Gojkovic said that no society can or should reject its elderly citizens, it is its task to fully integrate them, adding that the National Assembly has recognized the importance of intergenerational solidarity and understanding and is ready to raise awareness to the challenges faced by the elderly and create better conditions for an active and dignified aging.

The Parliament Speaker said that an aging population is a demographic trend of the 21st century and Serbia, like many states, faces this challenge with its more than 1.3 million citizens over 65 years of age, which is why the society should be focusing on aging more as it affects all social spheres.

Gojkovic pointed out that one of the priorities of domestic policy is to balance out births and the aging of the population, highlighting the efforts and campaign to boost the national birth rate launched by the Serbian Government and Minister without portfolio responsible for demography and population policy Slavica Djukic Dejanovic. The Parliament Speaker said that Serbia need look no further than the developed European countries which had conducted similar campaigns, adding that she was sure the Serbia Government would come up with the excellent solutions to the task and the National Assembly would welcome any and all legislative proposals.

Gojkovic said that in addition to passing laws and making sure they are implemented, what is also important is to oppose the widespread stereotype that the elderly are weak, infirm and just a burden, which leads to them retreating from social activities and ultimately discrimination, abuse, neglect and violence. The Parliament Speaker said that despite these stereotypes the elderly can be very active and contribute to the society with their knowledge, experience and qualities.

Prof. Dr Slavica Djukic Dejanovic sees the conference on intergenerational solidarity as an opportunity for the young and the elderly to hear one another. She stressed that growing old with dignity hinges on the attitude toward children and urged the non-governmental sector, relevant institutions and individuals to help foster ties across generations.

Minister of Labour, Employment, Veteran and Social Affairs Zoran Djordjevic shared statistical data which show that Serbia’s population is indeed one of the oldest. As much as 19% of the population is aged 65 and above, and as little as 15% has less than 15 years of age.

He announced that by the end of April all old age pensioners in Serbia would get free identification cards which they can use instead of a pension slip as evidence of their status to get shop discounts.

Dragana Kalinovic, Director of the National Pension and Disability Insurance Fund, said that Serbia, as do many countries in the world, faces a changed population structure as the length of life increases and birth rates plummet, which makes fostering intergenerational cooperation very important. She said that in addition to material aid, the elderly also need tolerance, understanding, cooperation and co-existing with younger generations.

The best volunteers and pensioners who had won the “Glas Osiguranika” (“Voice of the Insured”) contest for the best poem/story about solidarity between generations were presented with awards. The conference was attended by the residents of Bezanijska Kosa retirement home and the students of elementary school “Drinka Pavlovic”.

Under the auspices of the conference the National Assembly House hosted an exhibition of handicrafts produced by the residents of Bezanijska Kosa retirement home and posters from the exhibition “Send and Receive a Message” of the Zvezdara City Municipality Volunteer Service.