9.1 General context
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The National Strategy of Sustainable Development for the period 2009 - 2017 (Nacionalna strategija održivog razvoja) defines sustainable development as a goal-oriented, long-term, continuous, comprehensive and synergistic process that affects all aspects of life (economic, social, environmental and institutional) at all levels. Sustainable development implies the development of models that meet the socio-economic needs and interests of citizens in a quality manner, and at the same time eliminate or significantly reduce the impacts that threaten or harm the environment and natural resources.
One of the most important goals of sustainable development, as defined by the strategy, is to create new jobs and reduce the unemployment rate, as well as reduce the gender and social inequality of marginalized groups, encourage employment of young people and people with disabilities, as well as other at risk groups.
Youth interest in global issues
According to the Alternative report on the position and needs of young people in the Republic of Serbia, 2019, a vast majority of respondents do not know what Structural Dialogue is, while four fifths of young people have heard about sustainable development and about a half heard about sustainable development goals. The research also questioned youth attitudes towards sustainable development:
Source: Alternative report on the position and needs of young people in the Republic of Serbia, 2019
As concluded in the report, the findings are encouraging, however, they indicate the need for more active promotion of the 2030 Agenda and sustainable development goals for young people, primarily via the Interdepartmental Working Group for the Implementation of the 2030 Agenda, UN agencies in Serbia, educational institutions and civil society agencies dealing with youth.