About us
The Serbian Assembly in the Diaspora was founded purely out of love for Serbia, to advance and preserve democracy and the rule of law in Serbia
Prompted by the events in the Republic of Serbia in November 2024 and by the energy of the student and civic uprising, those of us who live abroad felt the need to overcome passivity and the sense of distance, and to stand behind the banner of freedom that the students carry so high. That is how we organised ourselves as the Serbian Assembly in the Diaspora (SuR).
SuR is a free, pro-democratic, values-based platform of citizens in the diaspora, of different professions and experiences, united by responsibility and care for the future of Serbia. We stand for a Serbia that is democratic, just and open, in which institutions work in the interest of citizens, and freedom, knowledge and solidarity are the foundation of social life.
Although SuR emerged as a response to the current crisis in Serbia, including the repression of students and civic movements, it has grown into a lasting commitment to provide organised support through knowledge, networking and active participation in democratic processes. We work through thematic working groups that channel the knowledge, professional experience and energy of our members.
Vimeo loads only when you click “Play”.
Our vision
What do we want?
We want a free Serbia founded on law and justice.
We want a Serbia of functional and independent institutions that work for the benefit of all and within their remits.
We want change whose success will be measured by a significant improvement in the position of everyone, and especially of the poorest.
We want a Serbia of free media, founded on open and accessible institutions and on fair rules that apply to everyone.
We want a Serbia of achievement.
We want a Serbia that will be a model for everyone.
We want a Serbia with a long-term perspective, in which those in power change and everyone respects the limits of their constitutional powers.
How do we see the work of the Assembly?
SuR is a space for coming together and acting jointly, with the aim of contributing to building the Serbia we want, i.e. the Serbia that citizens at home and in the diaspora who believe in democracy and the rule of law stand for.
The diaspora has rich experience, knowledge, professional networks and views from different perspectives, which can be valuable in renewing and strengthening Serbia. Our Assembly works as a virtual plenum in which people from the diaspora all over the world take part.
In practical terms, we use modern digital tools that enable participation, discussion and decision-making on issues we consider important and that relate to the vision of Serbia we stand for.
What does the Serbian Assembly in the Diaspora do?
The activities of the Serbian Assembly in the Diaspora are aimed at:
- Working for support for the democratic forces in Serbia through public advocacy towards the EU and the US;
- Connecting with Serbia through scientific, cultural, investment and other projects;
- Involving the diaspora in reforms of education, health care, agriculture, economic development and environmental protection;
- Preparing proposals, analyses and initiatives based on the knowledge and experience of our people abroad;
- Improving the political rights of the diaspora, from the way we vote to adequate political representation;
- Preserving and strengthening the cultural ties of citizens in the diaspora with the culture and traditions of our Serbia;
- Improving the image of Serbia abroad through communication and cooperation.
How did we start?
Inviting our people in the diaspora to join the Assembly and to give their time and knowledge to help their homeland.
Starting cooperation with existing organisations and socially active individuals abroad, and providing expert help in resolving the crisis in the country.
Launching actions where we can have a direct influence, namely in the countries where we live. Our aim is to influence the media and political scene of these countries in support of the democratic uprising taking place in Serbia.
What is our long-term plan?
Our work is not, and should not be, limited to the crisis Serbia is currently in.
Building a democratic Serbia and the rule of law requires long-term, multi-generational work and effort from all of us, at home and abroad.
The Serbian Assembly in the Diaspora is a permanent body that, through its advice, proposals and support, seeks to bring Serbia closer to the values we hold.