Serbia studying best practices of Azerbaijan in social services PHOTO

A delegation from Serbia, led by Serbian Minister of Culture Nikola Selakovic and Minister of Labour, Employment, Veterans and Social Affairs Nemanja Starovic, visited Azerbaijan to participate in the 8th meeting of the Azerbaijan-Serbia Intergovernmental Commission.

According to the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Population of Azerbaijan, during their visit, the delegation toured DOST Centre No.1, a pioneering facility in Azerbaijan's social service infrastructure, Caliber.Az reports per local media.

Minister Sahil Babayev provided an overview of the Agency for Sustainable and Operational Social Security (DOST) and the network of DOST Centres established under the decree of President Ilham Aliyev on August 9, 2018. The DOST Centres aim to deliver 154 social services efficiently and transparently through a "single window" system, a concept initiated by First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva.

The delegation learned about the international recognition of the DOST concept and its successful implementation in enhancing citizen satisfaction with social services. They were also given a tour of the service departments at the DOST Centre and received presentations on the centre's e-services and operational principles.

Discussions during the visit included exploring future cooperation between Azerbaijan and Serbia in the fields of labour and social protection. The Serbian delegation also visited the DOST Centre for Inclusive Development and Creativity, where Minister Babayev highlighted Azerbaijan's efforts to support the social rehabilitation and integration of persons with disabilities into society.

The DOST Inclusive Development and Creativity Centre, inaugurated in 2021 by President Ilham Aliyev, First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva, and their daughter Leyla Aliyeva, focuses on nurturing the creative potential of persons with disabilities, members of shehid families, and other vulnerable groups. The centre offers training in various creative arts and skills, including dancing, fine arts, pottery, music, tailoring, carpet weaving, knitting, artistic carving, cooking, and stage performance.

Additionally, the centre provides social, pedagogical, and psychological support services to its beneficiaries. The Serbian delegation had the opportunity to observe training sessions, view creative works produced by the beneficiaries, and enjoy a concert program performed by the centre's participants.