Danijela Bjelja

Danijela Bjelja – Biography

Academic Career

Danijela Bjelja has focused her academic and research career on the development of digital diplomacy and the study of linguistic and rhetorical challenges in diplomatic correspondence in the new information age. Her work emphasizes the advancement of digital and public diplomacy of the Republic of Serbia, analyzing its position on the European and global stage, as well as the security implications of the information revolution. She is a strong advocate for digital literacy among the public, political institutions, and representatives of the Republic of Serbia in the international arena.

Danijela also specializes in public speaking skills, political oratory, communication culture, and the application of traditional and modern techniques in the communication of diplomatic actors. Her academic output includes a significant number of research studies, twelve of which have been published in prestigious domestic and international journals. She has edited two thematic collections of national significance.

Public Administration

Since April 2021, Danijela has held the position of Head of the Department for Regulatory Affairs in Veteran and Disability Protection and the Preservation of Traditions of Serbia's Liberation Wars within the Ministry of Labor, Employment, Veterans, and Social Affairs. During her tenure, she represented the Ministry at prominent international events, including plenary sessions of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) and annual meetings of the Convention on Anti-Personnel Mines.

In November 2022, she joined the Cabinet of the Minister for Family Welfare and Demography, focusing on international cooperation. Her responsibilities include participating in the development and monitoring of strategic documents for the Government of the Republic of Serbia, as well as contributing to the work of international and interdepartmental working groups. Danijela actively works on issues such as combating human trafficking, supporting the development of civil society, and enhancing open governance.

Memberships and Projects

Danijela is a member of several significant working groups, including:

• The Working Group for drafting and monitoring the Fifth Action Plan for implementing the Open Government Partnership initiative.

• The Working Group for drafting a plan document in the field of combating human trafficking.

• The Working Group for drafting the Strategy for the Development of Civil Society in the Republic of Serbia (2022–2023).

Throughout her career, she has participated in numerous social dialogues, such as the initiative "Homelessness – Addressing Personal Documentation Issues on the Path to Social Inclusion," organized in cooperation with the Ministry for Human and Minority Rights and the City of Belgrade.

Scientific Activity and Collaboration

Danijela has participated in the implementation of international and national projects, among which the most significant are:

• “Development of Guidelines for a Strategic Plan and Communication Strategy for the Judges' Association of Serbia” (USAID, 2011–2012).

• “Initiative to Combat Trafficking in Women and Girls in Southeast Europe” (OSCE, 2008–2011).

• “Judiciary in the Fight Against Corruption” (Embassy of the Kingdom of Norway, 2012–2013).

She has also participated in scientific conferences in Serbia and abroad, including events in Bulgaria and other international gatherings. Her research and public engagement significantly contribute to advancing scientific and practical approaches in the fields of diplomacy, public administration, and social inclusion.