OSCE trains the successor generation
SARAJEVO, 9 July 2002 - The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina has, in partnership with young people from across BiH, developed an initiative designed to provide young citizens with the tools necessary to actively take part in shaping the country's future. The Successor Generation Initiative, as it has been named, aims to develop future leaders for BiH.
It provides fast-track training to a multi-ethnic group of 55 individuals under 30 years of age who have been identified as having the capacity to reach senior leadership levels, or positions of influence, in politics, business, education, media and non-governmental organisations.
The one-year programme, which started in the spring, consists of an in-country programme with two out-of-country visits, each of one week's duration. So far, the participants from all over BiH have taken part in three training sessions and a study visit to European institutions such as the Council of Europe in Strasbourg. They have heard lectures on topics such as economic development, human rights, elections, the legislative process, conflict resolution, public speaking and project management.
"This training is just the beginning of a process", says Dieter Woltmann, Deputy Head of Mission. "And this must be continued over time. Regardless of the OSCE's presence, this activity must be maintained. It demonstrates that youth are at the forefront of BiH's quest for joining European integration and achieving political and democratic maturity."
Michael H. Hryshchyshyn, the Mission's Director of Democratisation, added: "The next phase of this programme will be focused on practical aspects, giving a number of participants hands-on experience by integrating them into their chosen field of professional expertise."
The OSCE expects the programme to assist in the development of the political infrastructure of Bosnia and Herzegovina by creating a corps of young leaders who have the competence and will to resolve differences peacefully and to facilitate the political and economic development of the country. Some short-term benefits may be realised if, as expected, a number of young candidates run in the forthcoming elections in October.