OSCE Office trains youth on public relations and political campaigning

BAKU, 5 April 2012 - A four-day training course on public relations and political campaigning organized by the OSCE Office in Baku for young political activists started today in Baku.

Some 30 representatives of political parties’ youth wings will analyse the process of building democratic institutions, share international best practices on political campaigning, learn how to target constituency groups, and discuss the role of women in politics. The event will also provide young political party representatives with information on relevant OSCE commitments.

“Young people play an important role in politics and society in Azerbaijan. The objective of this training is to provide this generation with the tools and skills necessary for active participation in the future formation and development of Azerbaijan,” said Nicholas Detsch, the Head of the Democratization Unit at the OSCE Office.

An independent expert form Ukraine, Tetiana Sobolieva, will deliver workshops on the general scheme and essence of political campaigning, as well as on how to reach out to the public. Special sessions will be dedicated to women in politics and image making. The participants will also take part in practical exercises on public speaking and draft communication plans and campaign strategies in which they will learn how to apply traditional and new media tools and technologies.