OSCE lecture series supports training of future diplomats in Turkmenistan

The OSCE Centre in Ashgabat conducted an online lecture series to support the education of future diplomats in Turkmenistan, which concluded today in Ashgabat.

The five-day lecture series is a continuation of a long-running OSCE project activity on topics including neutrality, negotiations, women in diplomacy, the ‘art’ of being a diplomat and inclusive participation in promoting peace and security.

Professors and students from the Institute of International Relations under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and International University for Humanity and Development participated in the lectures.

High-level career diplomats from Belarus, Moldova and the US delivered the lecture series. The first set of lectures presented examples from the leading international negotiation schools, pointing out similarities and differences and revealing secrets of achieving effective results during the negotiation process. Other key topics of the lecture series included how women in diplomacy can make a difference and overcome challenges and the importance of gender mainstreaming and increased participation of women in foreign affairs.

“This set of lectures will introduce future diplomats to insightful perspectives of the negotiation process, which is critical to conflict prevention and resolution. Additionally, the students will further strengthen their knowledge about the role of women in peacebuilding processes, which remains yet another OSCE commitment aimed at promoting and supporting the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security in the OSCE region,” said John MacGregor, head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat.