2017 OSCE Youth Conference

Ten years ago, the first OSCE Youth Forum took place in Madrid during the 2007 OSCE Spanish Chairmanship. Since then, the youth and security agenda has gained important recognition on the international stage. December 2015 was a hallmark in the youth and security agenda due to the unanimous adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2250 on Youth, Peace and Security. The OSCE remains on track of these developments by adopting the following Ministerial Declarations:

• in 2014, the Basel Ministerial Declaration (MC.DOC/3/14) reaffirmed the contribution of Youth in the implementation of OSCE commitments in all three dimensions and
• in 2015 in Belgrade, acknowledging the importance of working with youth two further Ministerial Declarations were adopted:
  • on Youth and Security (MC.DOC/5/15), and
  • on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism and Radicalization that Lead to Terrorism (MC.DOC/4/15).

In addition, since 2007, new Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have contributed to change the way citizens perceive the world. Social networks are used by young people across the OSCE area to spread ideas, opinions and insights. Their impact on international security is difficult to measure therefore the use of technologies needs to be addressed during discussions and through a working methodology.

This conference will bring together young people between the ages of 18 and 29 from OSCE participating States and Partners for Co-operation.

The conference will start with a high-level opening ceremony followed by a plenary session and a Youth Forum. At the Forum young participants will be divided in six working groups and expected to adopt recommendations on the following topics:

• UN Security Council resolution 2250 on Youth, Peace and Security;
• Youth and social media: countering radicalization and extremism;
• Cybersecurity and the economic impact of malware;
• Youth environmental platforms: creating a sustainable world;
• Promoting tolerance and disinformation online; and
• Youth political participation. 

On the second day, the young participants will present their final recommendations to delegates from the OSCE participating States and Partners for Co-operation, which will have an opportunity to take the floor and make statements in their national capacities.

OSCE staff and external experts will facilitate the discussions.