Students from both banks of Dniester/Nistru River practice the art of negotiations as part of Model OSCE 2016

The OSCE Mission to Moldova brought together 32 students from Chisinau, Comrat, Rybnitsa and Tiraspol for the Model OSCE 2016, to hone their negotiation skills training and participate in a simulation game that engages youth in conflict resolution. The event was held from 22 to 25 September 2016 in Vadul-lui-Voda, a town by the Dniester/Nistru River.

As part of the Model OSCE, the students took on the roles of different OSCE participating States and institutions in a simulation of the OSCE Permanent Council during a crisis situation. At the end of the simulation, the students successfully developed a joint action plan on how to resolve the crisis. Participants also benefited from negotiation skills training delivered by an international expert and were briefed on OSCE structures, decision-making and the history of the Organization.

“The Model OSCE provides young people with the chance to acquire and develop skills in public speaking, diplomacy and negotiation, while also developing lasting bonds with other students from both banks,” said Sophia Bellmann, Spokesperson of the OSCE Mission to Moldova. “I was impressed at how the students rose to the challenge by demonstrating their willingness to find common ground and negotiate a settlement to the crisis scenario.”

The aim of the Model OSCE is to build confidence and strengthen dialogue between young women and men from both sides of the Dniester/Nistru River. The Model OSCE was first organized by the OSCE Mission to Moldova in 2013 and has been held every year since then.