Students seek resolution to security challenges at first Model OSCE

VIENNA, 7 July 2008 - More than 140 young people from 30 OSCE participating States are taking part in the first-ever Model OSCE today.

"The OSCE is the largest regional security organization existing today. Getting youth involved, giving young people the chance to learn about the OSCE structures and decision-making process is crucial," said OSCE Secretary General Marc Perrin de Brichambaut.

The high school and university students, who are playing the roles of national delegations different from their own nationality, and OSCE officials, devoted the weekend to workshops and committee meetings on the three security challenges under discussion at the Model OSCE - terrorism and the use of the Internet; water management in Central Asia; and trafficking of Roma children. Three documents were adopted by consensus.

A simulation of the Permanent Council, an OSCE decision-making body that meets weekly in Vienna, is taking place today in the actual Neuer Saal venue at the Hofburg Congress Centre.

"Consensus building and dialogue go hand in hand. I am hopeful that the delegations will be conscious about that and this will lead to fruitful discussions," said Christina Hawley, a student from the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna who is playing the Model OSCE Chairman-in-Office.

The Model OSCE concludes Monday evening with a concert by the String Orchestra Primavera, a youth orchestra from the Czech Republic.