OSCE Scholars for Peace and Security tackle global security challenges to shape future policy

The OSCE Conflict Prevention Centre brought together nearly 50 graduates of the OSCE Scholarship for Peace and Security training programme on conflict prevention and resolution for an exchange on the topic.

Throughout the week, the participants discussed their perspectives on today's security issues, together with the invited guest speakers from the OSCE Secretariat, United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) and representatives from the OSCE participating States.

After the discussions and practical sessions, participants developed more than 60 recommendations for decision-makers on a range of issues, including risk reduction, emerging technologies shaping the security sector, strengthening efforts to prevent proliferation, addressing transnational threats, promoting whole a whole-of-society approach to security, and advancing arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation.

"I have always especially valued the practical exercises the programme offers, from the negotiation simulation last year to this year’s sessions on practical recommendations. They have been among the most useful parts of the programme for me, as they turn ideas into skills I can apply in my everyday work," said Mariana, a participant from Moldova.

Amongst others, the recommendations put forward by the OSCE young professionals included reframing risk reduction principles to foster a better understanding of shared vulnerabilities; developing scenario-based exercises; as well as  ways to bridge the gap between decision-makers and practitioners; identifying pathways  for limiting the proliferation of weapons; strengthening international law enforcement; enhancing the monitoring, evaluation and verification of the societal participation in decision-making; and establishing regional resilience hubs by proposing a live dashboard to monitor hybrid threats.

The event also offered graduates a chance to grow their network and learn from one another.

It was an amazing opportunity to reconnect, meet new people, brainstorm, think, discuss, and, most importantly, to remember once again what unites us all - a shared vision for a peaceful future," said Manizha, a participant from Tajikistan. 

The OSCE Scholarship programme remains a flagship initiative for raising awareness and promoting conflict prevention and peaceful resolution amongst the next generation of security professionals.