OSCE/ODIHR Young Policy Adviser Course brings together young officials from Eastern Europe and South Caucasus in Sweden

Nearly 30 young officials from six OSCE participating States in Eastern Europe and the South Caucasus increased their knowledge about democratic institutions and OSCE commitments in the field of democratic governance during the latest edition of the Young Policy Adviser Course, organized by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR). The course took place at the Folke Bernadotte Academy in Sandö, Sweden, from 22 to 26 January 2018.

The event was designed to help participants better understand the role of policy advisers and the skills needed to undertake core policymaking tasks and functions. The students – 15 women and 13 men – explored ways to navigate complex political environments and participate effectively in policy-related decision-making. The course highlighted the importance of exercising professional ethics, mainstreaming gender into policies and upholding democratic values.

“It is incredibly rewarding to work with young people in the early stages of their careers, to help them build knowledge and skills relevant to democratic governance, and facilitate regional peer-to-peer networks that will be useful to these individuals in the future,” said Augusta Featherston, ODIHR Youth Focal Point and Associate Democratic Governance Officer.

“The course has certainly helped me master the spectrum of skills required for optimal job performance as a policy advisor,” said Artur Sirbu, a participant from Moldova. “What makes this training most appealing, in my opinion, is the fact that it is organized in a workshop format which allows participants to stay actively involved for the entire duration of the programme and test their capabilities in co-operation with like-minded professionals from neighbouring countries. Moreover, the opportunity to receive first-hand feedback from trainers with extensive professional experience in foreign affairs is an invaluable and rare bonus.”

The week-long course was developed in collaboration with the Folke Bernadotte Academy based on its Political Adviser’s Handbook. The first event of this kind was organized in 2014. ODIHR subsequently refined the training methodology and content to suit specific audiences in the OSCE area, with input from the School of Public Policy at the Central European University in Budapest.

The students taking part are professionals up to the age of 35 who work as political or policy advisers in government ministries, presidential administrations, parliaments or other state institutions in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine. Facilitated by experts in the field of policy advising, the course provides a rich base for the students to explore real world applications and outcomes, both positive and negative, of policy advising.

“I feel very privileged that I had the opportunity to participate in this programme which was full of practical and challenging exercises,” said another participant, Narine Avagyan from Armenia. “I am convinced that the knowledge and skills acquired here will contribute to the future endeavours of all the participants.”