Young policy advisers from Western Balkans take part in OSCE/ODIHR training event in Prague

Young professionals from across the Western Balkans improved their knowledge about democratic institutions and OSCE commitments in the field of democratic governance during the Young Policy Adviser Course organized by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR). The course took place at the CEELI Institute (Central and Eastern European Law Initiative) in Prague from 12 to 16 November 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 – 23 women and eight 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.

“Helping support young professionals in their learning process in building relevant knowledge and skills is incredibly rewarding, especially considering that these individuals will take this knowledge and apply it in the future,” said Augusta Featherston, ODIHR Youth Focal Point and Associate Democratic Governance Officer.

Eneida Marku, a participant from Tirana, said: “This course is an opportunity for the younger generation to learn skills relevant to democracy, human rights and fundamental freedoms, and we can take that knowledge home with us in the Western Balkans. I learned from a highly-skilled team of mentors whose expertise and teaching methods helped make the link between policy advising theory and practical application.”

The course methodology and content, originally developed by ODIHR in collaboration with the Folke Bernadotte Academy, was subsequently refined to suit specific audiences in the OSCE area with input from the School of Public Policy at the Central European University in Budapest.

The participants were professionals up to the age of 35 who work as political or policy advisers in government ministries, presidential administrations, parliaments or other public institutions in the Western Balkans. Facilitated by experts in the field of policy advising, the course provided a rich base for the participants to explore real world applications and outcomes, both positive and negative.