Pool of Young Experts: Maha Ghazi, Morocco

The OSCE Pool of Young Experts: A Platform for Change

As a representative from a Mediterranean Partner for Cooperation, I wanted to ensure that regional perspectives were valued in OSCE discussions. In my region, youth engagement in security is severely limited, with decision-making spaces monopolized by older officials. As a young woman with field expertise, I have often felt tokenized rather than recognized for substantive contributions. The OSCE Pool of Young Experts challenges this pattern by valuing young professionals as key contributors.

Witnessing diplomacy in action

Attending the OSCE Permanent Council and the Forum for Security Co-operation allowed me to witness high-level diplomatic discussions first-hand. Unlike conventional events, the Pool fosters "off-the-record" exchanges that encourage honest dialogue. Networking and peer-to-peer support have been invaluable, fostering collaboration beyond formal meetings. Additionally, the program emphasizes capacity building, equipping young experts with practical skills from policy analysis to mediation techniques.

Success comes with perseverance and hard work

Young people bring fresh perspectives, adaptability, and energy, which are crucial in addressing emerging security challenges. My experience engaging with vulnerable communities in high-risk environments has shown that young experts can build trust and facilitate meaningful engagement in ways that traditional security actors often cannot.

For young professionals entering the field, my advice is to gain hands-on experience beyond theoretical knowledge. Direct exposure to real-world security challenges through fieldwork, humanitarian projects, or civil society work provides invaluable insights.

Building an independent career path with a strong CV, continuous skill development, and a proactive approach to opportunities is essential. Hard work, persistence, and resilience are key to making an impact in peace and security.

Young people are not just contributors to security debates—they actively shape and implement policies at multiple levels. They serve as researchers, policymakers, and activists, playing a crucial role in governance and peacebuilding. Youth engagement is not just a symbolic gesture; it is vital for stability and peace.

Young people are more vulnerable to security threats

Young people today face a range of security threats, including economic insecurity, digital threats, and environmental challenges. Unemployment forces many into informal economies or migration, fuelling social unrest. In authoritarian regimes, young activists face repression, imprisonment, and censorship. Armed violence, political instability, and organized crime continue to threaten youth globally.

Environmental security is a growing concern. Climate change-induced displacement and resource conflicts disproportionately impact young people. Gender-based security threats, including forced early marriages, further limit youth potential. Additionally, digital threats such as cyberattacks, misinformation, and online radicalization create new vulnerabilities.