Deadline for the Model OSCE Serbia 2009 Conference extended

BELGRADE, 14 November 2008 - The deadline for applications to the Model OSCE Serbia 2009 conference has been extended to 30 November.

The event, organized by the OSCE Mission to Serbia and the Zikic Foundation, will take place in Belgrade at the beginning of March 2009 and will consist of a simulation of the OSCE Permanent Council meeting with a focus on environmental security.

"We encourage young people, especially women and members of minority communities, to take part in this unique event, the first of its kind in Serbia. Young people will have a chance to enrich their knowledge about OSCE decision-making processes and improve their communication skills through direct participation in a debate on regional challenges," said Anthony Pahigian, the Acting Head of the OSCE Mission.

Students will represent one of the OSCE's 56 participating States, and some will play the roles of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office and the Permanent Council's Chairman.

"The Model OSCE Conference aims to raise awareness of environmental protection issues and will help the new generation understand the specifics of diplomatic dialogue as well as face tomorrow's security-related challenges and negotiate peaceful solutions to them," added Pahigian.

For further information and application details, please visit www.model-osce-serbia.org

A Model OSCE Conference, held in Vienna, Austria, from 5 to 7 July, brought together 140 students from 30 countries.