Young Armenians get first-hand experience of OSCE decision-making process

TSAKHKADZOR, Armenia, 11 October 2013 - Some 60 Armenian students came together for a two-day Model OSCE Conference, a simulation exercise of one of the OSCE’s main decision-making bodies, the Permanent Council.

The event organized by the OSCE Office in Yerevan with the support of the Norwegian Government is designed to educate students about the OSCE and give them an opportunity to practice their negotiation and public speaking skills.

“I appreciate the enthusiasm shown by our participants towards the OSCE commitments and its work around the world,” said Oliver McCoy, Democratization Programme Officer of the OSCE Office in Yerevan. “It is encouraging to see that students are very interested in our event, and it creates a good basis for the preparation of the next Model OSCE.”

Participants aged between 18 and 25 years are to discuss the current political situation between hypothetical countries of Norslavia and Malia and suggest solutions to tackle the challenges connected with economic crisis, growing migration, public unrests and instability. Prior to the conference, participants increased their knowledge about the OSCE, international relations, public speaking and negotiation skills in a series of thematic workshops, organized for them by the OSCE.

Alen Shadunts, a student from the Yerevan State University who chaired the discussions said: “Model OSCE Conference has played an important role for checking and improving my theoretical knowledge. For students of international relations this conference is an excellent opportunity to gain practical experience. That is why I decided to once again apply for participation.”

The OSCE Office in Yerevan has been holding Model OSCE Conferences since 2008. The Conference is a mock session of the OSCE Permanent Council where participants act as “Ambassadors” of the OSCE participating States.