Slavonic University students hold Model OSCE in Yerevan

YEREVAN, 19 February 2010 - Some 35 students and alumni from the Russian-Armenian Slavonic University will discuss the political situation in the hypothetical country of Artenia and challenges related to freedom of the media, gender equality and political instability at a Model OSCE Conference in Yerevan starting tomorrow.

The two-day conference is the first organized in Yerevan following two Model OSCE conferences in the Shirak and Lori provinces last year.

"Engaging youth in discussing matters currently on the agenda of the OSCE is one of the goals of the Model OSCE initiative," said Carel Hofstra, the Deputy Head of the OSCE Office in Yerevan. "Simulating a Permanent Council session gives the participants an insider's perspective of the complex negotiations and decision-making processes that the participating States engage in at the OSCE."

Prior to the conference, participants were trained in public speaking, communication skills and negotiation techniques, and were provided with a general overview of international relations. Ambassador Sergey Kapinos, the Head of the OSCE Office in Yerevan briefed them about key OSCE activities, principles and values. The briefing concentrated on the human dimension of the OSCE's work, which is the focus of the played scenario to be used at the Model OSCE conference.

The OSCE Office in Yerevan is also collecting applications from potential participants for the Model OSCE conference in the Syunik province of Armenia to be held on 7 and 8 May this year. The Office also plans to organize a nationwide conference later in the year.