OSCE Office in Armenia continues to play a valuable role in training Armenian youth in democracy, human rights issues, and conflict prevention and resolution. One of its initiatives is a simulation called “Model OSCE” that the Organization recently offered in Armenia for the 2nd time. Such training initiatives by OSCE and other international institutions and NGOs are extremely beneficial, given the total absence of creative and stimulating teaching methods at Armenian HEIs.
The city of Vanadzor was where the most recent “Model OSCE” took place. According to the OSCE press release, 43 young representatives from Lori province in northern Armenia gathered to discuss the growing tensions between the hypothetical neighboring countries of Pandella and the Democratic Republic of Domia.
During the two-day event youth ambassadors introduced their positions on nationalism, the rights of ethnic minorities, problems of refugees and the military conflict evolving according to the scenario. The participants, university students and graduates aged between 16 and 25, simulated the Permanent Council, one of the OSCE decision-making bodies, and elaborated a concrete plan of actions to prevent the war.
Mr. Sergey Kapinos, the Head of the OSCE Office in Yerevan, noted that such exercises help the participant “gain experience of international diplomacy and negotiations which can be useful in their lives.”
”Such initiatives make young people more interested in their own country’s foreign policy and make them aware of the role they can potentially play in the political life in future,” noted Artiom Nahapetian, from Lori Centre for Organizing Youth Events.
Prior to the conference, the participants were trained on negotiation and public speaking skills and attended workshops on the OSCE’s activities and international relations in general. Special attention was paid to the politico-military dimension of the Organization, which was the topic of the Model OSCE conference’s scenario.
”The event gives us new knowledge and an opportunity to experience negotiations at the highest level. Switzerland, which I represent in the Model OSCE, is ready to go forward!” said Samvel Jaribekian, adding that his group had also prepared a small cultural and educational surprise performance for the organizers and participants.
All participants received certificates of attendance, and the three most active negotiators received encouragement prizes.
This was the second Model OSCE conference organized by the OSCE Office in Armenia; the first one was held in May 2009 in Shirak province. A nationwide conference is planned for next year.
The city of Vanadzor was where the most recent “Model OSCE” took place. According to the OSCE press release, 43 young representatives from Lori province in northern Armenia gathered to discuss the growing tensions between the hypothetical neighboring countries of Pandella and the Democratic Republic of Domia.
During the two-day event youth ambassadors introduced their positions on nationalism, the rights of ethnic minorities, problems of refugees and the military conflict evolving according to the scenario. The participants, university students and graduates aged between 16 and 25, simulated the Permanent Council, one of the OSCE decision-making bodies, and elaborated a concrete plan of actions to prevent the war.
Mr. Sergey Kapinos, the Head of the OSCE Office in Yerevan, noted that such exercises help the participant “gain experience of international diplomacy and negotiations which can be useful in their lives.”
”Such initiatives make young people more interested in their own country’s foreign policy and make them aware of the role they can potentially play in the political life in future,” noted Artiom Nahapetian, from Lori Centre for Organizing Youth Events.
Prior to the conference, the participants were trained on negotiation and public speaking skills and attended workshops on the OSCE’s activities and international relations in general. Special attention was paid to the politico-military dimension of the Organization, which was the topic of the Model OSCE conference’s scenario.
”The event gives us new knowledge and an opportunity to experience negotiations at the highest level. Switzerland, which I represent in the Model OSCE, is ready to go forward!” said Samvel Jaribekian, adding that his group had also prepared a small cultural and educational surprise performance for the organizers and participants.
All participants received certificates of attendance, and the three most active negotiators received encouragement prizes.
This was the second Model OSCE conference organized by the OSCE Office in Armenia; the first one was held in May 2009 in Shirak province. A nationwide conference is planned for next year.
