From 18 to 23 July 2022, 23 young professionals and university students from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan took part in the VI Model OSCE simulation workshop in Issyk-Kul. The Model OSCE provides a dynamic platform that aims to enhance young people’s knowledge about the OSCE, its comprehensive model of security, consensus-based decision-making process as well as to improve their negotiation, critical thinking and communication skills.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Taalaibek Berdiev, Head of the Youth Policy Directorate, Ministry of Culture, Information, Sports and Youth Policy of the Kyrgyz Republic, expressed his expectations from the event: “I hope the Model OSCE will help to strengthen mutual understanding and friendship among young people and as a result, they can expand their knowledge on peacebuilding and security”. Mr. Berdiev noted that the Ministry would continue its efforts to create necessary conditions for the development of youth across the region.
Mr. Alexander Eliseev, Head of the Politico-Military Department, OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek, stressed that the OSCE pays significant attention to youth mainstreaming and implements a wide range of activities for and with youth. “The OSCE’s commitment to promote the role and inclusion of youth in its peace and security agenda dates back to the Organization’s founding document, the Helsinki Final Act, in which participating States committed to furthering the development of contacts and exchanges between young people”.
Dr. Alexander Wolters, Director of the OSCE Academy in Bishkek, addressed the participants online and presented activities of the OSCE Academy in the fields of graduate education, professional development, research and dialogue. Participants learned more about new Bachelor’s, Ph.D. and MA Programmes, which are planned to be launched in the near future.
The five-day workshop consisted of interactive sessions, exercises, presentations, and talks delivered by international and local experts, guest speakers from the Kyrgyz Parliament, diplomatic missions and OSCE representatives. Participants had an opportunity to learn more about the work of the OSCE, its dimensions and institutions, as well as consensus-based decision-making process through simulation exercises
The Model OSCE simulation workshop was organized jointly by the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek, the Ministry of Culture, Information, Sports and Youth Policy of the Kyrgyz Republic, and the OSCE Academy in Bishkek as part of combined efforts to strengthen peace and security in the Central Asian region.