SLAVONIC UNIVERSITY STUDENTS HOLD MODEL OSCE IN YEREVAN

armradio.am
20.02.2010 13:01

Some 35 students and alumni from the Russian-Armenian Slavonic
University 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.

The 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.