First Model OSCE workshop in Bosnia and Herzegovina concludes in Banja Luka

The first OSCE Model workshop concluded on Wednesday, 23 May 2018 in Banja Luka. Over 25 participants from Serbia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and the host-country Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) gathered to enhance their theoretical and practical knowledge about the history, role and functioning of the OSCE, its Permanent Council and field operations, particularly with regards to conflict prevention.

The event was organized by the OSCE Mission to BiH, its Youth Advisory Group and the Students’ Organisation of the School of Political Science of the University of Banja Luka.

“We are hopeful that this activity will motivate young people in BiH and in the wider region – particularly students of political science and law – to learn more about the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe. Our workshop participants studied how  international organisations work and co-operate to enhance regional and global security,” said Dmitry Iordanidi, Head of OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina Field Office in Banja Luka.

Ismet Bolic, a student at the Faculty of Political Sciences of the University of Banja Luka, said: “The Model OSCE simulation was an opportunity to bring together different competent and capable young people from all over BiH and the region to network and exchange views and experiences.”

Matteo Pugliese, OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Special Representative on Youth and Security stressed that “youth mainstreaming is one of the key elements of the Italian 2018 OSCE Chairmanship programme. Thanks to the commitment of the OSCE Mission to BiH and its Youth Advisory Group, this Model OSCE in Banja Luka represents a landmark initiative in the Western Balkans.”

This activity is the first in a series of simulations in BiH meant to provide students with a unique opportunity to explore various aspects of the OSCE’s work across the politico-military, economic–environmental and human dimensions.