Participants of Model OSCE for Moldova’s youth reach unity through diversity

Thirty students from both banks of the Dniester/Nistru River practiced their diplomacy skills at the sixth edition of the Model OSCE for Youth, which concluded with the adoption of an “Addendum to the OSCE Gender Action Plan” on 29 September 2019 in Moldova. The document was the result of a compromise and consensus, which the young “ambassadors” put into practice during a simulation of an OSCE Permanent Council meeting.

After four days of intense training in negotiations skills and team-building exercises, the young people put their leadership qualities to the test and agreed on steps to promote gender equality in OSCE participating States and within the organization. Equal remuneration and job opportunities as well as a subsidy for child care for parents were among the key points reflected in the “addendum”. 

“The simulation showed me that consensus and teamwork are key to the decision-making process. I have learned that in order to achieve a common ground you need to take into account positions of all members of your team,” said Daniela Rusu, a student of the Moldova State University.

The students also improved their understanding of the OSCE’s comprehensive approach to security and conflict resolution process. “The Model helps to strengthen dialogue between the young people on both banks and introduces them to peaceful conflict-resolution approaches,” said the Head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova Claus Neukirch. “It can also serve as a launching pad in their future diplomatic careers.”

For many students, the Model OSCE for Youth presented a unique opportunity to meet and network with their peers from the left bank. “In the course of these four days we spoke a mix of languages. My knowledge of Romanian and English is limited and I was pleasantly surprised when other students spoke Russian with me. They wanted to make sure I was fully involved in the negotiations. This shows the level of respect we had for each other,” said Vitalii Stasiuk, a student of Tiraspol University.

The OSCE’s commitment to promote inclusion of youth in its peace and security agenda dates back to its founding document, the Helsinki Final Act, and is also high on the Slovak OSCE Chairmanship agenda.

“The OSCE works with and for youth to make their voices heard and to help them use their potential to promote security and co-operation in the OSCE area,” said Samuel Goda, Special Representative of the OSCE Chairmanship-in-Office on Youth and Security, who was a special guest at the Model OSCE.

This simulation is part of the Missions’ confidence building efforts, which was first organized in 2013. The best five participants of the Model OSCE will be awarded with an opportunity to attend a session of the OSCE Permanent Council meeting in Vienna, Austria.