Yerevan hosts Model OSCE ConferenceNovember 20, 2014 - 15:53 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Mediating tensions between countries, negotiating territorial disputes and protecting ethnic minorities are among the topics of discussion at this year’s Model OSCE Conference, taking place on Nov 20 and 21, in Yerevan. The conference, hosted by the OSCE Office in Yerevan, brought together some 60 youth representatives from Armenia in a simulation of the OSCE’s main decision-making body – the Permanent Council. "Involving youth in OSCE activities is a priority of the OSCE. Our experience shows that the Model OSCE is a great way to engage youth in issues on the OSCE agenda, explaining the core values through practical exercises as well as the activities and uniqueness of the Organization in dealing with security issues,” said Ambassador Andrey Sorokin, head of the OSCE Office in Yerevan. “This exercise aims to empower youth by giving them an opportunity to network. Many become friends and unite their efforts in various civic engagements.” Conference participants acting as “OSCE Ambassadors” will be faced with hypothetical scenarios and situations, where they will be encouraged to think how to negotiate and find solutions that suit the interests of all. Out of 140 applications received by the OSCE Office only 60 young representatives were selected. In order to better prepare the participants for the event, the OSCE organized practical trainings on negotiation and public speaking skills, international relations as well as workshops on the OSCE’s politico-military dimension. The OSCE Office in Yerevan has been organizing the Model OSCE Conferences since 2008. Top stories The number of state universities will be reduced from 23 to 8 by 2030, Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport Zhanna Andreasyan has said. From September 21 to November 11, a total of 2,820 Russians registered at a place of residence in Armenia, the police has said. The situation on the contact line between Karabakh and Azerbaijan was relatively stable overnight, the Defense Army says. Defense Minister Suren Papikyan has visited the southern Armenian province of Syunik, the Defense Ministry reported on March 18. Partner news | Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Czech-Armenian military cooperation discussed in Yerevan A delegation led by the Director General for the Industrial Cooperation Division of the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic visited Armenia. U.S. welcomes efforts to define Armenia-Azerbaijan border The United States welcomes efforts to define the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, says Vedant Patel. Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. |