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.