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 David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. 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. Partner news | Lemkin Institue slams Pashinyan's “cryptic engagement with Genocide denial” The Lemkin Institute is alarmed over Pashinyan’s statements “questioning Armenia's legal basis to pursue justice against Turkey”. Armenia votes for UN resolution granting Palestine new rights The U.N. General Assembly voted by a wide margin on May 10 to grant new “rights and privileges” to Palestine. EU still discussing funding Armenia through European Peace Facility Discussions continue in the EU on providing Armenia with funds from the European Peace Facility, Vassilis Maragos says. Greek-Armenian organizations support "Tavush for Motherland" Greek-Armenian organizations have expressed support for the campaign led by Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan. |