OSCE organizes lecture course on political communication for students in Turkmenistan

Some seventy students representing the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Magtymguly Turkmen State University and the International University for Humanities and Development attended an OSCE-organized lecture course on political communication, which took place from 11 to 14 October 2022.

The four-day course, held in an online format, introduced students to the  functions and objectives of political communication, basic models of communication applied to the political sphere and classical theories of political communication. International experts presented the concept of political image and provided insights into electoral communication and creation of political messages.

“It is impossible to overestimate the significant role of political communication in the modern political environment across the globe,” said John MacGregor, Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat. “As Turkmenistan strives to promote its policy of positive permanent neutrality for the benefit of Turkmenistan, the region and the whole world, it is very important to train students in political communication.”

“We organized this lecture course to contribute to the education of young professionals who in the near future will take lead in the country’s affairs,” added MacGregor.

The lecture course also addressed circulation of political information in traditional and online media and the use of digital platforms in the activities of government bodies. The students discussed the role of digital divide and media literacy in contemporary political communication.

Special emphasis was placed on the information policy of government bodies and practices of their interaction with media and public. The experts presented best practices in political speechwriting and shared recommendations for successful communication in politics.