Youth from both banks of Dniester/Nistru River take part in conflict resolution simulation for Model OSCE 2015

The OSCE Mission to Moldova brought together 31 students from Chisinau, Comrat and Tiraspol for the Model OSCE 2015, a three-day negotiation skills training and simulation game that engages youth in conflict resolution. The event was held from 3 to 6 December 2015, in Vadul lui Voda, a town by the Dniester/Nistru River, and took place with the support of the Federal Foreign Office of Germany.

As part of the Model OSCE, the students represented different OSCE participating States and institutions in a simulation of the OSCE Permanent Council during a crisis situation. At the end of the simulation, the students successfully developed a joint action plan on how to resolve the crisis. Participants also benefited from negotiations skills training delivered by an international expert and were briefed on OSCE structures, decision-making and the history of the Organization.

“The Model OSCE provides young people from both banks of the Dniester/Nistru River with a unique opportunity to better understand how mechanisms for conflict resolution work in practice,” said Rachel Bending, Spokesperson of the OSCE Mission to Moldova. “Most importantly, this event teaches the next generation of young diplomats that by engaging in dialogue and negotiations and embracing compromises they can arrive at mutually beneficial solutions.”

The aim of the Model OSCE is to build confidence and strengthen dialogue between young women and men from both sides of the Dniester/Nistru River. The Model OSCE was first organized by the OSCE Mission to Moldova in 2013 and has been held every year since then.