OSCE and its role in Central Asia discussed at lecture course in Turkmenistan

Forty students from the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and the International University for Humanities and Development completed an online course on the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe and its role in the Central Asian region that took place from 21 to 23 November 2022.

The OSCE Centre in Ashgabat organized the three-day course to commemorate the thirtieth anniversary of Turkmenistan-OSCE co-operation.

Addressing the students, John MacGregor, Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat, emphasized that "Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality is consistent with the comprehensive approach to security, which is the foundational core of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe."

"In a near future, many of you will become diplomats and will represent the interests of neutral Turkmenistan in the international arena", added MacGregor. "It is our firm belief that this course will help you better understand the role of our organization in international relations, during the different historical periods of its existence, and today."

Ida Manton, an expert and a scholar in the field of negotiations and mediation, who delivered the course, introduced students to the history of the OSCE, its structure, principles of decision-making and commitments across three dimensions of security. Students learnt about the mediation and dialogue facilitation in the OSCE and discussed negotiation life cycle and negotiation styles. Special emphasis was placed on the role of gender equality and relevant OSCE commitments.

"The enthusiasm and curiosity I encountered among the students in Ashgabat tells me that these young people have a great potential to turn into engaged diplomats with problem-solving creativity and effective communication capacity," said Ida Manton.

"It was a real pleasure to interact with them and to see how much the youth can learn from the OSCE, from its history and the negotiated commitments that were created from Helsinki onwards," added Manton.

The course also featured a simulation exercise, which enabled future diplomats to practice multilateral negotiation skills.