OSCE WORKSHOP

Workshop syllabus

In diverse societies, minority-related issues have, if not supported by balanced and inclusive policies, the potential to ignite crisis and conflict. Drawing on the experience of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities (HCNM), this WS will demonstrate how States can use policies in a number of sectorial areas – from education to language and participation –to unite, rather than divide, societies. Practical examples from the OSCE space will be provided, notwithstanding the confidentiality principle enshrined in the High Commissioner’s mandate. After a theoretical overview of the High Commissioner’s work and mandate, the instructors will guide the students to conduct a simulation of some real-life cases. As part of that, the students will be confronted with the challenges that policy-makers face in the management of diversity and be encouraged to identify solutions that advance social integration, which is key to preserving peace and security.

Instructors' bio profiles

  • Eleonora Lotti is Senior Advisor to OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities. Before joining the OSCE, she worked in both Lebanon and Palestine, including, among others, as an associate political affair officier at the United Nations Office of the Special Coordinator for Lebanon (2016- 2018) and monitoring and evaluation manager at AVSI Foundation (2014-2016). She has experience in analysis and reporting concerning humanitarian crises and in managing relief and assistance programs.
  • Alessandro Rotta is senior advisor at OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities. He has also served as senior advisor on political affairs at EURS/EU in Kosovo (since 2013) and, previously, as political advisor for EULEX Mission in Kosovo (2011-2013). He has extensive knowledge and experience in political analysis, reporting and advising, especially with reference to South Eastern Europe countries.

OSCE

The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) is the largest regional security organization in the world. Its priority is to overcome differences and build mutual trust. The OSCE is committed to ensuring peace, democracy and stability for over one billion people. In the area of ​​security, which he defines globally, it operates in three "dimensions".

  • Politico-military dimension: the politico-military dimension is active in various areas: reforms of defense and police apparatuses, border protection, fight against cross-border threats such as terrorism, conflict prevention and management, arms control, safe storage and destruction of small arms and small caliber and fight against cybercrime.
  • Economic and environmental dimension: the promotion of economic development and environmental protection is part of the tasks of the environmental and economic dimension, which also includes the fight against corruption, initiatives for the sustainable use of natural resources and eco-compatible waste management and resource management. water.
  • Human dimension: the human dimension is designed to promote respect for and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, consolidating democratic structures. It also deals with promoting tolerance and non-discrimination, media freedom, minority rights and the rule of law.