ODIHR/FES School on Politics, Leadership and Advocacy

The school aims:

• To strengthen democratic institutions by enhancing the capacity of young politicians and activists, so that they are equipped with skills to re-shape politics and engage in issue-based advocacy in the OSCE region.
• To promote youth political participation in the OSCE participating States by bridging the gap between decision-makers and young people and contribute to the substantive exchange in the field of political parties, democracy and elections.
• To provide instruction and discussion on a wider range of analytical perspectives, as well as equip participants with the leadership, advocacy campaigning, negotiations, team building and policy analysis skills.   
• The school will bring together young parliamentarians, political party representatives and youth activists to train and instruct a group of 25 participants.

Eligible candidates

Participants should be from one of the following OSCE participating States: Armenia, Albania, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Montenegro, Moldova, North Macedonia, Serbia and Ukraine. Applicants from Kosovo*[1] are also eligible to apply.

The age range of participants should be 18-35 years old on the date of the event. Organizers will attempt to achieve gender, diversity, and a regional balance.

Candidates must fulfil one of the following criteria:

• elected in parliament;
• run at least once in national, regional or local elections;
• member of a political party;
• youth activist or civil society leader with a proven record of involvement in an advocacy or grass root initiatives;

Application

Applications should be submitted electronically by Sunday, 10 September 2023 (including this date) 23:59 CEST, using the following link: https://spla.org.pl/application-form/

ATTENTION: The deadline has been extended to Wednesday, 13 September 2023, 23:59 CEST.

Format

The curriculum is highly participatory and relies on mixed-method learning techniques including experiential learning (simulations and role-play), expert lectures and small group work. The School’s

analytical and capacity building pillars enable participants to meet world renowned experts and practitioners in the field of political parties, democracy and elections, as well as enhance interpersonal skills needed to succeed in both politics and advocacy campaigning.

The working language will be English.

Fees

Participation cost is fully funded by ODIHR and FES.

If you have any queries, please contact Nina Chanturia (Nina.Chanturia@odihr.pl) and Filip Milacic (Filip.Milacic@fes.de).  

[1] *All references to Kosovo, whether to the territory, institutions or population, in this text should be understood in full compliance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244.