Mediation Support Team OSCE Conflict Prevention Centre
BACKGROUND THE OSCE ADDS VALUE
As a platform for inclusive dialogue, the OSCE has long- Where it engages in mediation and dialogue facilitation, the OSCE adds value as: standing experience in mediation and dialogue facilitation a trusted impartial actor on the ground; aimed at preventing, managing and resolving conflicts. These a connector between various stakeholders at different efforts play an important role in conflict prevention by levels; building mutual understanding and trust, finding consensual a promoter of conflict prevention through mediation and agreements and ensuring the inclusion of diverse dialogue facilitation in all phases of the OSCE conflict stakeholders and perspectives. cycle; an advocate for inclusivity, engaging civil society, women, Effective mediation and dialogue facilitation require youth and underrepresented groups; professional support, including process design, strategy a facilitator of diverse entry points for dialogue grounded development, conflict analysis, thematic briefings, on-site in its comprehensive approach to security; and support and strategic reflection. a supporter of regional collaboration, such as cross- boundary dialogue on shared security challenges.
MEDIATION SUPPORT TEAM (MST) MANDATE
The MST, based in the OSCE Conflict Prevention Centre, is the The MST’s work is grounded in Ministerial Council Decision OSCE’s in-house resource for strategic support to OSCE No. 3/11 on Elements of the Conflict Cycle. The decision mediationMEDIATION and dialogue processes. SUPPORT TEAM It combines assigns the CPC a focal role to enhance the OSCE’s capacity in methodological expertise with practical experience to provide early warning, early action, dialogue facilitation and mediation tailored, demand-based, diverse and politically nuanced support, and post-conflict rehabilitation. MST’s core activities support for: include: OSCE mediators and dialogue facilitators, including Capacity-building by offering regular and tailored training, those involved in OSCE-supported high-level dialogue and coaching and mentoring on mediation and dialogue topics, mediation processes, such as Special Representatives of such as conflict analysis, process design and dialogue the Chairperson-in-Office and their support teams, the facilitation skills; OSCE Chair, the OSCE Secretary General, the Director of Knowledge management and operational guidance by the Conflict Prevention Centre, and heads of OSCE field operations. capturing lessons learned, organizing peer exchanges, and OSCE staff in field operations, the OSCE Conflict developing practical guidancein co-operation with relevant Prevention Centre, and OSCE institutions who are directly OSCE executive structures, departments and units; involved or play critical roles in supporting dialogue Outreach, networking, co-operation and co-ordination facilitation and mediation efforts. by engaging with relevant local or national actors as well as international, regional and subregional organizations; MST also co-ordinates the OSCE-wide Dialogue Practitioners’ Operational support for the OSCE Chairs, their Special Platform, providing a space for peer exchange and learning. Representatives, heads of field operations and other The DPP currently includes 15 OSCE dialogue practitioners. relevant OSCE mediators. The MST also maintains a roster More broadly, the MST contributes to strategic thinking on of mediation experts for short-term deployments, thematic the future of mediation within the OSCE, including identifying engagements and long-term capacity development. timely entry points for dialogue initiatives.
FUNDING
Funded by the multi-year extrabudgetary project “Tailoring Approaches to Further Enhance the OSCE’s Mediation Support and Dialogue Facilitation Capacity”, the MST engages closely with OSCE executive structures and participating States and works in partnership with international organizations and specialized institutions.