Perspectives 20-30 Roadshow
Policy Paper
"Unity is Strength" A Project By: The OSCE “Perspectives 20-30” Initiative is a project of the Office of the OSCE Secretary General, supported by the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), the OSCE Academy in Bishkek and the Friedrich- Ebert-Stiftung Regional Office for Cooperation and Peace in Europe (Vienna).
It aims to integrate youth perspectives into OSCE security debates in order to strengthen the Organization’s ability to promote peace, stability and comprehensive security.
The Perspectives 20-30 Roadshow In 2019, the Perspectives 20-30 Core The Roadshow discussions focused on Group of Experts – 22 young the situation of youth in Bosnia and professionals under 30 from across Herzegovina, Central Asia, Poland, the OSCE region – produced a Albania, Liechtenstein and Andorra. discussion paper titled “Engaging Most were held online due to the Youth for a Safer Future” in which pandemic. they outlined their vision of security in 2030 and beyond. This paper crystalises the main perspectives and recommendations In 2020 and 2021, the initiative contributed by young people during continued the debate in a series of the discussions. discussions with young people across Paper the OSCE region. The goal of this Core Group Youth presented roadshow was to critically assess the of Experts Forum in at the OSCE recommendations from the original formed Bratislava Ministerial discussion paper by the Core Group Council of Experts and apply it to the national context, deriving further Roadshow recommendations for national Closing Launch decision-makers and the OSCE. event in Online Event Andorra
1 Who Attended the Roadshows?
200+ Youth National Members of the OSCE Participants Policy Core Group of Representatives Makers Experts (OSCE Secretary General, Special Representatives on Youth and Security & OSCE Staff)
Perspectives Guiding 2030 in action Questions It bears notice that discussions took place before Russia’s invasion of "What are the most Ukraine and were overshadowed by the pressing challenges pandemic. However, a sense of worry and opportunities in was tangible that things can get out of the field of building hand: many participants across peace for achieving countries expressed special concern comprehensive and about the lack of a common lasting security?" understanding of security, as well as of mutual respect in international "What are your relations, noting few positive results in recommendations to the discussions among states and a promote worrisome political climate in Europe. comprehensive security and co- They expressed concern for the operation in 2030 ongoing conflicts between super and beyond? What powers, and noted that because of their role could youth play dominant role, such powers do not in this process?" depend on equal rules and are enabled to take arbitrary decisions or violate internal law; whereas smaller powers "Does the are fully dependent on international Perspectives 2030 rules and policies imposed by super Discussion Paper powers. “Engaging Youth for a Safer Future” Additionally, participants saw foreign reflect your vision for policies as a possible internal challenge European security for of democratic legitimation, claiming the next 10 years?" that foreign policy issues such as military expenditure are fully handled by the elite of the country without seeking for contribution by the majority of the population.
2 Overarching Themes
Technology Climate Education Pandemic Crisis
Impact of the Recommendations COVID-19 Pandemic Create a bridge between people working in technology and those in policy so that The COVID-19 pandemic created they can share knowledge and unforeseen profound changes and approaches. rearrangements across people, industries, economies and politics. Improve the competencies of teachers The effect of the pandemic on human and professors through the use of new rights and fundamental freedoms was technologies. significant. Across the OSCE region, the emergency situation was often used by Strengthen the connection between governments to justify violations of mental health centers and other actors human rights and curtailment of freedoms. It was noted that gender and in the community. domestic violence increased significantly in the course of the Improve youth-focused employment successive lockdowns. policies and informal programs as well as identifying youth at risk. Additionally, the pandemic highlighted the importance of data protection and to protect critical infrastructures. Support the work of youth centers and spaces.
Education as a Catalyst for Recommendations Change Introduce more education on security Education was a topic that permeated matters and fake news. most discussions, as it was agreed that it contributes to more sustainable and Introduce coding, creative computing peaceful societies and is generally the and design in high school. main catalyst for driving change. Make education systems more The intersection of education and new inclusive and expand exchange technologies drew much attention. programmes. There was an awareness of the need to address challenges arising from new Promote emotional intelligence in technologies in school education, schools. including cyber security, ethical issues and critical media skills.
3 Climate Crisis as a Golden Thread
The climate crisis intersected all discussions at the roadshow. Discussions revealed that some countries can better afford mitigation measures than others. Recommendation
Environmental security and energy Youth activity at the local security is a difficult nexus, especially and national level is crucial to for less affluent countries. push governments to adopt Nevertheless, participants across environmentally friendly countries highlighted that practices and mitigation environmental education should be measures. added to the school curriculum.
Technology – Challenges bane or boon? Governments might abuse new technologies such as artificial Technology received heightened intelligence or social media for attention, revealing different oppression and intrusion into private perceptions. For instance, discussion life, especially of politically active in Central Asia and Liechtenstein people. focused on the perils of technology. In Poland, by contrast, discussion Technologies might be imported from focused on the opportunities and oppressive states which do not have enabling aspects of technologies. the same guidelines as democratic ones. Instead, national security Opportunities agencies or police require a democratic oversight. Technologies can be used to mitigate disinformation and aid bottom-up, Recommendations citizen-led mobilization such as peaceful protests. Establish an international legal framework to protect users, for The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted instance through access to encrypted the importance of both data channels that state actors cannot protection and the security and control. uninterrupted performance of critical infrastructure. Develop an intra-state working group on technology to bridge the gap between people working in technology and those in policy.
Involve technically-savvy young people in drafting laws regarding new technologies.
Young people can actively promote data security and raise awareness among older users about potential risks.
4 Addressing Rising Social Inequality
Rising social inequality was viewed as a worrisome source of instability and insecurity. Disproportionate Recommendations power of large corporations, decline of the middle class, rising wealth Invest in adequate digital infrastructure gap, eroding social and political and extra training as well as higher structures and, crucially, unequal salaries for teachers. opportunities based on gender were the most discussed aspects. Provide high-quality, affordable housing.
It was noted that countries are not Create an observatory for the situation of equally affected by gender-related women. challenges. In developing countries, women and sexual minorities tend to Promote intergenerational dialogue. be affected by discrimination, abuse and violence stronger than in rich Increase youth awareness of gender countries. The availability of proper issues, and enhance the political and legislation is not the only issue here, economic rights of young women. as the discussion in Albania revealed, the implementation of laws Listen to the needs of underprivileged and policies is key. groups living in peripheral/rural areas, with dialogues conducted in local languages.
Emerging Challenges: a youth perspective
Countries are unequally Urban/rural divide and Foreign policies viewed as affected by security access to affordable a possible internal threats. education and the internet challenge of democratic is more salient in some legitimation. countries than others.
Digital divide: new Some low income families During the pandemic there technologies might not cannot purchase smart were problems with distant bring benefit to lower devices to be up to date learning because necessary classes. with digital transformation. facilities were missing.
5 The Way Ahead
Young people need to feel empowered Concrete ideas to better and to be provided with spaces and include youth in the opportunities to show their interest, political debate on get involved and actively participate in security: decision-making processes, including on security issues. Youth ambassadors or There is lack of engagement in Youth Advisory Group to the OSCE policymaking, lack of interest and awareness of youth. There is a need to raise awareness, conduct more meetings with stakeholders, Special representatives transparency (forums, internships), for Youth and Security, appointed by the Chair more informal dialogues, student engagement (annul projects, “Youth in Politics” debate league), and simulations (model OSCE). Engage youth in regular opinion surveys "IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF STATES TO PROMOTE Grow network of the AND PROTECT THE Perspectives 20-30 Academy participants, INTERESTS OF YOUNG who can drive local WOMEN AND MEN AND solutions TO DIRECTLY INVOLVE YOUTH IN DECISION- Involve young participants MAKING PROCESSES." in mixed forums with government representatives and experts.
"Unity is strength. It is worth focusing on factors that bring us together, including common challenges and interests, as a foundation for further dialogue."
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