The first meeting of the ‘Follow Us’ Initiative for 2016, facilitated by the OSCE Mission in Kosovo and the OSCE Mission to Serbia, took place in Skopje from 12 to 14 February 2016. The meeting brought together 18 prominent women working in politics, media, academia and civil society from Prishtinë/Priština and Belgrade, to take stock of achievements and plan future activities.

The participants reviewed the initiative’s successes such as the Dialogue Academy for young women from Belgrade and Prishtinë/Priština, and the promotion of the dialogue through the ‘Follow Us’ documentary. They recognized the importance of furthering the inclusion of more women in this process in order to expand the dialogue across different sectors and agreed on an action plan of concrete activities for 2016. Additionally they developed longer-term frameworks for action in key areas affecting women’s lives and equality.

In a joint statement, the members of ‘Follow Us’ Initiative said: “We agreed to implement joint activities in the following areas: economic empowerment of women, gender in education, prevention of gender-based violence, political participation and representation of women at all levels, engendering media and the portrayal of women in media and public life, and promotion of dialogue among youth.

We also reconfirm the importance of dialogue and co-operation and highlight the contribution of women to it by taking concrete steps to bring the two societies closer together.”

Related Stories

• OSCE to organize 2016 Dialogue Academy for Young Women
• OSCE Dialogue Academy alumni meet in Belgrade
• OSCE Dialogue Academy, focusing on women's involvement in dialogue and policy-making from Prishtinë/Priština and Belgrade, concludes in Austria

Vienna, 11 July 2016 – Today, energy experts from the OSCE Mediterranean Partners for Co-operation, representing both government institutions and private sector companies, will begin a week-long field study  of sustainable energy in Austria and Germany. During their trip, participants will visit leading renewable energy companies, renewable energy sites and discuss the challenges of the energy transition with government representatives and business associations. .

While renewable energy is becoming increasingly important in the energy mix of OSCE Mediterranean Partner Countries, the energy transition poses a number of challenges that can only be addressed through partnerships and the sharing of best practices.

 “Reliable, affordable and sustainable energy supplies are a prerequisite for stability, security and economic growth. Our current challenge is to seek ways to ensure energy security, while at the same time meeting international CO2 emission targets,” said Dr. Yurdakul Yigitguden, Coordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities during the kick-off event of this study visit. “Building new partnerships  between public and private sector energy decision makers will strengthen economic connectivity and create further stability and growth in the region”, said Dr. Yigitguden.

The study visit was organized by the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Affairs in co-operation with Advantage Austria, the World Energy Council Austria, the Munich Chamber of Commerce, GIZ and the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs and Media, and made possible by contributions from the governments of Austria and Germany, the in-coming and current OSCE Chairmanship.

Related Stories

• Migration and human trafficking in focus of joint visit of OSCE Special Representative, Parliamentary Assembly humanitarian Chair, to Italy’s Lampedusa
• Winners of OSCE design contest challenge violent extremism with creative cartoons
• Concluding Meeting of the 24th OSCE Economic and Environmental Forum

PAVLODAR, Kazakhstan, 12 July 2016 – An OSCE-supported roundtable discussion on public participation mechanisms in environmental decision-making took place today in Pavlodar for some 25 representatives of the national and local government offices, the private sector, civil society and academia.

The event concludes the project on the environmental decision-making process and raising awareness of the Aarhus Convention’s provisions supported by the OSCE Programme Office in Astana and implemented in partnership with the Pavlodar Aarhus Centre.

The participants discussed challenges in accessing environmental information and finding ways to promote more effective implementation of the Aarhus Convention. They also reviewed project results and research findings and developed follow-up recommendations to be considered by the relevant authorities.

“Considering the importance of the role of state agencies in the development of public participation in decision-making and seeking to improve this process, I consider the work of the roundtable discussion to be highly important,” stated Aigerim Kabyltayeva, Deputy Head of the Division on Subsoil Use Management, Environment and Water Resources of the Pavlodar region.

Colin McCullough, Political Officer of the OSCE Programme Office in Astana, noted that public participation contributes to a transparent and open process and improves the quality of decisions. “We hope that today's event will strengthen co-operation between all parties in addressing environmental issues in the region and will help to better understand the need to develop joint approaches to solve them,” he said.

The event is part of the OSCE Programme Office’s efforts at promoting good governance and environmental protection. It complements the host government’s plans to improve compliance with the provisions of the Aarhus Convention and to implement the related Maastricht Recommendations on Public Participation in Decision-making in Environmental Matters.

Related Stories

• OSCE supports water co-operation in southern Kazakhstan
• OSCE Programme Office supports training for defence lawyers in Kazakhstan on the new criminal procedure legislation
• OSCE Programme Office supports public hearings on libel and slander legislation in Kazakhstan

WARSAW, 3 June 2016 – Michael Georg Link, Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), expressed concern today over yesterday’s sentencing by a court in Dushanbe of two leaders of the banned Islamic Renaissance Party (IRPT) to life imprisonment, and 11 other high-ranking party officials to jail terms ranging from two to 28 years.

“The harsh sentences handed down yesterday, following the earlier ban of the IRPT and the arrest and harassment of its members and their families and lawyers, raise concerns in relation to the commitments Tajikistan has made as an OSCE participating State to uphold key values of democracy, including political pluralism and political participation,” the ODIHR Director said. “ODIHR has raised this issue with the authorities in the past, and asked for more information on the rationale behind these actions.”

The IRPT party officials were convicted and sentenced by the court on charges that they had conspired in and taken part in the organization of an army coup in the country in September 2015. At that time, the Supreme Court banned the party as an “extremist and terrorist organization”.

The trials leading up to yesterday’s sentences were held behind closed doors, with the proceedings off-limits to the media as well.

“Fair-trial rights are a central element of the rule of law, and measures limiting public scrutiny of and access to criminal proceedings can only undermine confidence that these rights are being upheld,” Director Link said. “ODIHR continues to stand ready to support the Tajik authorities in fulfilling the country’s OSCE commitments in the areas of political pluralism and the rule of law.”

Related Stories

• OSCE/ODIHR Director concerned about reported rise of hate incidents in the United Kingdom, supports calls for tolerance in a challenging time
• OSCE/ODIHR Director Michael Link expresses shock over Orlando shootings, commends calls for unity in face of hatred and terror
• ODIHR Director Link welcomes U.S. Supreme Court decision throwing out conviction, death sentence of African-American man from all-white jury

Armenia’s civil rights activists, government officials, representatives of media and civil society were presented with awards in recognition of their outstanding efforts to promote human rights, rule of law, government reforms and free speech in the country on 23 June 2016 in Yerevan.

Established in 2012, the Universal Rights Awards Ceremony was the first initiative to highlight contributions of state and civil society representatives in promoting human rights organized by joint efforts of international community.

Argo Avakov, Head of the OSCE Office in Yerevan, presented the Woman of Courage Award to Jemma Hasratyan, the founder and president of the Armenian Association of Women with University Education. “The OSCE is pleased to present this award to Jemma Hasratyan, a highly active and well-respected public figure who has tirelessly sought to enhance women’s role in society and promote equal rights and equal opportunities for men and women in Armenia," said Avakov.

Citizen Observers Initiative received the Freedom Defender Award for their outstanding contribution to the electoral transparency and the establishment of rule of law and the Photolure news agency was given the Media Excellence award for journalistic professionalism and commitment in the coverage of public protests against electricity price increase in summer of 2015.

First Deputy Minister of Territorial Administration and Development Vache Terteryan was presented with Government Reformer Award for his commitment and leadership which have been crucial in the implementation of the local governance reform in Armenia. Zaruhi Batoyan, who received the Promoting Inclusion Award, was acknowledged for her commitment to creating equal opportunities for people with disabilities and significant contribution in ensuring that disabled individuals and their families are not segregated.

The newly introduced Promoting Justice of All Award was presented to a judge from the Lori District Court, Narine Hovakimyan, in recognition of her courageous efforts to ensure independent judiciary in Armenia.

The Universal Rights Award Ceremony was co-organized by the OSCE Office in Yerevan, the United States Embassy, the Delegation of the European Union to Armenia, the British Embassy, Council of Europe’s Office in Yerevan and the United Nations Armenia Office.

Related Stories

• OSCE enhances legal and human rights education in Armenia
• OSCE Office in Yerevan presents awards to best women entrepreneurs in Armenia
• OSCE promotes unified application of law and predictability of justice in Armenia

VIENNA, 14 June 2016 – Preventing and responding to the terrorist radicalization of youth north and south of the Mediterranean was in focus of the OSCE Mediterranean Contact Group meeting held today in Vienna.

“We need to step up efforts to prevent radicalization amongst youth”, said the Chairperson of the Contact Group, Permanent Representative of Austria to the OSCE Christian Strohal. “Ensuring the participation of youth, socially, economically and politically, is very important in this regard.”

Fadwa Al Ahmadi, a youth activist from Tunisia, stressed the need to create spaces for youth to express themselves: “Youth empowerment is crucial in preventing violent extremism in North Africa. We must help them to be heard.”

Véronique Roger-Lacan, the Permanent Representative of France to the OSCE, said: “We support wholeheartedly the efficient work carried out by the UnitedCVE team, in their relationship with the youth of the OSCE’s 57 participating States. We call on civil society to maintain its engagement against the radicalization of youth. We continue to co-operate in the fight against recruiters and terrorists.”

French filmmaker Fabienne Servan Schreiber, who works on creating counter-narratives to radicalization in film, stressed the importance of working with parents affected by violent extremism and sharing their stories: “Parents are on the frontlines and must be at the centre of the fight against violent extremism and radicalization leading to terrorism.”

“We must help parents to help their children,” said Valérie de Boisrolin, President of the French Association Syrie-Prevention-Famille, whose daughter left to Syria in 2013. “There is such ignorance about religion among young people who leave to fight in Syria. We also need to make youth aware of the reality of terrorism on the ground, violence and abuse. We must unite and do all we can to work with young people who come back from the hands of ‘Daesh’.” 

OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier launched in 2015 the organization-wide campaign ‘OSCE United in Countering Violent Extremism’ (#UnitedCVE) to underscore that the OSCE stands together as one in countering violent extremism and radicalization leading to terrorism.

Related Stories

• Winners of OSCE design contest challenge violent extremism with creative cartoons
• #LetsDoodle: challenging violent extremism with cartoons
• OSCE organizes field study in sustainable energy for the OSCE Mediterranean Partner Countries.

Dean Linda Livingstone interviews Fortune Editor-at-Large Patricia Sellers, who offers her thoughts on the Fortune Most Powerful Women, the magazine's 9th annual review of female executives leading the largest businesses in the United States. (Part 1 of 2)

Dean Linda Livingstone continues her interview with Fortune Magazine Editor-at-Large Patricia Sellers, who discusses her thoughts on former HP CEO Carly Fiorna, who had recently released her book "Tough Choices: A Memoir." (Part 2 of 2)

Deborah Platt Majoras, Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission, shares her stories and examples of authentic leadership during her recent visit to Pepperdine University in Irvine, California. (Part 1 of 2)

In a personal interview with Dr. Linda Livingstone, Deborah Platt Majoras, Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission, discusses leadership and the general background of the Federal Trade Commission. Mrs. Majoras also answers various questions from audience members. (Part 2 of 2)

Andy Bird, President of Walt Disney International, discusses the development of international operations and branding of Walt Disney Corporation. He discusses the importance of changing the way the company thinks internally and how it operates throughout the world. (Part 1 of 2)

In a personal interview with Dr. Linda Livingstone, Andy Bird, President of Walt Disney International, discusses how leadership can bring change to a company with a strong culture, such as Disney, to accomplish goals. Mr. Bird also answers various questions from audience members. (Part 2 of 2)

Bruce Rosenblum, President of Warner Bros. Television Group, discusses his leadership in developing new business models for the evolving television landscape including video-on-demand, broadband, and wireless offerings. Mr. Rosenblum also sat down for a personal interview with Dr. Linda Livingstone, Dean of the Graziadio School of Business and Management. (Part 1 of 2)

Bruce Rosenblum, President of Warner Bros Television Group, sits down for an interview with Dr. Linda Livingstone, Dean of the Graziadio School of Business and Management. Mr. Rosenblum also answers various questions from audience members. (Part 2 of 2)

Robert Simpson, President and COO of Jelly Belly Candy Company, presents "A Culture of Innovation". Mr. Simpson talks about building the Jelly Belly brand awareness, developing new markets, and the history of the Jelly Belly Company.(Part 1 of 2)

Robert Simpson, President and COO of Jelly Belly Candy Company, sits down for an interview with Dr. Linda Livingstone, Dean of the Graziadio School of Business and Management. Mr. Simpson also answers various questions from audience members. (Part 2 of 2)

Steve Lopez, columnist for the Los Angeles Times, shares his insights and experiences from a 30-year award winning career to an audience at the Graziadio School of Business and Managerment on Drescher Campus. (Part 1 of 2)

Steve Lopez, columnist for the Los Angeles Times, sits down for an interview with Dr. Linda Livingstone, Dean of the Graziadio School of Business and Management. Mr. Lopez also answers various questions from audience members. (Part 2 of 2)

Kathryn Karlic, President of institutional sales and marketing for GE Asset Management, shares her insights and experiences from a 35-year career in financial services to an audience at the Graziadio School of Business and Management on Drescher Campus. (Part 1 of 2)

Kathryn Karlic, President, Institutional Sales and Marketing for GE Asset Management, sits down for an interview with Dr. Linda Livingstone, Dean of the Graziadio School of Business and Management. Ms. Karlic also answers various questions from audience members. (Part 2 of 2)

Ann Winblad, Co-founder and Director of Hummer Winblad Partners, shares her insights and experiences from 30-years experience as a successful software entrpreneur and venture capitalist to an audience in Silicon Valley at Techmart. (Part 1 of 2)

Ann Winblad, Co-founder and Director of Hummer Winblad Partners, sits down for an interview with Dr. Linda Livingstone, Dean of the Graziadio School of Business and Management. Ms. Winblad also answers various questions from audience members. (Part 2 of 2)

Ann Weiser, Chief Human Resources Officer for Activision Blizzard, Inc., shares her insights and experiences from a successful career in human resources to an audience at the Graziadio School of Business and Management on Drescher Campus. (Part 1 of 2)

Ann Weiser, Chief Human Resources Officer for Activision Blizzard, Inc., sits down for an interview with Dr. Linda Livingstone, Dean of the Graziadio School of Business and Management. Ms. Weiser also answers various questions from audience members. (Part 2 of 2)

Julia Stewart, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer for DineEquity, Inc., shares her insight and experiences from 35 years in the food service industry to an audience at the Graziadio School of Business and Management on Drescher Campus. (Part 1 of 2)

Julia Stewart, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer for DineEquity, Inc., sits down for an interview with Dr. Linda Livingstone, Dean of the Graziadio School of Business and Management. Ms. Stewart also answers various questions from audience members. (Part 2 of 2)

Sheri Miksa, Former CEO, President and Director of Robeks Juice Franchise Corporation, shares her thoughts and experiences on her 25 years of experience working in the food service and hospitality industry. (Part 1 of 2)

Sheri Miksa, Former CEO, President and Director of Robeks Juice Franchise Corporation, sits down for an interview with Dr. Linda Livingstone, Dean of the Graziadio School of Business and Management. Sheri also answers various questions from audience members. (Part 2 of 2)

Priscilla Stewart-Jones, Senior Vice President, Human Resources, McKesson Corporation, U.S. Pharmaceutical Group shares her thoughts and experiences on her 20 years of experience working in the field of human resources. (Part 1 of 2)

Priscilla Stewart-Jones, Senior Vice President, Human Resources, McKesson Corporation, U.S. Pharmaceutical Group, sits down for an interview with Dr. Linda Livingstone, Dean of the Graziadio School of Business and Management. Priscilla also answers various questions from audience members. (Part 2 of 2)

Elizabeth Lowery, Vice President of Environment, Energy, and Safety Policy for General Motors, shares her thoughts and insights in the field of environmental responsibility and its impact on General Motors. (Part 1 of 2)

Elizabeth Lowery, Vice President of Environment, Energy, and Safety Policy for General Motors, sits down for an interview with Dr. Linda Livingstone, Dean of the Graziadio School of Business and Management. Elizabeth also answers various questions from audience members. (Part 2 of 2)

Caroline Nahas, Managing Director for the Southern California Offices of Korn/Ferry International, shares her thoughts and insights in the field of executive recruitment, employment, and its impact on the current state of the economy. (Part 1 of 2)

Caroline Nahas, Managing Director for the Southern California Offices of Korn/Ferry International, sits down for an interview with Dr. Linda Livingstone, Dean of the Graziadio School of Business and Management. Caroline also answers various questions from audience members. (Part 2 of 2)

Brian Moynihan, President of Consumer and Small Business Banking for Bank of America, shares his insights on leadership, banking and the impact of the current state of the economy on small businesses. (Part 1 of 2)

Brian Moynihan, President of Consumer and Small Business Banking for Bank of America, sits down for an interview with Dr. Linda Livingstone, Dean of the Graziadio School of Business and Management. Brian also answers various questions from audience members at the Jonathan Club in Downtown Los Angeles. (Part 2 of 2)

James Gianopulos, Chairman and CEO of Fox Filmed Entertainment, discusses the upcoming Fox film, Avatar and its long road to production. (Part 1 of 2)

James Gianopulos, Chairman and CEO of Fox Filmed Entertainment, sits down for an interview with Dr. Linda Livingstone, Dean of the Graziadio School of Business and Management. James also answers various questions from audience members at 20th Century Fox Studios in West Los Angeles. (Part 2 of 2)

John Coyne, President and CEO of Western Digital, talks about how his four decades of work experience has impacted his leadership style and professional success. (Part 1 of 2)

John Coyne, President and CEO of Western Digital, sits down for an interview with Dr. Linda Livingstone, Dean of the Graziadio School of Business and Management. John also answers various questions from audience members. (Part 2 of 2)

Leslie A. Margolin, President and General Manager of Anthem Blue Cross, talks about the issues and changes in health care. (Part 1 of 2)

Leslie Margolin, President and General Manager of Anthem Blue Cross, sits down for an interview with Dr. Linda Livingstone, Dean of the Graziadio School of Business and Management. Leslie also answers various questions from audience members. (Part 2 of 2)

Ned Barnholt, Founding CEO of Agilent Technologies ,shares his lessons learned on leadership as well as experiences at both HP and Agilent. (Part 1 of 2)

Ned Barnholt, Founding CEO of Agilent Technologies, sits down for an interview with Dr. Linda Livingstone, Dean of the Graziadio School of Business and Management. Ned also answers various questions from audience members. (Part 2 of 2)

John Figueroa, president of McKesson Corporation, U.S. Pharmaceutical Group, discusses the business of innovation in healthcare. (Part 1 of 2)

John Figueroa, president of McKesson Corporation, U.S. Pharmaceutical Group, sits down for an interview with Dr. Linda Livingstone, Dean of the Graziadio School of Business and Management. John also answers various questions from audience members. (Part 2 of 2)

Randy Pond, Executive Vice President, Operations, Processes, and Systems at Cisco, discusses the model of leadership used by his company. (Part 1 of 2)

Randy Pond, Executive Vice President, Operations, Processes, and Systems at Cisco, sits down for an interview with Dr. Linda Livingstone, Dean of the Graziadio School of Business and Management. Randy also answers various questions from audience members. (Part 2 of 2)

Deborah Nelson, Chief of Staff Enterprise Sales, Marketing and Strategy at Hewlett-Packard Company presents on green business and global trends. (Part 1 of 2)

Deborah Nelson, Chief of Staff Enterprise Sales, Marketing and Strategy at Hewlett-Packard Company sits down for an interview with Dr. Linda Livingstone, Dean of the Graziadio School of Business and Management. Deborah also answers various questions from audience members. (Part 2 of 2)