The University of Andorra (UdA) hosted, from 5 to 7 October 2026, a new educational initiative for young people organised by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Government of Andorra, entitled Connecting the dots: Climate change, Gender equality and Youth inclusion. Over three days, a total of 18 young people discussed and exchanged views on issues related to climate change, gender equality, inclusion, peace and security. They also took part in information and applied learning sessions with OSCE experts, as well as a negotiation simulation exercise designed to strengthen their policy-making skills.

The Rector of the UdA, Juli Minoves, together with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Imma Tor, the Ambassador of Andorra to the OSCE, Jaume Serra, the Head of the OSCE Gender Issues Programme, Lara Scarpitta, and the Senior Adviser to the OSCE Secretary General, Andrea Salvoni, welcomed the participants in the initiative on Monday morning. The 18 young participants came mainly from Andorra, as well as from Albania, Bulgaria, Denmark, France, Georgia and the Netherlands.

In his address, Minoves highlighted the need to address challenges that are often considered separately, such as climate change, gender equality and youth inclusion, in an integrated way. In this regard, he stressed that ensuring equal participation and incorporating different experiences and perspectives into decision-making is not only a matter of fairness, but also a prerequisite for building more inclusive societies. The Rector also highlighted the role of young people and universities in promoting critical thinking, international understanding and a culture of dialogue and cooperation.

In her address, Minister Tor highlighted Andorra’s commitment to the values of the OSCE, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the Principality’s accession to the organisation, and emphasised the role of multilateralism, dialogue and the defence of peace and security in Europe. She also stressed the importance of continuing to promote women’s participation in decision-making processes, as well as protecting mountain environments and educating and training future generations.

The training coincided with the 24th Autumn Meeting of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA), held in Andorra from Wednesday to Friday, with more than 400 participants, including parliamentarians, delegates, institutional representatives and speakers from 51 countries. The young people taking part in the training at the UdA had the opportunity to meet and exchange views with young parliamentarians from the OSCE region who were in Andorra, as well as with the Secretary General of the OSCE PA, Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu.

Publication date: 7 October 2026