Video contest: civil society in the OSCE area

A video contest on positive examples of civil society in action is open to residents of the 56 OSCE (the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe) states, ages 18-30, from 24th August to 2nd October 2009. Students, journalists and civil society members are particularly encouraged to take part in the contest.

Winners, to be announced in mid-October, will receive a trip to Vienna for the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall and the Iron Curtain at the OSCE on 5-6 November.

From the very start of the OSCE at the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe (CSCE) in 1975, the participating States declared their commitment to “promote and encourage the effective exercise of civil, political, economic, social, cultural and other rights and freedoms all of which derive from the inherent dignity of the human person“.

In January 1989, the States affirmed their pledge to “respect the right of their citizens to contribute actively, individually or in association with others, to the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms”.

That year bore witness to the courage and determination of Europe’s citizens, who opened the path to freedom, democracy and true participation in the development of their societies.

A part of the Iron Curtain separating Europe during the Cold War, the Berlin Wall was torn down on 9 November, an historic event that symbolized the end of the Cold War and the emergence of a Europe whole and free, calling for a new beginning. According to political scientist Vladimir Tismaneanu, “the road to 1989-1991 was prepared by the less visible, often marginal, but critically significant in the long run, workings of what we call now civil society“.

Twenty years after the historic events of 1989, the OSCE continues to recognize the important role civil society plays in fostering stability, security and respect for human rights. The anniversary presents an excellent opportunity to reflect on the many achievements of civil society in all three dimensions of security – the politico-military, the economic and environmental, and the human – throughout the OSCE area.

The OSCE challenges residents of the 56 OSCE participating States, especially students, journalists and civil society members, to take part in a video contest aimed at raising awareness about the importance of civic participation and highlighting positive examples of civil society in action.

The deadline for submissions is 2nd October. 

Contest rules

Video submissions, which can include slideshows with audio, should be no longer than three minutes. They must be in English or have English subtitles. You may only enter one video in the contest.

Entries should address the theme “Taking part – civil society initiatives in the OSCE area” and highlight examples of civil society in action in the three OSCE dimensions of security. This can include political, social and educational initiatives by non-governmental organizations or other groups and private citizens.

Participants are encouraged to submit their videos via YouTube. You will need to set up an account to do this. For more information please see http://www.google.com/support/youtube.

The video link, along with a short description of the content, should be included in the entry form.

Completed entry forms should be e-mailed to takingpart-2009@osce.org.

If you cannot submit the video via YouTube you may send your submission on a USB stick or other standard storage medium to the following address:

Taking part – contest
OSCE Press and Public Information Section
Wallnerstrasse 6
1010 Vienna, Austria

All eligible entries will be judged by an international jury whose decisions are final and binding in all respects and not subject to appeal. Submitted entries will be evaluated according to relevance to the contest theme and OSCE values, originality, creativity, quality of production and message.

Finalists’ videos will be published on the OSCE website, YouTube channel and Facebook sites. Entries submitted via post may be uploaded to these sites by the OSCE.

Incomplete entry forms will lead to disqualification.

Questions regarding the contest or submission process can be sent to takingpart-2009@osce.org.

 

Source:

www.osce.org