Playing a role in democracy.

• Position: OAS - Model OAS General Assembly

SEVERAL TIMES A YEAR, regional diplomacy takes on a youthful look, as high school or university students gather for what is known as the Model OAS General Assembly, or MOAS.

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Through this role-playing exercise, which simulates the regional organization's annual meeting of foreign ministers, young people have the opportunity to experience how the OAS works and to understand its impact on the political, social, and economic development of the member states. Students representing the 34 participating states defend the policies and interests of their assigned countries on topics related to democracy, human rights, integral and sustainable development hemispheric security, civil society participation, and trade, among other issues.

"The Organization of American States is committed to promoting democratic principles and practices among all sectors of society, including the youth of the hemisphere," said Irene Klinger, director of the OAS Department of External Relations. which organizes the events. "The Model General Assembly provides a dynamic way for students to learn about the role of the OAS in the promotion and consolidation of representative democracy and to see the importance of diplomacy, negotiation, and compromise in the search for common solutions to regional issues."

The exercise also helps the students develop and improve their leadership and communications skills, Klinger said, adding that the program reaches out to academic institutions, faculty, and students from different countries and diverse backgrounds.

Some 350 students participate in each MOAS session. At the end of November...