This summer, I interned with the Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), a regional security organization headquartered in Vienna, Austria. Working with the delegation (VOSCE) was an incredibly valuable experience, both personally and professionally. Thank you to my award donors, Mr. Schull and Ms. Yang, for their support.
When looking for internships in the fall of my third year, I was hoping to gain first-hand experience in international relations. My VOSCE internship delivered this opportunity by giving me valuable insight into multilateral diplomacy during a pivotal period for European security—brought on by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Given the OSCE is the only international body where Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, EU member states, Canada, the US, Central Asian states and others meet each week around the same table, seeing how diplomats engaged with each other against the backdrop of a war was a fascinating learning experience.
Much of the Canadian delegation’s activity involved refuting false narratives about the war and demonstrating ongoing support for Ukraine in weekly statements at the OSCE’s decision-making bodies. During my time at VOSCE, the team was also in the thick of preparations for Canada’s upcoming fall Chairpersonship of the OSCE politico-military body, the Forum for Security Co-operation (FSC).
My responsibilities included attending the weekly FSC meeting and reporting on its proceedings to other Canadian missions and Global Affairs Canada headquarters. To support the Chairpersonship preparations, I oversaw mainstreaming gender into Canada’s agenda and helped with general research. Other duties I took on included organizing a reception for OSCE women working in the politico-military area and drafting and contributing to statements to be delivered by the ambassador. I also filled in for my colleagues and represented Canada at other OSCE meetings. When the opportunity arose later in my internship, I was fortunate enough to be asked to deliver a couple of formal statements on behalf of Canada.
Overall highlights of my internship included delivering a statement at the Permanent Council—the principle decision-making body for political consultation, being part of the OSCE gender action leaders’ group and attending NATO military advisor meetings. I was lucky that my delegation was keen to have me in different meetings. This gave me opportunities to challenge myself, learn as much as possible about the OSCE and diplomatic work in general, and form connections with other delegations as I was becoming a recognizable face for some. I gained an appreciation about the skills crucial for diplomacy—and successful workplaces in general. I suspect the lessons I am taking away about the teamwork and professionalism of my colleagues will prove just as valuable as what I learned about European security architecture.
My experience at VOSCE will tie back directly to my academic work, as international security has been a core component of my political science degree. Interestingly, my internship also links directly to my gender, sexuality, feminism, and social justice minor. As the delegation framed its priorities for the upcoming Chairpersonship, I was tasked as the gender lead to ensure our themes covered gender in a clear and nuanced manner. My colleagues also included me in the broader gender action work other diplomats were doing at the OSCE.
My internship has deepened my interest in international security and given me firsthand experience with the current European security architecture. Seeing diplomatic processes play out against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine showed me the urgency of diplomatic work as well as the cracks in its processes. No academic class could have accomplished this to the same degree. Talking to my colleagues, diplomats from other delegations, OSCE staff, and other interns has also given me greater insight into the diplomatic career path and what it entails. Heading into my last year of my undergraduate degree, I’ll be using my experience at VOSCE to inform my decisions about my future career path.
None of this would have been possible without the aid from the donors behind my internship award. The funds I received covered my living expenses and allowed me to focus on my internship. Thank you again to Mr. Schull and Ms. Yang for their generous support.
