Education about the need for children to learn the official state language, and serve as an example of joint confidence-building between national institutions and local governments. The first multilingual, multi-ethnic higher education institution was opened some years later, bringing together students from both the majority and non-majority communities. Throughout the process, the OSCE fostered transparency as an essential tool to resolve issues related to the institution. The OSCE and other representatives of the international community became members of the university committee, together with representatives of relevant ministries, national academic institutions, the national minority council and others. The OSCE played a pivotal role in fostering communication and mutual understanding between all the parties involved, particularly between national institutions and the minority council. As an added advantage, the institution also began attracting students from abroad who were interested in studying in one of the minority languages. 4. Lessons learned Education is a fundamental element of sustainable peace and democracy. Yet, in polarized societies—particularly in post-conflict settings—it remains one of the most controversial and heavily politicized issues. Accordingly, there are many examples from SouthEastern Europe that show how education has been exploited to reinforce ethnic stereotypes and prejudices. Such co-opting of education has an immensely negative impact on reconciliation, paving the way for further intolerance, segregation, and discrimination. 58