14  : :  ELECTIONS “ The Czech Republic has a long history of seconding observers to ODIHR election missions and we appreciate the support we receive from ODIHR in preparing and deploying observers. As with all participating States, we have a shared responsibility with ODIHR to ensure that all observers are fully prepared for their work and exercise the highest levels of professional behaviour when carrying out their important duties. This first-ever meeting of national focal points for election observation was a much welcomed step by ODIHR in this regard.” Jan Kamínek, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic election observation missions. ODIHR contributed to courses organized by the German Centre for International Peace Operations, the Folke Bernadotte Academy in Sweden, the Solidarity Fund in Poland, the Central Election Commissions of Kazakhstan and of Uzbekistan, and the European InterUniversity Centre for Human Rights and Democratisation in Italy. ODIHR also provided briefings on its methodology at several academic workshops and events. Through extra-budgetary funding, ODIHR also provided comprehensive election observation training to broaden the pool of potential observers from participating States that do not regularly send election observers and, thus, are eligible under the Fund for Diversification. In 2018, ODIHR hosted a training course for long-term observers, in December in Belgrade. In total, 27 potential observers (12 women, 15 men) from 15 participating States were trained for possible deployment on future missions. ODIHR continued to offer a free e-learning course for election observers, in both English and Russian. The course, which covers both short-term and long-term observation, remains popular with a wide-range of participants involved in elections from both governments and civil society, with over 7,500 people from more than 150 having completed it to date. INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATION In all of its activities, ODIHR promotes co-ordination and collaboration with its international partners, as well as with citizen observer groups. In 2018, ODIHR continued to partner with the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, the European Parliament and the NATO Parliamentary Assembly in the delivery of post-election statements, as well as with the Council of Europe’s Venice Commission for the preparation of election-related legal opinions. Co-operation has also continued with citizen observer groups and various observer networks, including the Global Network of Domestic Election Monitors (GNDEM). ODIHR also regularly engaged with international partners within the framework of the Declaration of Principles Group for International Election Observation, with a particular focus on follow-up activities and exchanging good practices. This included events organized with the United Nations, the Council of Europe, the European Union, the Commonwealth of Nations, International IDEA, the International Foundation for Electoral Systems and the Carter Center.