3.1 Fostering Roma leadership for positive change Roma form the largest minority community in Europe, and yet they continue to face exclusion and formidable obstacles in exercising their right to participate meaningfully in the economic, political, social and cultural life of their societies. ODIHR has repeatedly drawn attention to this underrepresentation, and underlined the fact that Roma and Sinti, and in particular women and youth, are largely absent from relevant decision-making bodies and processes. The Action Plan on Improving the Situation of Roma and Sinti in the OSCE Area was established on the principle “For Roma, with Roma”. This posits the genuine involvement of Roma on all issues affecting them in order to develop effective inclusion measures and end the racism and discrimination they currently experience. Political processes should thus ensure the early involvement of Roma and Sinti, and remain inclusive and transparent throughout. To meet this commitment, ODIHR has identified creative solutions to promote the participation of Roma and Sinti representatives in national and local decision-making processes. The Office organizes training for Roma NGOs and Roma communities on democratic processes and participation, and designs programmes that encourage Roma and Sinti to stand as candidates for elected bodies. In 2019, ODIHR organized and hosted its first annual Roma Leadership Academy, named after Nicolae Gheorghe, a prominent Roma human rights activist who was also ODIHR’s first adviser 46 DEMOCRACY AND HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE OSCE on Roma and Sinti issues. There were 20 young Roma participants, all of whom are currently in elected or appointed office or are candidates for public office or representatives of Roma civil society. The Academy was tailored to help participants understand ways in which they can maximize the leverage provided by their positions. They acquired the skills needed to undertake stakeholder analysis, influencer mapping, effective briefing and reporting, negotiating, as well as draft and deliver speeches. These young Roma from Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Romania, Slovakia, and Ukraine, now have a better sense of how to capitalize on their positions and talents to advance Roma inclusion. The plan to build up an Academy alumni has already borne fruit, as participants have begun collaborative efforts to address Roma and Sinti issues after returning to their own countries. ODIHR looks forward building on this success and extending the Academy to other future Roma leaders from throughout the OSCE region.