Media advisory

VIENNA, 7 September 2007 - The role of secure and environmentally sustainable maritime and inland waterway networks in enhancing regional security and economic co-operation is the focus of an OSCE conference in Helsinki on 10-11 September.

The conference will gather over 150 participants, representing Governments, international organizations, civil society and the business community to discuss issues related to transport security as well as on the environmental aspects of maritime and inland waterway co-operation. Special attention will be paid to the Northern European, especially the Baltic Sea as well as Black Sea experiences in this regard. Participants will attempt to identify the most adequate public and private responses to these challenges and better define the role of the OSCE in that regard.

The OSCE aims to promote a better understanding of these issues, to raise awareness and recommend actions to address the security and environmental implications as well as improve co-operation in the maritime and inland waterways sector in its region. The OSCE will provide a broad forum for dialogue between Governments, international organizations and other stakeholders.

The Helsinki Conference is organized by the incoming Finnish Chairmanship of the OSCE and the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities.

Media representatives are invited to attend the opening session from 9.00 to 9.30 on Monday, 10 September at Hilton Helsinki Kalastajatorppa, Kalastajatorppa 1, 00330 Helsinki. Please bring a valid press ID.

The Helsinki conference is the first preparatory event for next year's 16th OSCE Economic and Environmental Forum, which will focus on "Maritime and inland waterway co-operation in the OSCE area: Increasing security and protecting the environment". The forum is to be held in two stages - on 28 and 29 January 2008 in Vienna; and from 19 to 21 May 2008 in Prague. A second preparatory Conference will be organized in Ashgabat on 6-7 March 2008.