Spotlight on how technological change impacts security at first 2019 OSCE economic and environmental talks

VIENNA, 28 January 2019 – Looking into how technological change impacts security was the focus of today’s First Preparatory Meeting of the 27th OSCE Economic and Environmental Forum held in Vienna.

Under the theme “Promoting economic progress and security in the OSCE area through energy co-operation, new technologies, good governance and connectivity in the digital era” participants from the OSCE region, international organizations, civil society, academia and the business community discussed opportunities and threats related to rapid technological change, digitalization and innovation.

Opening the meeting on behalf of the 2019 OSCE Chairmanship, Slovak Chairperson of the OSCE Permanent Council Ambassador Radomír Boháč, highlighted the positive and negative aspects of technological innovation: “Thanks to new technologies human well-being, including longevity, education and affluence have increased over time. On the other hand, technologies are evolving and spreading so quickly through all sorts of platforms that they have often outgrown the control of their creators.”

In 2019, the Slovak OSCE Chair aims to work towards a safer future for all people in the OSCE region. “Innovations are unstoppable. Even a small country like Slovakia is the birthplace of many breakthrough technologies,” Ambassador Boháč continued.

Much of today’s discussions revolved around good governance and energy co-operation, with participants arguing that digitalization is leaving its mark on both.

OSCE Secretary General Thomas Greminger noted that “the impact of the digital economy on how we produce and consume energy is already clearly visible. Increasing the use of renewable energy can only work because digital technologies make both consumers and producers more flexible and responsive.”

Greminger added that, at the same time, the increased monitoring and data gathering capacities of new technologies show a clear need for good governance and better co-operation: “We need to ensure that the technology is safe and secure and that privacy rights are respected. Our success in addressing issues such as e-governance, economic connectivity, and green energy while promoting digital security will depend in large measure on whether we can interact with the private sector in a meaningful manner.”

The Economic and Environmental Forum is the main platform for engagement within the Economic and Environmental Dimension of the OSCE. Its objectives are to identify needs and priorities, to raise awareness and to stimulate the political will of the 57 OSCE participating States in dealing with economic, environmental and security-related challenges, and to share best practices, as well as to provide a platform for dialogue with representatives of international organizations, business and academic communities, and civil society.

The second preparatory meeting will be held on 27 and 28 May in Bratislava, Slovakia. The concluding Forum will take place from 11 to 13 September 2019 in Prague.