International and regional co-operation key to tackling the complex security threats of today agree OSCE leaders

WASHINGTON D.C., 24 October 2019 – OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Slovak Minister for Foreign and European Affairs Miroslav Lajčák, and OSCE Secretary General Thomas Greminger discussed yesterday the role of international organizations and regional co-operation in preventing conflicts at an event moderated by Baroness Catherine Ashton of Upholland, Chair of the Global Europe Program of the Wilson Center and former EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

Asked by Baroness Ashton about the current state of international organizations, OSCE Chairperson Lajčák stressed that different organizations have unique features and expertise: “I am optimistic when it comes to effective multilateralism, as our organizations – international and regional alike – complement, rather than duplicate, each other. But there is always room for more synergy.” “Currently the potential of multilateral institutions is not fully capitalized and more political buy-in is needed.”

OSCE Secretary General Thomas Greminger added that the OSCE has an effective toolbox for conflict prevention and resolution, but urged participating States to use it more systematically, particularly its inclusive platform for dialogue to help bridge the differences.

Making the case for conflict prevention, OSCE Chair Lajčák stressed that it makes sense"both financially and for our people". “The trend over the last couple of years is towards investing more into conflict prevention. In the past, international organizations intervened when there was no peace left to keep. But conflicts do not happen overnight. You can see the warning signals flashing ahead of time and we need to do more to tackle the root causes of conflict in an inclusive way. And this means doing more to ensure women’s leadership and participation, and including the voices of youth and local populations in everything we do.”

The Secretary General pointed to the OSCE’s success in conflict management, notably in Ukraine; in promoting inclusive dialogue, including in the politico-military sector; and in helping states to deal with transnational threats and to become more resilient to the root causes of conflict.

All three agreed that with the speed and scale of the challenges facing governments and people today - from transnational threats, to eroding arms control, climate change and rapid technological progress – multilateral conflict prevention and international co-operation are ever more important.

While in Washington D.C., the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office also met with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Acting Assistant Secretary of State Philip Reeker, and representatives of the international community.