OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Linde appoints Special Representatives

VIENNA, 15 January 2021 - The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden Ann Linde, announced today the appointments of her Special Representatives for 2021.

The Special Representatives of the Chairperson-in-Office are appointed to assist the CiO in her work to resolve crises and conflicts in the OSCE region and to ensure better co-ordination of participating States’ efforts in specific areas.

“I am very pleased to present this list of competent colleagues, including representatives from a broad range of countries, as well as a gender balanced team. I feel confident that, together, we will have an efficient and successful year as the Chair,” Linde said.

Many of the former representatives of the Albanian Chair will continue their work in 2021. The newly appointed representatives of the Swedish CiO include Ambassador Kent Härstedt as Special Envoy of the Chairperson-in-Office; Rosaline Marbinah, Special Representative on Youth and Security; Liliana Palihovici, Special Representative on Gender; Professor Anita Ramasastry, Special Representative on Anti-Corruption, and Ambassador Annika Soder, Special Representative for South Caucasus.  

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the former representatives of the Albanian Chair for their dedication and important work,” CiO Linde said.

The representatives will support the CiO in her efforts within the Swedish Chairpersonship's prioritized areas: defending the European security order; upholding the OSCE’s concept of comprehensive security and supporting efforts to resolve conflicts in the OSCE region. In addition to this, Linde emphasized cross-cutting issues that are crucial to strengthening security in the region.

“Within their mandates, the representatives will contribute to strengthening gender equality across all aspects of the OSCE’s activities. This will include a strong focus on the Women, Peace and Security agenda as well as a focus on women’s economic empowerment. Another priority is the inclusion of civil society organisations in meetings and activities. The perspectives and contributions of civil society are valuable in the work of all three dimensions,” said CiO Linde.

The representatives will also draw upon the important work of the autonomous institutions in their endeavours.

Find the full list of representatives here.