OSCE Conflict Cycle Seminar: inclusivity in conflict prevention and resolution efforts crucial

VIENNA, 19 May 2021 — Enhancing conflict prevention and resolution efforts through an inclusive ‘whole-of-OSCE approach’ was the topic of an online Conflict Cycle Seminar for delegations of OSCE participating States and Partners for Co-operation hosted on 17-19 May by the Swedish OSCE Chairpersonship, in collaboration with the OSCE Secretariat.

This year marks the 10^th Anniversary of the OSCE Ministerial Council Decision No. 3/11 on ‘Elements of the Conflict Cycle’ which has been instrumental in strengthening the Organization’s capacities for early warning, conflict prevention and resolution, crisis management, as well as post-conflict rehabilitation and peacebuilding.

The event brought together over 200 participants and covered topics from the role of women and civil society in early warning and peace processes to ways to enhance the OSCE’s capabilities to address root causes of tensions and instability, in particular through the OSCE field operations.

In the opening session, OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde, Deputy Minister Marcin Przydacz from the incoming Polish chairpersonship, OSCE Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid, Ms. Ekaterine Gamakharia, from the Cultural Humanitarian Fund “Sukhumi” and UN Assistant Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia and the Americas, Mr. Miroslav Jenča, underlined the need to work jointly to identify how to best employ and strengthen the existing toolbox. The importance of implementing the women, peace and security agenda was addressed by all.

“To build confidence in peace efforts, we need to advance the women, peace and security agenda and ensure women a meaningful and effective engagement in all stages of conflict resolution and peacebuilding. Input from civil society helps us take better decisions”, said OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde, opening the seminar.

OSCE Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid said: “Conflicts are rarely one-dimensional - most of them are rooted in issues like political polarization, socio-economic disparities, environmental degradation, and deficiencies in the rule of law and the security sector. To live up to OSCE principle and commitments, these root causes must be addressed comprehensively and inclusively, by building and strengthening the relevant institutional capacities, and building public trust in such institutions.”

A side event co-organized by the OSCE Chairpersonship, together with the Permanent Delegation of Finland to the OSCE and the Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation, focused on how multilateral conflict cycle instruments can be enhanced through the inclusion of civil society actors and women peacebuilders.

“The exclusion of women from peace and transition processes means that women’s specific perspectives and priorities are not considered. Female participation needs involvement of local women and women’s rights organizations throughout the conflict cycle,” said Petra Tötterman Andorff, Secretary General of the Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation.