It’s About People and their Future: Op-ed by OSCE Chairman-in-Office Bujar Osmani

When I assumed the role of OSCE Chairman-in-Office in January this year, I felt a strong sense of responsibility to uphold the Organization's values and principles, seriously undermined by the Russian Federation’s war of aggression against Ukraine. This feeling remains prevalent today, almost halfway through the 2023 OSCE Chairpersonship of North Macedonia.

Against all odds, we are seeking ways to promote dialogue, trust, and co-operation actively among all participating States, which have committed to sharing these ideals to ensure human security and improve people's lives.

Facing unprecedented difficulties that have shaken people’s sense of security and everyday normality, we have chosen a simple, yet powerful motto for our Chairpersonship of few words: "It's about people.” After all, it should always be about them. Our duty. Our service. Our political action. Our Organization, the OSCE.

This rings true in our own Western Balkans region, just as it does elsewhere across the wider OSCE area. It does not matter where we find ourselves or what our context is, we all desire the same basic things: security, well-being, and – above all – peace. As I stated at the United Nations Security Council one week ago, “Peace is the driving force of multilateralism and is the most precious ideal of humankind. Therefore, we must join forces around our joint pursuit for peace.”

In these difficult times, it is essential that we exercise wisdom, be accountable for our actions, and remain committed and responsive to those we represent. This is true for participating States across the OSCE region, including Bosnia and Herzegovina and its leaders. Elected and appointed representatives have a responsibility to ensure well-being for their fellow citizens, and this means ensuring security, safety, the rule of law, freedoms, equality, and prosperity for all.

I am looking forward to visiting Bosnia and Herzegovina for the first time as OSCE Chairman-in-Office on 12 and 13 May. During my visit, I will meet with key officials and institutions, representatives of civil society, and international organizations working in the country. In light of the current political tensions, all relevant stakeholders should engage in dialogue to resolve any dispute that affects the lives of citizens. In particular, rather than focusing on divisive, inflammatory rhetoric, political leaders should engage in trust-building and finding common solutions for the people. People in Bosnia and Herzegovina deserve leaders who build unity, rather than create division. Unity of voice and unity of purpose. This is the main message to the leadership of the country.

At the same time, all those entrusted with a mandate to lead should engage in consistent reforms. It is concerning to see that in this day and age journalists face intimidation and pressure while proposed legislation could stifle the free exchange of ideas; education is being misused to create further divisions; and that corruption and nepotism continue to impede economic development.

The OSCE, through its field mission and eight field offices, represents a steadfast partner to the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina and, despite the challenges, we firmly believe that there is much to be hopeful about regarding the country’s future. In my own country, we faced numerous challenges in recent decades. The OSCE continues to support North Macedonia in addressing these challenges in a spirit of partnership that has brought considerable success in many areas, including inter-ethnic relations. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, we are encouraged by the many examples of citizens who choose to work together, across ethnic and administrative divisions, for the good of their communities. In places like Bosanski Petrovac and the Majevica region, there are inspiring stories of local leaders and citizens coming together for the benefit of all. We are proud to support their efforts, and I am eager to learn more about these positive stories and meet some of these local heroes, striving for cohesion and a joint, prosperous future.

The challenges facing this country are complex, but as I have witnessed first-hand in my own country, solutions can be found through constructive dialogue, mutual respect and co-operation. People simply have to want to find them. The resolute implementation of reforms will support socio-economic growth, strengthen institutions, and improve the lives of all citizens. The OSCE, in particular its Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, is there to contribute to and support success stories in the country and in our own region.

Ultimately, we should never lose sight of the fact that all of our efforts are about people, including all of the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina and their future.