Promoting security through sustainable development and economic growth in focus at OSCE conference on economic and environmental security

STRUGA, 14 June 2023 — Promoting security and stability in the OSCE area through sustainable development, and resilient and inclusive economic growth, was the focus of the 2023 Struga Conference on the Economic and Environmental Dimension of the OSCE that took place in Struga, North Macedonia, on 13 and 14 June. 

The event provided a platform for representatives from the OSCE’s 57 participating States, the private sector, academia, civil society and international organizations to engage in discussions on economic and environmental aspects of security in the OSCE region against the backdrop of Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine.

Chairman-in-Office Osmani said: “The potential of the OSCE in mitigating the vast economic and environmental challenges our societies are facing today shall not be underestimated. Through its structures and valuable project work across regions, it can truly make a difference for the people.”

“I firmly believe that we must work together by sharing information and fostering regional and cross-regional cooperation, in order to truly make an impact on the ground. It is imperative for all participating States to address the far-reaching consequences of the current situation by putting in place measures and economic plans that promote sustainable development. We must stand together in enabling resilient and inclusive economic growth, as the theme of this conference and the guiding lines for all four thematic sessions,” he added. 

With the aim of strengthening dialogue and exchanging best practices, participants discussed ways to strengthen good governance through transparency and anti-corruption measures, address challenges cause by climate change, promote energy security, and foster resilience through trade and transport facilitation.

“The consequences of the war extend far beyond the military theatre”, said Igli Hasani, Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities. “There are wider and far-reaching implications, especially in terms of global climate action, energy security and regional connectivity.  To address them effectively, the OSCE participating Sates must take immediate action and put in place robust partnerships with the private sector, scientific community, international organizations and civil society”, he added.

Covering a broad range of topics at the intersection of the environmental and economic issues, which constitute the OSCE’s second dimension of security, participants and speakers underlined the urgency of developing tools to strengthen safety, resilience and prosperity in the fields of climate, the environment, technology and trade.

The approximately 150 participants who joined the event used the opportunity of the conference to continue the longstanding political dialogue on economic and environmental issues linked to security.

The 2023 Struga Conference on the Economic & Environmental Dimension of OSCE was organized by the 2023 OSCE Chairpersonship, with the support of Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities.