7th Meeting of the OSCE Economic Forum

• Energy and the environment: security and the importance of sustainable energy development; institutional and legal settings, including the implementation of international conventions and instruments
• Security aspects of shared water resources and regional co-operation, taking into account the different institutional and legal settings, including the implementation of international conventions and instruments
• Public participation: the role of civil society, the UN/ECE Aarhus Convention, NGOs and the business sector in achieving sustainable development; the involvement of the OSCE

The Forum also took up a discussion on the subject of environmental security. The participants stressed the relevance of the overall theme of the Forum for long-term security and stability in the OSCE area. It was highlighted that the role of the OSCE in the economic dimension is to give political impulses to co-operation among participating States and to the work of specialized intergovernmental organizations.

The participants reviewed challenges and opportunities inherent in the development and distribution and use of energy resources in the OSCE area. It was noted that secure supplies of energy are a prerequisite for long-term stability and security.

The OSCE participating States share common interests in the energy sector, such as ensuring secure energy supplies (including diversification of supplies and markets, properly regulated energy trade and transit), competitiveness and efficiency, together with reconciling energy developments with environmental obligations. They reiterated their commitment to move towards more sustainable energy policies, in particular by increasing energy efficiency, and promoting renewable energies. They saw a capacity of the OSCE to enhance dialogue on this issue.

The OSCE has the potential for facilitating the sharing of best practices in this field, and encouraging transfer of technology and development of stable framework conditions for commercial investments. The key role played by the European Energy Charter for energy co-operation in the OSCE region was highlighted.