Need for multidimensional approach to sustainable energy focus of OSCE meeting

VIENNA, 7 February 2011 – Sustainable energy, energy security and OSCE support are being discussed at the first preparatory meeting of this year’s Economic and Environmental Forum, which started in Vienna today.

The two-day meeting brings together participants from the OSCE’s 56 participating States, international and regional organizations, non-governmental organizations and partner countries. Topics include energy efficiency and sustainable use of traditional and new energy sources, effective national policies for sustainable energy, good governance and transparency in the energy field, and regional and sub-regional co-operation.

“Long-term energy security largely depends upon the sustainable production and consumption of energy. In this light, we take a holistic view on energy security,” said Egidijus Meilunas, the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, representing the 2011 OSCE Chairmanship at the opening session of the meeting.

“A thorough analysis is required in order to find the best solutions on how to diversify sources, routes and technologies in energy production, guarantee protection of critical energy infrastructure and to promote transparency and good governance in this field. However, we strongly believe that the interrelated challenges - such as climate change, sustainable resources management and energy efficiency - must be effectively addressed at the same time in order to help us to facilitate the long-term goals of energy security.”

“Energy security is a multidimensional concept, which includes both internal and external actors and actions. It is more than sustainability, competitiveness and security of demand, supply and transport. Economic, political and security measures have to be applied in combination to generate essential synergies,” said OSCE Secretary General Marc Perrin de Brichambaut. “In gathering together this week some of the leading experts from academia, NGOs, international organizations and governments, the OSCE is fulfilling its potential as a platform for dialogue and exchange of ideas with regard to energy issues.”

“The pertinence of the topic is undeniable for all of us. The world is currently facing interrelated challenges such as energy scarcity, degradation of the environment and economic downturn. We cannot deny the risk this reality entails for the security and stability in our region,” said Goran Svilanović, the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities. “It is in our interest to focus on responding to these challenges in such a manner that may benefit all of us. To this end, dialogue among all of us and sharing of experiences and best practices are fundamental. I am confident that our Forum offers a perfect framework to establish a fruitful collaboration.”

The theme of the Nineteenth OSCE Economic and Environmental Forum is "Promotion of common actions and co-operation in the OSCE area in the fields of development of sustainable energy and transport". The Second Preparatory Meeting on development of sustainable transport will be held in Druskininkai, Lithuania on 4 and 5 April, to be followed by the concluding Meeting in Prague on 14 to 16 September.