OSCE states review implementation of economic and environmental commitments

VIENNA, 16 October 2012 – Representatives of the 56 OSCE participating States met today in Vienna to discuss the implementation of their commitments on economic and environmental issues.

The two-day meeting also marks the 15th anniversary of the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities, established to enhance the Organization’s capacity to address economic, social and environmental aspects of security.

The Co-ordinator, Goran Svilanović, said: “This annual Economic and Environmental Dimension Implementation Meeting illustrates the increasing relevance of the economic and environmental dimension as an integral part of the OSCE concept of comprehensive, co-operative and indivisible security.”

“It provides a platform for enhancing dialogue and exchange of best practices, reviewing the implementation of decisions and commitments in the economic and environmental field, providing guidance for future work and streamlining co-ordination between participating States of the OSCE, the Organization’s units and field operations.”

The meeting opened with a panel discussion on the role of the OSCE in addressing economic and environmental issues with the five former and current Co-ordinators. During the event, participants will follow up on the discussions undertaken during this year’s Economic and Environmental Forum on promoting security and stability through good governance, looking ahead to the Ministerial Council meeting in Dublin in December.

Participants will also review the implementation of OSCE commitments on economic security and stability and the environment and security, including issues related to international economic co-operation and good governance, land degradation, water management, waterways and sustainable energy. They will exchange good practices and discuss the role of governments, civil society and local communities.

On the margins of the meeting, an OSCE handbook on using data collection to combat money laundering and terrorist financing will be launched. The publication was supported by the Irish OSCE Chairmanship and financed by Irish Aid.