Co-operation on implementation of SDGs can be a positive example of effective multilateralism, say participants at OSCE Security Days event

VIENNA, 4 June 2019 – About 180 diplomats, experts and civil society representatives gathered today at the United Nations Vienna headquarters to discuss the OSCE’s contribution to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The OSCE Security Days event, organized by OSCE Secretary General Thomas Greminger and hosted by the United Nations Office in Vienna, focused on analysing the application of the SDGs in the context of the work of the OSCE, particularly SDG 16 on peace, justice and strong institutions and SDG 13 on climate change. Participants also discussed the role of the OSCE which, as a partner and in the spirit of SDG17, makes a valuable contribution to sustainable peace, security and development.

OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and Slovakia’s Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Miroslav Lajčák, in his opening video message pointed out that the OSCE, like the Sustainable Development Goals, has a comprehensive approach to peace and security. “In fact, back in 1975, the founders of our Organization were already a few steps ahead. They realized that security cannot be measured simply with guns, tanks and troops. And that, actually, areas like good governance, trade, human rights and the environment are just as crucial,” said Lajčák.

The OSCE, as the largest regional security organization in the world, is active in both stable countries and conflict settings. It has its own expertise, its own prevention toolbox, its own local knowledge, which enable it to uniquely contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals.

Both Lajčák and Greminger, together with other speakers, stressed the importance of sharing ideas, best practices and lessons learned from the practical work of OSCE field missions and the institutional expertise in Vienna, Warsaw, The Hague and beyond. They also called for more dialogue and co-operation with the United Nations and other regional, civil society, and private sector partners.

Many speakers emphasized the essential role of gender as a cross-cutting issue in relation to the SDGs, as well as the vital importance of the contribution of youth to the implementation of the agenda that will have an impact on their futures.

Concluding the day’s discussions, Secretary General Greminger said: “This was an experience that was alarming, inspiring but also encouraging. It showed us how we can contribute more to the 2030 Agenda and how these goals help focus the role of the Organization.”

“The OSCE works on implementing the SDGs every day. We need to map and brand much better what we do,” he said.

At the same time, he underlined the urgency of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: “We cannot have business as usual, particularly in relation to climate change and security. I think this is an issue that deserves more attention in the OSCE.”

“We need to move much faster. Too many people - in the OSCE space and beyond - will get left behind if we do not pick up the pace. This means more; more financing, more commitments, more partnerships, more action,” Chairperson-in-Office Lajčák concluded.