OSCE Forum in Prague: Energy co-operation, new technologies, good governance and connectivity in the digital area

The concluding meeting of the 27^th OSCE Economic and Environmental Forum (EEF) will open in Prague at the Czernin Palace on 11 September and will focus on economic progress and security in the OSCE area through energy co-operation, new technologies, good governance and connectivity in the digital era.

The meeting is organized by the 2019 Slovak OSCE Chairmanship and the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities. It builds on the results of two preparatory meetings held in Vienna and Bratislava earlier this year.

Why the Forum?

The Forum’s main objective is to stimulate political dialogue and generate recommendations for OSCE participating States in dealing with economic and environmental challenges.

What is happening for three days in Prague?

Senior government officials and experts from academia, NGOs, international organizations and the private sector will discuss ways to ensure sustainable development with good environmental governance; how to reduce the environmental footprint; strengthening dialogue for co-operation on energy security; and the impact of digital transformation and good and transparent governance in the digital era.

OSCE Chairperson-in Office and Minister for Foreign and European Affairs of Slovakia Miroslav Lajčák, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic Tomáš Petříček, OSCE Secretary General Thomas Greminger, and Deputy Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania Etjen Xhafaj will open the event.

What is the role of the OSCE?

Economic and environmental matters have always been an integral part of the OSCE agenda, reflecting the Organization’s comprehensive approach to security.

The OSCE provides analysis, capacity building, training courses and regional workshops focusing on the protection of critical energy networks, the promotion of an energy security dialogue, good governance and transparency in the energy sector, sustainable energy and energy diplomacy.The  OSCE supports its 57 participating States in promoting economic connectivity and addressing strategic energy security issues.

Who does the OSCE work with?

The Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities (OCEEA) works with national governments as the main decision-makers; the private sector and industry associations, academia and civil society.

The OCEEA works closely with the OSCE field operations and specialized partner organizations, such as relevant UN and different international agencies.

What is the Economic and Environmental Forum?

The EEF is the main meeting-cycle within the Economic and Environmental Dimension of the OSCE. Its objectives are to identify needs and priorities, to raise awareness and to stimulate the political will of the 57 OSCE participating States in dealing with economic, environmental and security-related challenges, to share best practices, as well as to provide a platform for dialogue with representatives of international organizations, the business and academic communities, and civil society.

Engage online

Follow the EEF activities and discussions via @OSCE and @Slovakia_OSCE Twitter accounts, #EEFOSCE.