OSCE Chairpersonship convenes Security Review Conference

VIENNA, 29 June 2023 - Against a backdrop of a profound security crisis, a renewed commitment to restoring peace and security in the OSCE region and fostering meaningful multi-lateral exchange was the goal of the 2023 Security Review Conference. The 2023 Chairpersonship of North Macedonia held the event on 28 and 29 June under the title ‘Restoring peace and security, engaging in dialogue and rebuilding trust – For the people’.

The conference provided an opportunity for high-level representatives from participating States and Partners for Co-operation to review common security threats and challenges as well as the Organization’s role in tackling them.

Discussions focused on the ongoing humanitarian impact of Russia’s war against Ukraine, the means by which to mitigate a broad range of threats and challenges, and the central role of dialogue as a tool to de-escalate violence.

During his opening remarks, OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia, Bujar Osmani said: “Our plan for the second half of the year is to continue offering solutions that could contribute to the processes for peace and stability across the OSCE region. After all, the OSCE is designed to propose solutions and act. As I said on numerous occasions, a perpetual provider.”

Conversations also touched on the growing number of transnational threats, such as organized crime, radicalization and violent extremism, the OSCE region faces and the crucial part that co-operation plays in addressing them.

“As the world’s largest regional security organization, the OSCE is working to address challenges across the whole region and across the full spectrum, from enhancing border security to fighting corruption and illicit trafficking in small arms and light weapons to supporting the conduct of free and fair elections,” said OSCE Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid.