The Forum’s work

The Forum plays a central role in implementing the participating States’ commitments regarding confidence- and security-building measures. These commitments are enshrined in one of the Organization’s most important politico-military documents: the Vienna Document. The OSCE participating States are engaged in fundamental confidence- and security-building measures, which provide for the regular exchange of military information. Among other issues, this information includes a calendar of annual activities, defence planning and budgeting, data on major weapon and equipment systems, and prior notification of military exercises and deployment. The Vienna Document provides a complex verification regime among the participating States, as well as the opportunities for de-escalation of tensions and for clarifications.

The OSCE helps implement United Nations Security Council resolution 1540 on the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and supports its participating States in their efforts to control small arms and light weapons and stockpiles of conventional ammunition.

The OSCE build trust and confidence among the OSCE participating States through measures like arms control and security-building and works on conflict prevention and resolution for both international and internal conflicts.

The OSCE is committed to promoting and supporting the implementation of United Nations Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) on women, peace and security in the OSCE region. The Organization supports efforts to engage both women and men in conflict prevention, crisis management and post-conflict rehabilitation.

Conflict Prevention Centre