OSCE Office in Minsk promotes dialogue on values and impact of global economic crisis

MINSK, 19 May 2010 - A conference on "Sociology and values amid the global economic crisis", initiated by the OSCE Office in Minsk, was held at the Belarusian State University's Faculty of Philosophy and Sociological Sciences today.

The event brought together foreign and national experts with students and faculty staff to discuss how the global crisis may impact the values of societies.

Ambassador Benedikt Haller, the Head of the OSCE Office in Minsk, said: "The OSCE promotes a comprehensive approach to security that also addresses challenges in the economic, energy or environmental spheres that could put peace and prosperity in the region at risk. Such an approach to peace and security is based on common values, and it is important to maintain a continuous, open dialogue with state institutions, academia and civil society, particularly in the context of the global economic crisis, which continues to have an impact on all countries in the OSCE region."

The conference is part of co-operation with the Faculty of Philosophy and Sociological Sciences to promote understanding of OSCE values and commitments. In July, the faculty and the OSCE will publish a booklet comprising contributions from the experts attending the conference.