Enhancing co-operation is the focus of meeting between the OSCE and Mediterranean Partners for Co-operation

Today, OSCE and Mediterranean Partners for Co-operation ambassadors discussed broadening their dialogue to include sustainable development and climate change.

Recent studies have shown how challenges like rising temperatures and sea levels, and increased water scarcity make the Mediterranean basin particularly vulnerable. These challenges will affect the region’s security, especially when compounded by other factors such as inequalities and resource constraints, which force people to abandon their homes and seek refuge elsewhere, with women and girls affected disproportionately.

Preparing the ground for further co-operation and discussion, the Partners for Co-operation shared their commitments, best practices and ways forward related to sustainable development and climate change, stressing the importance of a collective approach and the importance of dialogue.

Climate change has been part of the OSCE’s agenda since 2017, when the Madrid Declaration on Environment and Security defined a complementary role for the OSCE in addressing climate change challenges. Since then, the OSCE has provided a platform for political dialogue on climate-related security risks and implemented activities to raise awareness and build capacities for assessing and addressing potential security risks stemming from climate change.

In 2020, the OSCE Mediterranean Conference initiated a high-level discussion on the importance of environmental and climate change co-operation to advance sustainable development and common security in the OSCE Mediterranean region.

The way forward sees a strengthened dialogue within the OSCE to support climate-sensitive and gender responsive economic recovery that creates opportunities for green growth and jobs, and technological advancements. There are several ongoing projects, including one dedicated to identify the security implications of climate change and map hotspots in the OSCE region.