OSCE-UNODC staff meeting on Joint Action Plan stresses importance of co-operative approach to fight against transnational threats

Vienna, February 10, 2014 - Senior staff from The OSCE and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) met today to discuss achievements to date under the 2013-2014 Joint Action Plan and future opportunities for co-operation between the two organizations.

In his opening remarks, OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier underlined that transnational threats are a growing challenge in the OSCE region and they have become increasingly prominent on the OSCE agenda.  “Because of their complexity and cross-dimensional nature, transnational threats must be addressed through co-operative measures,” Zannier said.  He praised the Joint Action Plan for enabling the OSCE and UNODC to co-ordinate their efforts to counter transnational threats more effectively and to work together more closely.  “The Joint Action Plan allows us to make best use of our comparative advantages. I am pleased that the co-operation between our two organizations is strong – and growing stronger,” he added.

Speaking at the meeting, UNODC Executive Director Yury Fedotov commended the “exemplary co-operation” between the two organizations and said that the OSCE, with its focus on the promotion of comprehensive security and its network of field operations, was “an important regional partner in these endeavours.”

Staff from both organizations made presentations on joint efforts to fight illicit drugs, prevent terrorism, counter transnational organized crime, combat corruption and prevent human trafficking, among other issues. They also discussed potential new areas for co-operation in several sectors.