Secretary General discusses role of OSCE in ensuring European security at conference in Moscow

The comprehensive approach of the OSCE to contemporary security challenges and its efforts to redefine its agenda and reinvigorate conventional arms control processes were key themes of OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier’s address to a high-level conference in Moscow on 23 May 2013.

“In today’s globalized world, security is no longer a zero-sum game. States cannot confront transnational threats like terrorism, drug trafficking and cyber-security challenges alone. We are all in it together: strengthening the security of one benefits the whole community,” Zannier said.

He added that the OSCE’s comprehensive approach to security, inclusiveness, dialogue and consensus-based decision-making were the Organization’s greatest strengths, and spoke of the need to achieve better balance in the work of the Organization and complete its reform.

The conference largely focused on politico-military aspects of European security, including arms control.

“Conventional arms control in Europe is widely seen as a historic success. But even in the new circumstances, the OSCE region is in no less need of modern arms control and confidence- and security-building measures and arrangements today than in previous decades,” the Secretary General stressed, adding that existing documents in the OSCE framework, though in need of modernization, provide a “solid foundation” for future work.

The conference was hosted by the Russian Defence Ministry.