Security Days event starts with calls for frank and open discussion on security

Opening the two-day Security Days conference on 17 June 2013, OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier called for a broad and open discussion on security issues in the OSCE region and invited members of academia, think tanks and civil society to share their ideas.

The event will look at new and enduring security challenges stemming from within the OSCE region as well as from its neighbourhood. Participants will discuss potential new tools to address these challenges and promote dialogue and co-operation. Topics include conflict prevention, addressing transnational threats and the perspectives of the OSCE in 2020.

A special night owl session – presented by and aimed at young people -  will address the impact social media and other new communication technologies have on security.

This is the fifth Security Days events since the series was launched last year to bring fresh attention to the politico-military activities of the OSCE while expanding the debate on the role of the Organization as a whole. Previous events have focused on reconciliation processes, the future of conventional arms control in Europe, and international efforts in addressing security threats stemming from Afghanistan.