Regional organizations, co-operation, women are crucial for effective mediation, says OSCE Secretary General

Effective co-operation between regional players and international organizations and the adequate representation and participation of women are crucial for effective mediation, OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier told a meeting of the Initiative on Mediation in the Mediterranean Region in Brdo, Slovenia, on 11 March 2014.

“Mediation is an indispensable tool to address full-blown conflicts, but perhaps more importantly it serves to defuse tensions before they escalate,” he said.

Zannier said that regional actors, including both states and civil society, have an important role to play in mediation because most conflicts today affect not only the countries directly involved, but the region as a whole.

He stressed that when different organizations are involved in mediation, it is important that they work towards a common goal and that there is a clear division of labour allowing each organization to bring its added value to the process.

Zannier noted that the inclusion of women is key to mediation. “Experience shows that the involvement of all segments of society increases popular support for peace negotiations. It also ensures that issues affecting all people – men and women – are addressed in peace agreements. This in turn makes it more likely that agreements are implemented.”

“Mediation is part of the DNA of the OSCE,” he said, noting that during the Cold War, the organization’s forerunner, the Conference for Security and Co-operation in Europe, served as one of the main platforms for dialogue between East and West. “In helping to address the challenges of the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, the OSCE can play an important role as a forum for dialogue and a platform for action.”

On the margins of the meeting, Zannier held discussions with Slovenia’s Foreign Minister Karl Erjavec. The Secretary General praised Slovenia’s commitment to promoting dialogue in the service of peace and security.

The meeting was organized by the Foreign Ministry of Slovenia’s Bled Strategic Forum. The Forum serves as a space for dialogue among leaders from the private and public sectors on key issues facing Europe and the world.