Regional organizations must step up their efforts to co-operate more effectively to maintain peace and security, says OSCE Secretary General at Vienna UN Conference

In the face of growing transnational and global threats, regional organizations must step up their efforts to co-operate more effectively to maintain peace and security, said OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier at the Vienna UN Conference on 13 January 2016.

Speaking about the role of regional organizations in promoting regional security and sustainable development, Zannier emphasized the need to increase co-ordination between international and regional organizations to ensure an effective division of labour, efficient use of resources and to create new synergies.

He pointed out that conflict and confrontation, the violation of the core tenets of international law, and violent extremist ideologies are on the rise and are affecting the international system.

“Conflict in and around Ukraine, protracted unrests in Iraq, Syria and Libya and the rise of brutal non-state actors like ISIS, as well as an unprecedented influx of refugees and migrants fleeing conflict and poverty have negative security reverberations in Europe and other neighbouring regions,” said the OSCE Secretary General.

He also emphasized that the OSCE, as the world’s largest regional security organization under Chapter VIII of the UN Charter, firmly supports international efforts to maintain peace and security by providing a strong link between European and global security.

“The response to the crisis in and around Ukraine is the most visible example of the OSCE’s ability to live up to its Chapter VIII responsibilities and take collective action in the face of a crisis at both the political level and on the ground,” he said.

Zannier also highlighted the role that regional organizations can play in implementing the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.

“One of the OSCE’s key contributions to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda will be its enduring engagement in conflict prevention, conflict resolution and post-conflict rehabilitation. The OSCE will continue to serve as a platform for inclusive dialogue and co-operation around hard and soft security issues, which have a direct impact on development. By working together, we can multiply our impact.”

The Vienna UN Conference is an annual event organized by the Academic Council of the United Nations System.