Facing common challenges: strengthening co-operation between the OSCE and Mediterranean regions
The OSCE and Mediterranean regions are interdependent and face similar challenges. This reality is behind the long-standing co-operation between the OSCE’s 57 participating States and our six Mediterranean Partners for Co-operation: Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Morocco and Tunisia.
I have just returned from Jordan, where I attended the 2022 OSCE Mediterranean Conference that was organized by North Macedonia and hosted by Jordan. I have a long professional and personal relationship with Jordan, having seen throughout my career the positive role played by our hosts in addressing security challenges.
Sustainable security is not found in isolation but in co-operation. Just as we are not isolated from the impacts of problems in one region or another, we should not be isolated in our approaches to addressing them.
In the 1975 Helsinki Final Act, there was already a recognition of the security link between Europe and the Mediterranean. This has only grown in the years since.
Today the Middle East is facing the spill over effects of instability in Europe – from the war against Ukraine. Russia’s unjustified invasion of Ukraine in February has shaken the European security order as we knew it. We are all now grappling with the conflict’s wide-raging consequences.
I’d like to briefly touch on some of the issues we addressed during the conference.
Young people represent our future and are instrumental in shaping our policies and addressing challenges. And this is where the OSCE is working with participating States and our partners to help address the challenges that youth face and to integrate youth perspectives into our work.
This is important, because beyond the socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, young people are confronted with rising inequality, the climate crisis, and violent conflict.
This is true in Europe and Eurasia. It is also true in the Middle East and North Africa where the proportion of young people in the population is significant and growing.
Young people continue to advocate for decisive action to tackle gender inequality and climate change, uphold human rights and democracy, promote inclusive education and dialogue, and build sustainable peace. They have the right to be heard and heeded. And this is particularly important in times of crisis. Violent conflict has a particular effect on youth.
Climate change and its impact on security was also at the centre of our discussions. Egypt will soon host COP27, bringing together leaders from around the world to address individual and collective responses to the changing climate. And the OSCE along with its partners is committed to playing a constructive role in addressing the security implications of climate change.
Another timely topic we addressed is the need to empower women. Strengthening women’s leadership is particularly dear to me and central in the OSCE agenda on gender equality. Empowering women in all sectors is key to achieving equality and contributes to secure and prosperous societies.
But, unfortunately, when it comes to women’s full and equal participation in the economy, we’re not there yet. Too many gaps and barriers persist in the distribution of care work, skills and training, and, most importantly, in leadership. There are also challenges and persistent barriers that keep women from entering and retaining tech-based jobs.
The Women, Peace and Security agenda is one in which we’re all invested, and while this focuses primarily on protection, prevention, and participation in peace processes, we also know that sustainable security has to be comprehensive and inclusive.
We face deep challenges to our security. But we all benefit from discussing and addressing these challenges together, looking for joint solutions. Co-operation with our Mediterranean partners is an imperative part of the work OSCE is doing to enhance security, and I look forward to building on this co-operation today and tomorrow and well into the future.