OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and German Foreign Minister Steinmeier and OSCE Secretary General Zannier open 10th Conference for German staff in International Organizations

Berlin, 9 June 2016 – In his opening remarks at the 10^th Conference for German staff in International Organizations, OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier paid tribute to Germany’s support for to Organization’s work: “Germany’s contribution to the OSCE is exemplary, both in terms of political and financial support, as well as through the provision of qualified seconded experts who make up the greater part of our staff.

OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier stated that fostering international security is a difficult and very complex task: “We are used to thinking in small steps and to celebrating small successes. These steps may often appear to be too small in the eyes of many media observers, however. Such commentators overlook the fact that new stability can emerge from the mosaic of small steps and that this can shape a path towards peace.”

 “Our OSCE colleagues’ work is difficult; it requires tact, commitment and, in many cases, tenacity. And it is essential, even if success is not guaranteed and is also not always apparent”, said Steinmeier.

Zannier highlighted the OSCE’s pioneering concept of comprehensive security, which encompasses political-military, economic and environmental, as well as human aspects:

“Many of the security challenges we face today are cross-dimensional and interrelated. As a result, we deal with a diverse set of issues; arms control, terrorism, good governance, elections, media freedom, tolerance and non-discrimination are only some of them.

The OSCE Secretary General told participants that the OSCE’s needs for specific expertise are evolving with topics such as migration, climate change mitigation, or sustainable development. “The availability of qualified secondees, in particular in the field operations, is a critical factor for our operational success. It is therefore crucial that conditions offered by our seconding States attract candidates with the right level of experience” stressed Zannier.

The Conference aims to support networking between German employees in international organizations as well as with the German government, and provides a forum to aims at discuss current global challenges. About 300 participants, from young professionals to the leadership level who work in various organizations such as the OSCE, the United Nations, European Union institutions, and other regional or international agencies, can chose from 25 round tables to discuss a wide variety of issues.