Poland in the OSCE

Ambassador Adam Hałaciński, Permanent Representative of Poland to the OSCE and Chair of the APCG, highlighted in the opening remarks that “in the world fraught with conflicts and uncertainties, the pursuit of peace is not a mere aspiration, it is an imperative for the well-being and dignity”. He also noticed that the number of people in need of humanitarian assistance has been steadily increasing, the Russian aggression against Ukraine alone has caused that approximately 17.6 million people – 49 per cent of the current Ukrainian population – now need humanitarian assistance and protection, a vast increase from more than 3 million people who needed aid at the start of 2022.

 - The rich experience gained in Asia and related to peacekeeping can also have an impact on other regions like the demining of Cambodia can serve as an example for Ukraine, which is currently one of the most mined areas in the world - said Ambassador Adam Hałaciński. He also stressed his appreciation for Japan’s growing engagement in peacebuilding and humanitarian efforts.

Ambassador of Japan, Ryuta Mizuuchi, pointed out that although the Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has shattered the foundations of the OSCE, the Organisation is still relevant and Japan has been supporting the OSCE for more than 30 years. He stressed the importance of the ongoing debate in Japan on the role of individuals in peacebuilding. OSCE Secretary General Helga Schmid thanked Poland and Japan for their initiative to organise the conference and pointed to the OSCE principles which are at the core of the Organization. She highlighted successful OSCE projects, including enhancement of women’s role in peace and security dimension in selected participating States.

Deputy Director-General of Foreign Policy Bureau of Japan, Mr. Takao Imafuku focused on the development and peacekeeping nexus emphasizing that investing in people and building a resilient society is key. Ms. Mihoko Kumamoto, Director of the Division for Prosperity, United Nations Institute for Training and Research presented some concrete examples of initiatives focusing on empowering individuals and promoting inclusiveness in a post-conflict situation. Director General of Cambodia Mine Action Centre, H.E. Heng Ratana shared his extensive experience in mine action in Cambodia as well as a concrete example of cooperation with Ukraine.

Deputy Director of Conflict Prevention Centre, Ms. Catherine Fearon underlined that the OSCE has been investing in some 30 projects in participating States focusing inter alia on empowering women, prevention of human trafficking, building strong and resilient societies. Director of the OSCE Border Management Staff College (BMSC), Mr. Jace Livingston pointed out the concrete contribution of the College as a comprehensive training centre in the OSCE region.

The exchange of experience and lessons learned between OSCE and the Asian partners shall enhance close cooperation in tackling shared security challenges.

 

Photo: Micky Kroell/OBWE