Today in Struga at the “Conference on the Economic and Environmental Dimension of the OSCE” organized within the framework of the presidency of North Macedonia with the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in 2023, representatives from the 57 OSCE member states, the private sector, academia, civil society and international organizations discuss key economic and environmental issues affecting common security in the OSCE region. The topic: “Promoting security and stability in the OSCE area by achieving sustainable development and durable and inclusive economic growth” stimulated an interesting, interactive and focused discussion, which could result in concrete and actionable recommendations for the OSCE and its participating countries on of great importance for all countries in the region.
At the opening of the Conference, in the moderated session, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman Bujar Osmani, the Deputy Prime Minister in charge of Good Governance Policies Slavica Grkovska and the Minister of Environment and Physical Planning, Kaja Shukova and the Deputy Minister of Energy of Ukraine, Yaroslav Demchenkov had their speeches.
“The potential of the OSCE in mitigating the serious economic and environmental challenges that our societies face today must not be overlooked. The organizational structure and significant projects that the OSCE implements throughout the region can really make a difference and contribute to people’s well-being,” Osmani said.
From the aspect of good governance policies, the Deputy Prime Minister in charge of Good Governance Policies, Slavica Grkovska pointed out the imperative for good governance in today’s interconnected world where economies and the environment do not recognize borders. “It is a cornerstone on which today’s prosperous societies are built, where trust, integrity and sustainable development are nurtured through good governance,” she added.
In her opening speech, Minister Shukova indicated the environmental challenges that the region is facing and their impact on water resources, agricultural yields, the loss of biodiversity and the integrity of ecosystems, but also emphasized that now is the right moment for governments to change their approach and put their countries on sustainable trajectories that prioritize economic opportunity, poverty reduction and planetary health and enable long-term economic, social and environmental prosperity.
“The OSCE has a role in raising awareness of potential risks related to climate security, in building capacities, assessing and addressing these risks in a participatory manner and involving all relevant stakeholders.” This is not only because of the comprehensive approach to security, but also because there is a broad regional framework needed to play an appropriate role in such a regional approach,” Shukova pointed out.
The introductory session, as well as the three thematic sessions, are focused on the key topics related to anti-corruption, interconnection, energy security and climate change, which are central topics for the mandate of the OSCE in the Second Dimension and represent the priorities of our country’s presidency in 2023. The Presidency wishes to use the opportunity provided by this conference to continue the long-standing political dialogue on economic and environmental issues related to security that traditionally takes place within the framework of the Economic and Environmental Forum (EEF).