Skopje, 7 July 2023 (MIA) - Climate change and the consequences thereof are factors that increase insecurity and are ultimately directly related to security in the entire OSCE region. That is why it is necessary to give political support to OSCE's commitments for their mitigation, OSCE Chairman-in-Office and Foreign Minister, Bujar Osmani, said in his opening remarks at OSCE's first High-Level Conference on Climate Change in Vienna, Austria.

"Climate change creates not only immense stress on our natural surroundings, but its already visible and widespread impact threatens to influence the very stability and fabric of our societies by altering overall living conditions for humankind. Wars and conflicts only aggravate already complex environmental circumstances," Osmani told the opening of the Conference. 

Osmani pointed out that the appointment of a Special Envoy for Climate Change within North Macedonia's OSCE Chairmanship reaffirms that even amid these difficult times, the OSCE is committed to mitigating the negative effects of climate change.

"Such a new approach will provide political support to the OSCE's efforts to mitigate climate change and its consequences. I am confident that together we can succeed in mainstreaming climate action into our daily work and pave the way for sustainable energy, decarbonization, and the development of resilient, climate-adaptive societies. By prioritizing these efforts, we can contribute to a greener, more sustainable future for all," Osmani said. 

He stressed that political commitments must be supported by concrete action in all OSCE dimensions and by all participating countries. That is why the Conference is a great place to share innovative ideas and best practices.

"In addition, the OSCE will make available its capacities for assistance to the participating countries in the implementation of initiatives and projects, as well as for the prevention of related security and environmental risks," Osmani noted.

As part of the Conference, FM Osmani takes part in a panel discussion on 'Bridging national and global action –Regional co-operation to tackle climate change', the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a press release.

Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs