YouTube transcript
Video ID: KRYMwpQ44X0
Language: en
Captions: authored or unspecified

[0:07] With 57 participating states in Europe, Asia and North America,
[0:12] the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe is the world’s largest regional security organization.
[0:20] The OSCE is an inclusive forum for dialogue on security issues
[0:25] and a platform for joint action to improve the lives of individuals and communities throughout the OSCE area.
[0:37] The OSCE’s approach to security is comprehensive and its engagement covers many relevant areas:
[0:44] from hard security issues such as conflict prevention and arms control,
[0:48] to fostering economic development, ensuring the sustainable use of natural resources,
[0:53] and promoting full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.
[0:59] The OSCE traces its origins to the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe,
[1:04] which led to the signing of the Helsinki Final Act in 1975 –
[1:09] a ground-breaking agreement that established ten fundamental principles for governing relations between states,
[1:15] focusing on co-operation and the peaceful settlement of disputes.
[1:21] Today, the OSCE is an intergovernmental organization
[1:25] in which all 57 participating States work as equals.
[1:30] Decisions are taken by consensus, on a politically binding basis.
[1:35] Each year, a different participating State chairs the Organization,
[1:39] with that country’s foreign minister serving as Chairperson-in-Office.
[1:43] A Ministerial Council meeting is held annually to review OSCE activities and provide overall direction,
[1:50] while ambassadors meet each week in Vienna at the Permanent Council
[1:53] and the Forum for Security Co-operation.
[1:58] The OSCE has several structures, each with its own area of competence and mandate.
[2:04] The OSCE Secretary General acts as the representative of the Chairperson-in-Office
[2:09] and supports him or her in all activities aimed at advancing the goals of the OSCE.
[2:15] The Secretary General is also the Organization’s chief administrative officer
[2:20] and heads the Secretariat, based in Vienna, which directly supports the Chairmanship.
[2:27] As a tool of conflict prevention, the High Commissioner on National Minorities, based in The Hague,
[2:32] uses quiet diplomacy and early action to seek resolution of ethnic tensions
[2:37] that might endanger peace, security and stability.
[2:42] The Representative on Freedom of the Media, based in Vienna,
[2:45] provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom,
[2:50] and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments.
[2:56] The Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, based in Warsaw,
[3:01] promotes respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law,
[3:05] strengthens democratic institutions and promotes tolerance and non-discrimination,
[3:10] and acts as the OSCE contact point on Roma and Sinti issues.
[3:16] The Parliamentary Assembly brings together more than 300 lawmakers
[3:20] from the parliaments of OSCE participating States
[3:24] to promote inter-parliamentary dialogue and co-operation.
[3:28] Most of the OSCE’s staff and resources are deployed in field operations
[3:34] that support their host countries in the implementation of their OSCE commitments.
[3:38] Or, like the Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine, are engaged in crisis management or conflict prevention activities.
[3:47] The OSCE helps to bridge differences and build trust –
[3:51] at no time in recent history has this mission been more vital for European security than it is today.
[3:58] In times of growing division within Europe
[4:01] and increasingly complex transnational and global threats and challenges,
[4:05] the OSCE remains a key regional platform for inclusive dialogue and joint action.