The OSCE Secretariat bears no responsibility for the content of this document FSC.DEL/325/26 and circulates it without altering its content. The distribution by OSCE 17 September 2026 Conference Services of this document is without prejudice to OSCE decisions, as set out in documents agreed by OSCE participating States. ENGLISH only
United States Mission to the OSCE U.S. Statement for the Forum for Security Co-operation: General Statement As delivered by Ambassador Darrell Owens September 16, 2026
Thank you, Mister Chair, Lord Wood,
On behalf of the United States, I am happy to congratulate the United Kingdom on assuming the Chairmanship of the FSC for this trimester. We look forward to a substantive, balanced, and forward-looking program that keeps the FSC's core mandates at the center of our work. The United States stands ready to support the UK Chairmanship's priorities and to work constructively with all delegations toward solutions and practical outcomes.
One such outcome this year, the adoption of the first Unified Budget since 2021, proved the OSCE is capable of reforming and modernizing itself. A leaner, more effective OSCE is better equipped to work towards its primary objectives: reducing the risk of conflict and strengthening security and cooperation among participating States. The United States remains intent on continuing to lead these efforts by refocusing the organization around its core mandates and better measuring and communicating the real, critical impact of the OSCE’s efforts in this region. The United States looks forward to working with the UK Chairmanship to sustain that momentum throughout this trimester. Mister Chair,
The OSCE, and this Forum in particular, plays an instrumental role in creating opportunities for durable peace in the region, and right now there should be no greater priority than ending the war in Ukraine. Stopping the bloodshed remains President Trump’s top priority. One day this conflict will end, as all wars must. When that critical moment arrives, the OSCE must be ready to support the peace when called upon.
This will require extensive discussion and planning throughout the organization and with every participating State. The FSC must also consider the possibility of new tools and mechanisms to effectively address and mitigate the risks this conflict has laid bare and thereby create space for peace to thrive. To be successful in this, the FSC needs to return to its core purpose as a venue for productive discussion on military security issues. That will require all participating States to approach the FSC’s work with the political will to identify and pursue concrete, mutually beneficial objectives. The United States stands ready to support all of these efforts and calls on all other participating States to do so as well.
Mister Chair,
We look forward to working with you and all participating States this trimester to advance these priorities. Thank you, Mister Chair.