Strengthening Resilience, Enhancing Security Malta’s OSCE Chairpersonship 2024 2 Malta’s OSCE Chairpersonship 2024 3
At the core of Malta’s engagement commitments. is the imperative need to restore the international system to a state of Malta’s Chairpersonship will also peace. With its unique position at the focus on ensuring the broader crossroads of East and West, Europe functionality of the OSCE and finding and Africa, Malta is well-placed effective and sustainable solutions to serve as a bridge in this volatile for its leadership. Our mission, to global landscape. This is coupled build a bridge between Skopje and with our longstanding commitment Helsinki, is guided by the principles of to collaborative diplomacy, resilience and security. This means demonstrated by Malta’s dual role as finding an urgent solution to deliver a OSCE Chair-in-Office and an elected solid Unified Budget and predictable member of the United Nations leadership beyond September 3rd, Security Council. 2024.
The first of the Maltese In the spirit of inclusivity, Malta Chairpersonship’s overarching will build on North Macedonia’s priorities is our commitment to success in placing the region’s one keeping Russia’s illegal war of billion people at the centre of all aggression against Ukraine at the top OSCE initiatives. This approach of the OSCE agenda. We will remain will focus in particular on effectively steadfast in demanding Russia’s mainstreaming gender and increasing The Chair-in-Office’s full and immediate withdrawal from the meaningful engagement of youth Ukraine. This war must end. Until then in discussions. Introduction we will provide space for political dialogue, call out breaches of OSCE Malta’s leadership in the OSCE is commitments, and help ensure not to be seen in isolation, as we accountability. Malta pledges to work to optimise links with our strengthen the OSCE’s support for non-permanent membership of the It is with great honour that Malta Malta’s strategic priorities during its the people in Ukraine, particularly UN Security Council. This dual role assumes the Chairpersonship Chairpersonship. It encapsulates through the Support Programme for provides us with a unique position and of the Organisation for Security our approach to fostering regional Ukraine. Ukraine will also be a cross opportunity to identify constructive and Cooperation in Europe for security and addressing existing and cutting theme addressed in our synergies with UN’s largest regional the first time. In a world marked by emerging threats. It is a testament to thematic discussions during the year. partner organisation and promote evolving geopolitical dynamics, our commitment to strengthening the peace and security globally. complex security threats, and global OSCE’s resilience and capabilities to We will also prioritise the OSCE’s role uncertainties, we believe that the respond effectively and flexibly to the in helping to find a resolution to other Our Chairpersonship will leverage OSCE plays a pivotal role in fostering evolving security landscape. conflicts across the OSCE region, Malta’s diplomatic initiatives in New dialogue, promoting security and preventing escalation, and restoring York concerning the Women, Peace, stability, and enhancing cooperation The OSCE principles and stability. Our Chairpersonship and Security agenda. Additionally, among its participating States. commitments, including those will rely on the OSCE’s toolkit and we aim to give a new impetus to enshrined in the Helsinki Final Act expertise to support peace by the OSCE’s mission to enhance Against this backdrop, we take and Charter of Paris, serve as the facilitating dialogue towards durable resilience against cyber threats, up this role with a deep sense of bedrock of Malta’s approach to the and sustainable political solutions, tackle transnational threats, and commitment, humility, and pride, fully Chairpersonship in 2024. We reaffirm particularly in Eastern Europe and ensure adherence to conventional aware of the critical juncture at which our shared obligation to uphold these the South Caucasus. We will also arms control commitments. we are doing so. principles, emphasizing that they work to provide support to our Field are not optional but integral to the Fully cognisant of the fact that Operations and strengthen their This document serves as a roadmap, functioning of this Organisation. the security of our citizens is capacity to assist host authorities in providing a detailed overview of intrinsically connected to their implementing OSCE principles and 4 Malta’s OSCE Chairpersonship 2024 5
The Chair-in-Office’s Introduction continued
economic prosperity and the quality I would like to take this opportunity to of their environment, the Maltese express my gratitude to all those who Chairpersonship will prioritize have contributed to the development efforts to narrow digital divides, of this comprehensive document. facilitate broader access to digital It reflects the collective efforts technologies and skills, and foster of our dedicated diplomats and increased collaboration on climate experts who have worked at pace, in resilience, adaptation, and mitigation. difficult circumstances to articulate Simultaneously, we will intensify our Malta’s vision for safeguarding and commitment to combat corruption upholding the OSCE’s principles and and bolster food security. commitments. Malta is convinced that our shared As we assume the Chairpersonship, human rights commitments are an we recognize the challenges ahead essential part of our comprehensive and the responsibility that comes with approach to security. At a time this role. Malta is ready to engage with when media freedom is more under all participating States, partners, and threat than ever before, Malta’s stakeholders in a spirit of openness Chairpersonship is committed and principled collaboration. Through to advancing initiatives focused our joint work, we will together strive on enhancing media literacy and to build a safer, more secure, and ensuring the safety of journalists, with cooperative future for all within the a special emphasis on the well-being OSCE region and beyond. and protection of female journalists, both online and offline. Additionally, we will actively engage in endeavours to counter violence against women and combat human trafficking. Above all, as Chair of the OSCE, Malta will spare no effort to strengthen the organization’s Ian Borg capabilities, maximize its potential, and pursue comprehensive and Minister of Foreign and European cooperative security, leaving no stone Affairs and Trade of Malta unturned in pursuit of these shared goals. OSCE Chairperson-in-Office 2024 6 Malta’s OSCE Chairpersonship 2024 7
The Maltese Chairpersonship has We will also prioritise the OSCE’s role put at the centre of its programme the in helping to find a resolution to other mission to strengthen the resilience conflicts and security challenges of the OSCE and its people in pursuit across the OSCE region. We will of a secure and peaceful future. We work to advance existing political aim to facilitate and deliver decisions processes while also providing that leave the organisation more support for our field operations. The prepared and flexible to meet current OSCE also has an essential role and emerging challenges. in addressing new and emerging threats, protecting regions vulnerable We commit to keeping Russia’s illegal to future conflict by building capacity, war of aggression against Ukraine sharing experience, and thereby at the top of the OSCE agenda, enhancing security. working for an end to the human suffering that this war has caused. It is essential that we work together to We will continue to demand Russia’s safeguard the OSCE’s functionality full and immediate withdrawal from and find solutions for its leadership. the entire territory of Ukraine. Our We will start work immediately to Strengthening resilience, support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity will not waver. find common ground as quickly as possible on a solid Unified Budget. enhancing security: The war must end. Until then we will engage pro-actively, condemn We will then work to ensure that the organisation and its four institutions The Maltese Chairpersonship’s overarching priorities. breaches of our commitments, and have predictable leadership beyond help ensure accountability. Ukraine September 2024. will also feature as a cross-cutting theme addressed throughout our Malta supports an inclusive approach programme. to managing security and we will focus on two cross cutting priorities, The OSCE has a key role to play ensuring gender is effectively supporting Ukraine. We pledge to mainstreamed and that youth are continue the important work of the meaningfully engaged across the Support Programme for Ukraine and work of the OSCE. pledge our support for even more engagement. 8 Malta’s OSCE Chairpersonship 2024 9
We will continue the OSCE’s work their national action plans and to manage the threats to peace, mainstream gender through our security, and stability across the conflict management work. whole conflict cycle, reducing the risks associated with current and It is essential that the OSCE remains potential conflicts and addressing able to address transnational threats new security challenges. that have emerged or have the potential to increase. We will also We will renew the OSCE’s efforts to adopt a comprehensive approach Conflict cycle management, strengthen resilience against cyber threats, supporting implementation of to addressing transnational security challenges, advocating for an
compliance with the related Confidence and Security Building Measures. This will be inclusive and human rights-focussed approach, and learning from recent conflict experience. This will include delivered though capacity-building arms control, and a efforts across all sectors and sharing information and experience between supporting programmes of work in the field run by the Secretariat and comprehensive, inclusive States and across regions. Field Operations. Complementing Malta’s diplomacy We will support the conventional approach to addressing in the UN Security Council on the Women, Peace and Security agenda, arms control framework, promoting compliance with both the letter transnational threats we will build on the OSCE’s existing work to deliver on the commitments and spirit of the existing norms and principles, an essential element of made under UN Security Council early warning, risk reduction, and Resolution 1325. Ensuring full, conflict prevention. We will maintain equal, and meaningful participation continued assistance to participating of women and girls in all aspects of States in the delivery of projects in the work in the Security Sector, is a basic field, including the safe and secure prerequisite for comprehensive management of Small Arms and security and supports more peaceful Light Weapons and Conventional and sustainable societies. We will Ammunition and destruction of seek ways to ensure women’s surplus stocks, whilst reinforcing inclusion across all areas of conflict commitment towards humanitarian management, support Participating mine action. States to develop and implement 10 Malta’s OSCE Chairpersonship 2024 11
Malta will focus on the most Corruption weakens institutions, pressing, contemporary economic erodes public trust, and exacerbates and environmental issues, playing criminal activities, impacting social an integral part in the OSCE’s and economic development and comprehensive approach to security. creating the potential for security risks within the OSCE region. We will Digitalisation and technological focus on ways to prevent and combat change call for a renewed focus corruption and money laundering, on leveraging education and including effective methods for asset human resource development to recovery and the opportunities and support economic stability, that challenges of digital transformation, in turn strengthens security for between Participating States and all. We will work to counter digital Enhancing our people’s and educational divides and promote more inclusive economic across regions. The OSCE region faces increasing security by promoting participation. This is essential to achieve economic transformation, political instability and conflict as well as the adverse impacts of climate economic prosperity and economic prosperity as well as sustainable and inclusive growth. change, demographic change, and global market developments, all of which impact food security. protecting the environment The climate-security nexus has been gaining traction within the OSCE We will consider the importance of sustainable agriculture, food in which they live. in recent years. Climate change exacerbates existing challenges, systems and supply chain security while harnessing the potential of including the risks of conflict, digital tools and new technologies which in turn, can have negative to strengthen climate resilience and consequences on a changing enhance food security. climate. In order to address these concerns, we will consider the importance of capacity-building, new technologies, and youth engagement in creating opportunities for better environmental management and governance by participating States. 12 Malta’s OSCE Chairpersonship 2024 13
Malta will continue to place a strong well as digital surveillance, legal emphasis on the OSCE’s work harassment, or online violence, it to protect and promote human is essential to ensure the safety of rights and fundamental freedoms, journalists and media professionals. democracy and the rule of law, as We will build on the important work well as work on the promotion of of the OSCE Representative on tolerance and non-discrimination. Freedom of the Media, to enhance We will support the essential work of the protection of women journalists, the Office for Democratic Institutions who continue to be targets for hate and Human Rights. In a year when and harassment online. Respect for human over one billion people will have an opportunity to participate in electoral Combating and preventing violence
rights and fundamental processes, election observation will be in focus. Across our work, against women is an essential prerequisite to achieve their full, equal, and meaningful participation. freedoms, democracy, the OSCE will continue to offer an essential platform for dialogue with civil society. The 20th anniversary of the OSCE Action Plan for the Promotion of and the rule of law as the In today’s rapidly evolving security Gender Equality will be an important opportunity to step up efforts across
basis for a peaceful and environment and digital information space, promoting media and the OSCE to ensure that women and girls are free from violence. We will information literacy is key to focus on engaging men and boys secure world. strengthening resilience to counter disinformation, strengthening our who have a key role in this endeavour.
common security and functioning Trafficking in human beings remains democracies. We will work with all an acute security challenge, generations to provide the skills exacerbated by conflict and to distinguish facts from fakes, particularly impacting vulnerable supporting a well-informed citizenry individuals. Russia’s war of and thriving democracies. In aggression against Ukraine has particular, we will work with youth created a heightened risk, especially to navigate online information with for women and children fleeing awareness. the war. Working across OSCE structures and institutions, we will Democratic societies rely on free continue OSCE efforts to combat and independent media for accurate trafficking in human beings. We may public information and to hold those also consider the links between in power to account. In the face of combating human trafficking and the physical threats and attacks, as economic dimension. 14 Malta’s OSCE Chairpersonship 2024 15
Strengthening Resilience, Enhancing Security