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Statement by Ireland at the Concluding Meeting of the 32nd Economic and Environmental Forum Opening Session 10 September 2026 As Delivered Thank you Chair,
Ireland of course aligns with the statement just delivered by the European Union, but I would like to add a couple of brief remarks in my national capacity.
First, I join others in thanking the Swiss Chairpersonship, Ambassador Dzhusupov and his team, as well as our Czech hosts for their generosity.
It is very welcome that we achieved consensus on convening this meeting. As Deputy Prime Minister Macinka said this morning, this of course should be the norm. I urge all participating States to ensure that the full range of mandated meetings can take place.
Second, while technology and science-based diplomacy can play an important role in promoting security and stability, and it is right that we consider how developments might impact on this, it is also right to recall that they remain just tools at our disposal. Tools that will serve the purpose to which we apply them. Security and stability in our region will ultimately depend not on the tools we have, but on the choices we make. To uphold the values of international law and human rights or to violate them. To respect the principles and commitments we have all signed up to or disregard them.
This is why our overarching priority must remain to end the illegal war of aggression that Russia chose – and chooses – to wage, and to secure a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace for Ukraine.
Rotenturmstrasse 16-18 1010 Vín, An Ostair | Rotenturmstrasse 16-18 1010 Vienna, Austria T +43 1 715 76 98 26 | Ireland-OSCE@dfa.ie | www.dfa.ie My third point, Chair, is that the OSCE has already demonstrated its capacity to leverage technology across a range of important areas from arms control to cyber security, border management to climate change. Two particularly important examples of the OSCE projects that use technology effectively to strengthen capacity to monitor developments in real time and enhance early warning capabilities are iMARS and the OGIS, both of which we are happy to support. As participating States, we need to support further efforts at innovation and finding ways to benefit from emerging technologies.
My final point relates to the important role the OSCE plays in addressing the security and stability risks associated with climate change. This summer we witnessed first-hand how climate change acts as a risk multiplier, with wildfires, droughts and extreme weather events affecting communities across our region, and beyond. The OSCE has already demonstrated its capacity to act in this area, including through a number of flagship projects, which we are proud to support. These projects show how the OSCE can make effective use of emerging technologies to amplify its early warning capacities. Unfortunately, it is only too clear that in the years ahead we will need to do more to work together, using technology, to combat the impact of climate change.
Chair,
Whether it is in enhancing early warning and conflict prevention mechanisms, ensuring access to reliable real-time data or strengthening digital resilience, we know how important it is that we find ways to harness the benefits of emerging technology, while also guarding against potential risks. The OSCE has already demonstrated its capacity to act in this. But, working together, we can – and need – to build on this in the years ahead.
Thank you.
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