(MENAFN- Trend News Agency)
BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 30. COP29 in
Azerbaijan will be among the most significant events this year,
Helga Schmid, OSCE Secretary General, told Trend in an exclusive interview.
"COP29 will be one of the most important events this year, and
this is why we plan to engage, bringing our results and initiatives
to the table when it comes to climate and security. Climate change
is the defining challenge of our times, and the OSCE is uniquely
positioned to address the risks it poses," she said.
Schmid emphasized the organization's role in bringing together
countries across the region to take concrete action against the
multifaceted threats posed by climate change.
She noted that climate change acts as a "risk multiplier",
exacerbating existing challenges in the region. "With our physical
presence on the ground in many countries, the OSCE is in a unique
position to bring together countries from across the region and
take concrete actions to help tackle these challenges," the SecGen
said. A recent example of this was the OSCE's initiative in March
2024, where Environment Ministers from across Central Asia convened
in Ashgabat to discuss collaborative approaches to environmental
challenges.
The OSCE's work focuses on addressing the potential security
risks stemming from climate change by raising awareness of its
scope and implications. The organization works closely with
governments, experts, and civil society to enhance their ability to
adapt to these challenges. "We're also making sure this knowledge
is shared across borders," Schmid added.
As COP29 approaches, the OSCE continues to engage with
participating states on climate security issues. Schmid highlighted
the organization's growing involvement, noting that the OSCE gained
observer status at COP28, supported the Central Asia Pavilion, and
hosted an event on regional cooperation and climate security. In
July, the SecGen traveled to Baku to discuss Azerbaijan's
priorities with the COP29 presidency and explore how the OSCE can
further contribute to global climate efforts.
Further speaking, Helga Schmid pointed out that OSCE remains
actively engaged with Azerbaijan and Armenia on the peace
prospects.
"Throughout my time as Secretary General, we have worked on
various ideas and steps to move the political process towards
achieving sustainable peace, which is so critical after many years
of confrontation and human suffering. The OSCE, and in particular
the Secretariat, continues to be actively engaged in both
countries, through political dialogue and projects. I am convinced
that the OSCE's experience and confidence-building measures can
contribute to making lasting peace finally a reality," she
concluded.
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