Statement by Ambassador Trishala Persaud, Deputy Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations, at Security Council Briefing by the Chairperson-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE)

Thank you, Madam President,

I thank the Chairperson-in-Office, Minister for Foreign, European Affairs and Trade of Malta, Ian Borg, for his briefing on behalf of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).

I also commend Malta for its leadership since assuming the Chairmanship of the OSCE, especially at a time when the security situation in Europe continues to be tested.

The OSCE’s comprehensive approach to addressing security challenges is commendable. With a mandate covering areas across the spectrum from political and military, to often overlooked dimensions such as economic development, the sustainable use of natural resources, and promoting the full respect of human rights, the organisation’s potential to manage and resolve conflicts is deeply valuable to global peace and security.

Guyana supports and welcomes the contributions of the OSCE to regional stability. In our view, the OSCE and this Council have a shared responsibility to prevent and end violent conflict while preserving the rule of law and protecting human rights for all. We note that the organisation’s presence and ongoing work across the continent, and in Central Asia, play a vital role in de-escalating tensions and finding lasting solutions to protracted conflicts.

The OSCE today is operating in an environment of complex security challenges with heightened tensions and risks for escalation. We are hopeful that the organisation will be able to continue and sustain its critical work.

We call on parties to conflicts across Europe to fully commit to diplomatic engagement as the only path to sustainable and lasting peace. We urge that they take advantage of the tools made available by organisations like the OSCE.

The invaluable expertise of the OSCE across a spectrum of areas, is undoubtedly critical to addressing those ongoing and protracted conflicts in Europe.

Madam President,

In closing, Guyana reiterates our strong support for the critical work done by regional and sub-regional organisations, including the OSCE, in addressing conflicts and security challenges in the countries within their areas of remit. Regional leadership is critical to maintaining global peace and security and is essential in supporting the efforts of this Council.

We look forward to the further strengthening of the decades-long relationship between the United Nations and the OSCE. We can and must work together to find pathways for lasting peace in Europe and beyond.

I thank you.