During the year, Minister for Foreign Affairs Ann Linde has given priority to efforts to take steps toward resolving conflicts in the OSCE’s area, Sweden Foreign Ministry told Report as an OSCE Chair for 2021.
“As Chairperson-in-Office, she has conducted intensive diplomacy through travel, dialogue and agenda-setting in Vienna and through direct contacts at various levels,” the ministry clarified.
In addition, in 2021 by consistently addressing gender issues, Sweden has helped ensure that they remain on the agenda even after its term as Chair, including in the various OSCE missions and offices in the field and in the formats for conflict resolution.
“An expert group appointed by Sweden will continue to guide the OSCE on issues on women, peace and security,” the Swedish ministry added.
Sweden has also prioritized support for the important operations and activities carried out in the field through the OSCE, such as those of the field missions, noted the ministry.
“The OSCE decision on cooperation to deal with climate change was an important result from the OSCE Ministerial Council in Stockholm on 2-3 December. The decision will strengthen the commitments of the participating States on this issue,” the ministry concluded.
Sweden is completing its chairmanship in the OSCE, from January 1 the organization will be headed by Poland for a year.