OSCE, Alm.del - 2021-22 - Bilag 19: OSCE PA Practical and procedural information og udkast til rapporter og resolutionstekster for de 3 komiteer i forbindelse med dette års Annual Session

OSCEs Parlamentariske Forsamling 2021-22
OSCE Alm.del Bilag 19
Offentligt

AS (22) RP 2 E

REPORT

FOR THE GENERAL COMMITTEE ON

ECONOMIC AFFAIRS, SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY

AND ENVIRONMENT

RAPPORTEUR

Ms. Gudrun Kugler

Austria

BIRMINGHAM, 2

–

6 JULY 2022

OSCE, Alm.del - 2021-22 - Bilag 19: OSCE PA Practical and procedural information og udkast til rapporter og resolutionstekster for de 3 komiteer i forbindelse med dette års Annual Session

REPORT FOR THE GENERAL COMMITTEE ON

ECONOMIC AFFAIRS, SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

Rapporteur: Ms. Gudrun Kugler (Austria)

1. INTRODUCTION

The OSCE PA 2

General Committee examines topical security threats related to the

environment, economy, science, and technology, as well as exploring opportunities

for co-operation within these and related fields. Most of these themes are front page

in many OSCE participating States and clearly instrumental to longer-term peace,

stability, and sustainable development in the region. Accordingly, most of the work of

the OSCE PA General Committee on Economic Affairs, Science, Technology and

Environment is strongly oriented toward the future. The last year has highlighted the

profound interdependence of all people and nations with our home, planet Earth. In

light of this, the ethical dimension of political action, including on the topics addressed

by this Committee, has become more apparent.

Regrettably, today Europe faces war again – even though it has become widely

apparent that war knows no winners, but only losers. Without peace and freedom in

the European region, fair and sustainable socio-economic growth for our countries is

unattainable, thereby further exacerbating an already precarious security situation.

With this in mind, we vigorously condemn the Russian military invasion of Ukraine,

which has dramatic human, economic, and environmental consequences, and

represents a major setback to the goals of our committee. In this regard, food security

is a pressing issue for the OSCE region, and beyond, as Ukraine acts as a crucial

supplier of agricultural goods for many countries, with broader unpredictable security

implications. The security situation around the Ukrainian nuclear power plants is also

particularly alarming and should be dealt with as a matter of priority, for instance

through the establishment of “safe-zones.” Finally, assisting millions of displaced

individuals will significantly burden several participating States' budgets at a critical

juncture, likely deflecting critical public resources originally intended to meet other

needs.

All OSCE participating States should, therefore, consider effective and well-co-

ordinated actions in the economic and environmental spheres aimed at

restoring

international peace and security in Ukraine,

which should be strictly limited in time and

designed in such a way as to bear the minimum impact on civilian populations. OSCE

participating States should also stand ready to support Ukraine to rebuild its country,

its economy, and its infrastructures once peace and security have been restored.

With the signing of the 1975 Helsinki Final Act, our participating States underlined the

link between security and sustainable development. The OSCE’s comprehensive

approach to security lies in the recognition that wars and instability may arise not only

from political and military threats, but also from economic tensions, environmental

degradation, and social instability.

OSCE, Alm.del - 2021-22 - Bilag 19: OSCE PA Practical and procedural information og udkast til rapporter og resolutionstekster for de 3 komiteer i forbindelse med dette års Annual Session

At the same time, the COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly changed our region.

Therefore, this Committee is called to use this opportunity to ensure that we emerge

for the better and promote tangible action in all areas and at all levels for the sake of

longer-term peace and stability. But answers cannot be found merely at a national

level – co-operation in the region is key to promote a balanced recovery and enhance

environmental security. How we will deal with the challenges that are in the focus of

the OSCE PA 2

Committee is largely a political decision. As members of parliaments,

we are in the driver’s seat: It is our role to advocate for change, work with our

governments, co-operate, and enhance the dialogue in the region.

In bringing a distinct parliamentary contribution to this field, we strive to complement

ongoing OSCE efforts. Notably, the OSCE PA has actively co-operated with both the

2021 and 2022 OSCE Chairmanships and the Executive Structures of the

Organization to extend the reach of its actions. In line with the Polish Chairmanship’s

priorities for 2022, we endorse this year’s Economic and Environmental Forum

focused on promoting security and stability in the OSCE area through sustainable

economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Moreover, we particularly appreciate the continued focus of the OSCE Economic and

Environmental Committee on environmental security and look forward to actively

contributing to its debates. The adoption of landmark Decision 3/21 on Strengthening

Co-operation to Address the Challenges caused by Climate Change at the last OSCE

Ministerial Council in Stockholm denotes how critical these issues are for our future.

The OSCE PA also welcomes the 2022 Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic

and Environmental Activities’ Work Plan and the assistance offered to participating

States in implementing economic and environmental commitments contributing to

security and stability in the OSCE region.

To date, we have exploited our planet, showing little mercy. Now we receive the bill

for it. Will we manage to live in harmony with each other and, perhaps even more

importantly, with the planet which graciously hosts us? Will we find ways to effectively

deal with the many critical security challenges related to the environment and

economy? How can we best leverage science and technology to underpin our

common security, rather than jeopardize it? These are just some of the critical

questions we urgently need to address.

2. ECONOMIC SECURITY

2.1 Sustainable Economic Recovery

The socio-economic crisis triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic has been

characterized by an unprecedented level of stimulus packages, an unprecedented

level of enhanced co-operation between all stakeholders, and an unprecedented

speed of increasing digital skills across all layers of society. However, the disruptive

effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on growth and development is still evident. Against

this background, promoting security and stability in the OSCE area through

sustainable economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic remains key.

OSCE, Alm.del - 2021-22 - Bilag 19: OSCE PA Practical and procedural information og udkast til rapporter og resolutionstekster for de 3 komiteer i forbindelse med dette års Annual Session

Strengthening economic resilience requires greater global co-operation, including at

regional level, giving organizations such as the OSCE a prominent role to play in

promoting sustainable growth, inclusive labor markets, and equality between women

and men. The Stockholm Ministerial Council Decision on Climate Change provides a

blueprint for including much-needed climate change considerations in current COVID-

19 recovery efforts and strengthening co-operation to minimize its impact.

Notably, balanced policies and effective public-private partnerships will be critical to

support the most affected economic sectors, while also promoting innovative forms of

businesses. Sound investments will be instrumental to achieving a long-term resilient

and sustainable recovery. Ultimately, increasing investment and fostering innovation

remain at the center of long-term economic growth, and go hand-in-hand with the

challenges of green and digital transformation.

To this end, the key to sustainable economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic

lies in strengthening bilateral, regional, and global co-operation by,

inter alia,

accelerating the deployment of green technologies, leveraging technology to enhance

economic change and interconnectedness, and supporting human capital

development.

In the spirit of shared responsibility - rather than shortsighted selfness - we must work

together towards building more fair, green, and sustainable economic models, leaving

no one behind in the process.

2.2 Demographic Challenges

It is a remarkable accomplishment and a distinctive trait of overall stability and

prosperity that people in the OSCE region live increasingly longer and healthier lives.

This has been achieved through an efficient articulation of policies that strengthen

public health and social inclusion, and prodigious technological and scientific

breakthroughs in various fields. In order to ensure the sustainability of such an

achievement, intergenerational exchange, initiatives against loneliness in old age, and

health programmes, including accessible telemedicine, as well as comprehensive

hospice and palliative care supply, are increasingly important to secure health and

quality of life in old age for everyone. I welcome the efforts of our Special

Representative on Elderly Issues, Ms. Paola Taverna (Italy), in this complex context.

Unfortunately, stagnant birth rates and high emigration trends have led several areas

in the OSCE region to experience alarming decreases in the overall population.

Demographic change affects both economic prosperity and the future performance of

social security systems. The self-reinforcing population decline in some areas as a

result of declining birth rates and migratory movements is becoming an increasing

challenge for infrastructure, regions, and communities.

In many participating States, the mortality rate has exceeded the birth rate: the

proportion of people older than 80 years in the EU has almost doubled in the last 20

years, life expectancy continues to rise, and the average age has increased from 38.4

to 44 years since 2001.

Migration policies, aimed at compensating for this deficit,

Cf.

https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/cache/digpub/demography/bloc-1c.html?lang=en

OSCE, Alm.del - 2021-22 - Bilag 19: OSCE PA Practical and procedural information og udkast til rapporter og resolutionstekster for de 3 komiteer i forbindelse med dette års Annual Session

have proven inadequate to meet the challenge and are also associated with several

problems: from the challenges in integration efforts to “brain drain” from the countries

of origin.

It is therefore of vital interest for economic security and stability in the OSCE region

not only to monitor such demographic changes, but also to promote a multi-level

dialogue aimed at identifying possible causes, likely consequences, and plausible

sustainable strategies for remedial action. In order to ensure generational

sustainability and structural solidarity, we should prevent further declines in birth rates,

including by empowering young people and adequately supporting all those who want

to have children.

The introduction of various family supportive measures, including tax benefits, could

be a possible means to achieve this. Furthermore, increasing the long-term efficiency

of the health and social systems will be a vital factor and should include making care

professions more appealing. In regions where “depopulation” is more prominent, a

special focus should be on attracting people to live in those areas through,

inter alia,

investments in the necessary infrastructure, digitalization, smart working,

intergenerational housing, telemedicine, and improved quality of life.

Regrettably, these demographic changes do not always receive the attention

deserved. Parliamentary working groups, as well as government departments, should

therefore focus on the challenges posed by current demographic trends and develop

adequate responses with the aim to promote stability and prosperity across the region.

2.3 Economic Interdependence

On the one hand, the deepening of international economic connectivity and

globalization in the last thirty years was fueled by the opening of international trade

and the leveraging of computing and electronic communications. China has played a

predominant role in this context, greatly benefiting from the process, and progressively

expanding its production, communication, and distribution networks. China has also

been investing consistently in foreign ports, transportation facilities, and mining assets,

especially in developing countries.

While many participating States have strict rules barring state aid and requiring that

national export-credit agencies lend at market rates, Chinese companies are not

bound by these requirements. This allows for distorting competition, for example by

price dumping.

Moreover, purchasing Chinese products can contribute to the exploitation of ethnic

and religious minorities in and around China through coercive systems and forced

labor schemes, as witnessed in the example of Uighurs.

The participating States should, therefore, reconsider their spectrum-auction policies,

sales of their infrastructure and companies, supply of energy, purchases of key

communications and safety technology, and debt management with the view to

https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/jul/23/virtually-entire-fashion-industry-

complicit-in-uighur-forced-labour-say-rights-groups-china

OSCE, Alm.del - 2021-22 - Bilag 19: OSCE PA Practical and procedural information og udkast til rapporter og resolutionstekster for de 3 komiteer i forbindelse med dette års Annual Session

safeguarding their economic security, including with regard to China. More specifically,

it is critical that healthy economic interdependence does not translate into excessive

political dependence to external players, with a loss of significant portions of States’

sovereignty.

On the other hand, the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine have further

strained economic relations in parts of the OSCE region, with multiple supply,

distribution and consumption shocks hampering global trade and connectivity,

significantly eroding trust among some participating States. The strong set of

economic sanctions imposed by many OSCE participating States following the military

aggression in Ukraine have further strained economic relations in the OSCE region

and are impacting negatively on citizens.

While all governments are called upon to respect international law, trade rules and

understandings, OSCE participating States must be vigilant and tailor their economic

policies and investments to the needs and priorities of the region. To this end,

enhanced co-operation and adequate diversification of supply chains remain key to

ensuring regional stability. While economic sanctions can be effective instruments of

political persuasion, especially at times of gross violations of international law and

unacceptable loss of life, they must be limited in time and designed in a way that bears

the minimum impact on civilian populations.

2.4 Migration Management

“Of all things in the world, people are the most precious. It is the people that propel

social progress, create social wealth, develop science and technology and, through

their hard work, continuously transform the human environment,” we read in the

Declaration of the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment. In a

globalized world, the well-being of one depends on the well-being of another. Hence,

it is critical to promote socio-economic development within and beyond the OSCE

region, particularly in Africa.

Enhanced co-operation on economic and environmental affairs with third countries is

therefore key to enhance regional stability and prevent uncontrolled migratory flows,

and their resultant destabilizing effects on European security. Preventing “brain drain”

and promoting functioning local economies is critical in this context.

Economic co-operation must be conditioned by the actual enforcement of the rule of

law, a functioning administration, and the empowerment of individuals, which will

strengthen democratization and boost education and job opportunities. In particular,

women’s special role in development must be recognized: Economic empowerment

of women and girls is a form of participation and a step towards equality of

opportunities.

More economically developed, free and just societies, with sufficient job opportunities

for all, including those belonging to national minorities, will make citizens feel safer

and more secure at home, rather than seeking their fortune abroad.

It appears critical to study migration flows within the context of labor and development,

as well as in the increasingly relevant context of climate and pollution. For instance,

OSCE, Alm.del - 2021-22 - Bilag 19: OSCE PA Practical and procedural information og udkast til rapporter og resolutionstekster for de 3 komiteer i forbindelse med dette års Annual Session

economic development, life aid in the countries of origin, and strong responses to the

climate crisis hold the key in working against push factors.

At the same time, OSCE participating States shall enhance border security, dismantle

human smuggling networks praying on desperate migrants and promote effective,

sustainable, and human-rights compliant migration management, including through

coordination between countries, exchange of best practices, and support from relevant

international organizations to meet the challenges of migration. Whenever

appropriate, opportunities for legal migration should be duly expanded to fill not only

highly qualified, but also lesser-skilled positions.

To maximize the positive impact of migration on the socio-economic development of

countries of origin and destination, and of the migrants themselves, the OSCE/OCEEA

promotes the implementation of international and OSCE commitments in the area of

migration governance, including the 2009 Ministerial Council Decision on migration

management and the 2016 Ministerial Council Decision on the OSCE’s role in the

governance of large movements of migrants and refugees.

As living standards significantly differ in the OSCE region, steps should be taken to

tackle existing inequalities and enhance living standards and opportunities across the

whole region.

As such, widespread economic development in the OSCE region and beyond will

promote citizens’ security and enhance geopolitical stability.

2.5 Combatting Human Trafficking in a Globalized Economy

On the occasion of the 2022 OSCE PA Winter Meeting, the 2

Committee held a

special debate on Human Trafficking in a Globalized Economy. Trafficking is a

complex crime and combating it on the ground requires specific skills and tools. For

this reason, the establishment of specialized anti-trafficking units, strengthened multi-

agency co-operation, and joint investigation teams to tackle complex cross-border

criminal networks have been identified as best practices to fight traffickers and support

victims.

Nowadays, the intersection of technology and trafficking is one of the defining topics

of the global conversation on efforts to end human trafficking. Countries’ anti-trafficking

frameworks need to be updated to reflect the predominant role that the misuse of

technology plays in human trafficking, as victims are increasingly recruited and

exploited online, often in the sex market. This is true both for national policies and

practices, but also with respect to international co-operation, for example in cases

where the victim, the perpetrator, the user of services, and the server are from different

countries.

Appallingly, the use of forced labour is increasingly prevalent in the production of

goods and services regularly procured by our Governments. Indiscriminate purchasing

can inadvertently fuel human trafficking and forced labour, undermining fair economic

competition, incentivizing human rights violations, and financing criminal groups. As

supply chain regulations will increase in the future, all participating States must adapt

OSCE, Alm.del - 2021-22 - Bilag 19: OSCE PA Practical and procedural information og udkast til rapporter og resolutionstekster for de 3 komiteer i forbindelse med dette års Annual Session

their national policies so that their enterprises will continue to engage ethically in the

global market.

One of the most effective ways to disrupt and prevent human trafficking for forced

labour is to eliminate the market for goods or services produced by trafficked people

through informed and ethical purchasing. To operationalize this concept, parliaments

across the OSCE region have increasingly been adopting laws to prevent human

trafficking in supply chains. By strategically taking action on supply chains, States

leverage the power of “demand” to combat trafficking and break the business model

of trafficking. Such legislative instruments can be broadly categorized into four groups:

import bans, reporting laws, disclosure laws, and due diligence laws.

International Organizations – including the OSCE – also have an important role to play

in combatting human trafficking, through standard-setting, technical assistance

programs, and ensuring their own supply chains are not contributing to human

trafficking. To this end, the work of Mr. Valiant Richey, OSCE Special Representative

and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking, in Human Beings, and Mr. Christopher H.

Smith, OSCE PA Special Representative on Human Trafficking Issues, has been

pioneering in promoting policies to prevent human trafficking by discouraging the

demand that fosters trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation

and in the

procurement of goods and services.

2.6 Combating Corruption

Corruption has become increasingly systemic and affects all countries in the world.

Taking different shapes and forms, it destroys political, economic, and social systems.

To this extent, anti-corruption is a cross-cutting issue, not a stand-alone policy.

Lack of transparency in the work of public entities and widely perceived corruption in

public offices continue to hamper citizens’ trust in democratic institutions and

processes. In this context, open data initiatives are critical in ensuring free and

unhindered access to information on public contracts and tenders. Moreover,

experience shows that insofar as the ultimate beneficial owner of private companies

interfacing with public institutions or funds is unknown, the door to corruption, money

laundering and terrorist financing remains open. Thus, sound ultimate beneficial

ownership laws should be developed and duly implemented throughout the OSCE

region.

In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has also presented an enormous challenge to

transparent, responsible, and effective governance, and the rule of law. Where the

pandemic response has lagged, corruption has often been a major contributing factor.

In a nutshell, States should undertake a holistic, multi-stakeholder approach, including

by providing for greater involvement of civil society groups, investigating how public

resources are being deployed, and pressing for accountability.

Interparliamentary fora such as the OSCE PA should continue to promote policy

convergence on anti-corruption, money laundering, and terrorist financing, and work

Occasional Paper of the

Office of the Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating

Trafficking in Human Beings,

10 June 2021,

https://www.osce.org/cthb/489388

OSCE, Alm.del - 2021-22 - Bilag 19: OSCE PA Practical and procedural information og udkast til rapporter og resolutionstekster for de 3 komiteer i forbindelse med dette års Annual Session

hard to strengthen political will for the steady implementation of good governance

commitments at the national level. The OSCE PA Conference on “Combating

Corruption, Defending Democracy: The Role of National Parliaments,” hosted by the

Parliament of Cyprus in Nicosia on 27-28 May 2022, represents a case in point.

Such increased parliamentary engagement has been duly reflected in the 2020 OSCE

Ministerial Council Decision on Preventing and Combating Corruption Through

Digitalization and Increased Transparency. In this context, parliaments should

proactively engage in safeguarding the independence of key anti-corruption national

stakeholders, such as the Judiciary, Prosecution Service, Ombudsmen, Auditors-

General and Anti-Corruption Agencies from political or other interferences. For

instance, relevant appointments should require parliamentary consent, and

Parliaments should ensure that their mandates and resources are fit for purpose.

Furthermore, journalists act as a watchdog over shortcomings in the public

governance system by uncovering and publicly exposing malpractices, as well as by

fighting impunity. To ensure their effective role in fighting corruption, journalists must

be free and independent, and the media environment needs to be pluralistic, safe, and

protected from undue influence.

International organizations, such as the OSCE, also represent a privileged platform

for sharing best practices, developing co-ordinated responses, and promoting

strategic partnerships among key actors in this field, including parliaments,

governments, civil society, the business community, media and youth. To this end, the

work of OSCE PA Special Representative on Fighting Corruption, Ms. Irene

Charalambides, and OSCE Special Representative on Combating Corruption,

Professor Anita Ramasastry, to bring political momentum and expertise to the good

governance work of the Organization has been remarkable.

3. ENVIRONMENTAL SECURITY

3.1 Sustainable Development

Bridging economic and environmental considerations to global security, the

implementation of the UN Agenda 2030 is key to strengthen multilateralism and

promote lasting peace. As the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are deeply

intertwined, action in one area will affect outcomes in others. Hence, it is imperative to

duly balance social, economic, and environmental sustainability in building our shared

future.

In this regard, I welcome the efforts of our Vice-President Askar Shakirov (Kazakhstan)

who, since his appointment as the OSCE PA’s Special Representative on Sustainable

Development Goals in August 2021, has been working to promote the Assembly’s

engagement on issues related to achieving the UN’s SDGs and Agenda 2030, often

in partnership with our 2nd Committee.

In fact, the 2030 Agenda provides a strategic framework also for the efforts of the

OSCE PA General Committee on Economic Affairs, Science, Technology and

Environment. Resonating with the focus of our work, SDGs advocate for leaving no

OSCE, Alm.del - 2021-22 - Bilag 19: OSCE PA Practical and procedural information og udkast til rapporter og resolutionstekster for de 3 komiteer i forbindelse med dette års Annual Session

one behind while reconciling global economic progress with social justice and the

conservation of our environment. For instance, we looked closely at the interrelation

between Goals n. 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), n. 8 (Economic Growth) and n. 15

(Life on Land) during our May 2021 Parliamentary Web Dialogue “Framing

the

Environmental Security – Public Health Nexus: Science Informs Policymaking”.

Similarly, recognizing the critical role that energy plays in fueling our development and

shaping our security, we have recently held an interesting policy debate on “The

Clean

Energy Revolution and its Implications for the OSCE Region”.

The event allowed us

to put into greater focus Goals n. 7 (Affordable & Clean Energy), n. 9 (Industry &

Innovation) and n. 12 (Responsible Production & Consumption), thereby consolidating

our impression that a systematic shift is inevitable, and it will affect both our policies

and behaviors.

Finally, building on SDG n. 13 (Climate Action), n. 11 (Sustainable Cities &

Communities) and n. 17 (Partnerships), we have exhorted OSCE Governments to

address the climate crisis resolutely, coherently, and cooperatively, in line with the

letter and spirit of the Paris Agreement. This was accomplished through a very timely

and detailed

Parliamentary Plea for Resolute Climate Action,

issued on the occasion

of COP26 last November, by the leaders of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s

Economic and Environmental Committee, together with the President’s envoys on

Arctic issues and Sustainable Development Goals.

To this end, as parliamentarians, we shall continue to act as strong agents of change

both at the national and international levels. At the national level, we need to monitor

the sound implementation of SDGs by our governments and ask for their accountability

in this field. At the international level, we must engage within the OSCE PA and beyond

to share lessons learned and catalyze co-operative efforts for their timely

implementation.

3.2 Climate Change

We realize that the vision of comprehensive security is not possible without addressing

the climate and environmental crisis. Ultimately, there can be no politico-military,

economic and environmental, or human security without climate security. The latest

report of the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)

rightly underlines that the threat that climate change poses to human well-being and

the health of the planet is “unequivocal” and that “human and natural systems will face

additional severe risks”, including some that are “irreversible”.

Thus, we must urgently redirect our co-operative efforts towards shaping a truly

sustainable, carbon-neutral, development model in which environmental, economic,

social, and public health factors are duly factored in and given equal attention.

To achieve this goal - clearly entailing profound economic, social, and cultural

transformations in the coming decades - we will need strong political leadership, a

common vision, and a shared sense of responsibility. We will need to utilize the best

https://report.ipcc.ch/ar6wg2/

OSCE, Alm.del - 2021-22 - Bilag 19: OSCE PA Practical and procedural information og udkast til rapporter og resolutionstekster for de 3 komiteer i forbindelse med dette års Annual Session

available science and accelerate innovation for an effective, long-term global response

to climate change, a response that promotes economic growth and counters poverty.

In October last year, Chair Pere Joan Pons represented the OSCE PA at the Pre-

COP26 Parliamentary meeting in Rome, where he,

inter alia,

reiterated the climate -

public health - security nexus and stressed the key role of parliamentarians in

monitoring the implementation of climate-related commitments.

Against this backdrop, our 5 November 2021

Parliamentary Plea for Resolute Climate

Action

urged OSCE governments to commit to “progressively ambitious emission

reduction targets in line with capping temperature increases at 1.5 degrees.”

Remarkably, our call has been immediately echoed by the OSCE participating States,

as they adopted the landmark Ministerial Decision on “Strengthening Co-operation to

Address the Challenges caused by Climate Change”, which includes a strong and

much-appreciated reference to the solid work of the OSCE PA and its parliamentarians

in this field.

Accordingly, concerted efforts are urgently needed to mitigate and adapt to climate

change, including through increased international collaboration, transfer of know-how,

technological development, a strong scientific approach, and financial support. We

must address the climate crisis resolutely, coherently, and co-operatively – in line with

the letter and spirit of the Paris Agreement

As parliamentarians, we shall act as national guardians of the Paris commitments on

behalf of our citizens, thereby ensuring that these commitments are rigorously being

met by governments, including through:

●

MITIGATION – Securing global net-zero carbon emissions by mid-century and

keeping 1.5 degrees within reach.

●

ADAPTATION - Protecting communities and natural habitats.

●

FINANCE - Mobilizing funds for adaptation and mitigation measures.

A combination of approaches in addressing sectors that emit most GHG

and

improving overall transparency and public participation can move us closer to our mid-

century objectives. Most mitigation measures are associated with clear co-benefits,

including, but not limited to, new business opportunities, better environmental

compliance, health benefits through better local air and water quality, better work

conditions, and reduced waste

. While implementing diversified national mitigation

measures, it will be critical to duly assess their ultimate environmental footprint and

prevent potential short- and long-term shocks to our economies, labor markets, and

www.oscepa.org/en/documents/officers-of-the-assembly/4288-parliamentary-plea-for-resolute-

climate-action-8-november-2021/file

A milestone in global climate action was reached in October 2021: Turkey has ratified the Paris

agreement, thereby being the last OSCE participating State to do so.

According to the recent

IPCC report,

the various sectors' global emissions are the following: Electricity

and heat production - 25 %; Agriculture and other land use - 24 %; Buildings - 6.4 %; Industry - 21 %;

Transport - 14 %; Other energy (non-electricity or heat production related) - 9.6 %.

IPCC, 2014: Technical Summary. In: Climate Change 2014: Mitigation of Climate Change.

Contribution of Working Group III to the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on

Climate Change, p. 85

OSCE, Alm.del - 2021-22 - Bilag 19: OSCE PA Practical and procedural information og udkast til rapporter og resolutionstekster for de 3 komiteer i forbindelse med dette års Annual Session

social relations, effectively leaving no citizen behind. New forms of poverty, such as

energy poverty, must be avoided, and affordability, availability, and energy security

must be guaranteed.

Moreover, adaptation planning and implementation are learning processes that

require investment in knowledge and research, stakeholder engagement, and mixed

approaches at all levels.

While recognizing the differentiated impacts of climate

change on different regions and individuals, supporting a community-based approach

focused on local communities’ priorities, needs, knowledge, and capacities appears

critical to empower people to plan for and cope with the impacts of climate change.

To achieve the mid-century goals that all OSCE participating States have committed

themselves to, it is also pivotal to scale up the level of financial flows from the public,

private and not-for-profit sectors towards sustainable development priorities. For

example, well-regulated “green finance” should channel private investments towards

those economic initiatives that better manage environmental and social risks, while

ensuring positive returns for the investors (win-win situation).

Climate change is a global problem that cannot be addressed without international co-

operation and co-ordination among local, national, and international stakeholders and

policymakers. Representing over one billion citizens, our 323 parliamentarians can

spur change and enhance security at all levels. As bridges between citizens and their

institutions, parliamentarians play a critical role in addressing the crisis, including by

adopting relevant legislation, mobilizing adequate resources, promoting public

participation, creating cross-regional responses, and ensuring that international

commitments are consistently being met in the interest of all individuals.

In moving ahead, it is therefore critical to duly synergize our efforts towards:

●

drastic reductions in emissions of greenhouse gasses,

●

cutting back on depletable forms of energy,

●

development of effective adaptation strategies,

●

creating a strong technology-science-policy interface,

●

mobilization of the necessary financial resources, and

●

international collaboration across the board.

Clearly, most developed countries and the largest emitters shall lead by example in

this field. We must not forget that developing nations are the most severely affected

and, at the same time, the least responsible for climate change. While no population

should be denied the benefits of economic growth and industrialization, all countries

should co-operate in the implementation of the agreed commitments in line with the

principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities in

light of different national circumstances.

3.3 Clean Energy Transition

Building on the General Committee on Economic Affairs, Science, Technology and

Environment 2021 Report and the 5 November Parliamentary Plea for Resolute

IPCC, 2014: Adaptation Planning and Implementation. In: Climate Change 2014: Impacts, Adaptation,

and Vulnerability. Part A: Global and Sectoral Aspects. Contribution of Working Group II to the Fifth

Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, p. 871

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Climate Action, the Assembly held the Parliamentary Web Dialogue “The Clean

Energy Revolution and its Implications for the OSCE region” on 4 February 2022.

Ultimately, the web dialogue confirmed the centrality of decarbonized energy policies

for European security and reinforced the Assembly’s determination to engage in this

domain, which bridges economic and environmental security aspects. With the green

transition just starting - and all its unpredictable cultural, economic, social, and security

repercussions - our vigilance and common efforts will be critical to ensure that

upcoming reforms and investments meet, first and foremost, the needs of the people.

As scientists tell us and world leaders have committed to, to keep the goal of limiting

temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius within reach, half of global emissions must be

cut by the end of this decade.

Since over 70% of human-caused greenhouse gas

emissions stem from the energy sector, “greening” the latter holds the key to

addressing both climate change and environmental degradation.

Accordingly, by the

end of the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow, 151 countries submitted new climate

plans to slash their emissions by 2030. To fully meet the Glasgow Agreement, clean

energy investments need to triple by 2030.

Moreover, the global energy market has proved increasingly unstable lately, as

illustrated by the high volatility of prices. Today, Europe finds itself at the heart of an

“energy storm” prompted by,

inter alia,

a combination of supply bottlenecks, limited

storage capabilities, the rebounding of the economy after the COVID-19 crisis, and the

economic consequences of the war in Ukraine.

Accordingly, the transition to clean energy sources bears the potential to alleviate

energy dependency on foreign producers and, by diversifying sources and making

them more broadly accessible and affordable, minimize related geopolitical tensions.

Enhancing and diversifying energy supplies towards cleaner energy sources is,

therefore, crucial for guaranteeing stable and affordable development opportunities for

all human needs throughout the region.

Hence, the energy transition is urgent and represents one of the most important topics

of our time. Intended as the global energy sector’s shift from fossil-based systems of

energy production and consumption (including oil, natural gas, and coal) to cleaner

energy sources (such as renewables and low-carbon hydrogen), it implies gradual

changes, structural ruptures, as well as systemic shifts.

As for the industrial and digital “revolutions”, science and technology play a central

role in the energy transition. The energy transition should leverage the latest scientific

findings and technological developments aimed at,

inter alia,

improving energy

efficiency, reducing energy costs, developing and making economically viable new

sources of clean energy, and capturing existing emissions.

The role of private businesses and citizens’ cooperatives in advancing the clean

energy transition is also critical. Incentivizing private initiatives and mobilizing private

capital is crucial to meet existing transition targets. Moreover, wide public support for

the energy transition is key to the process. In so far as possible, “energy democracy”

IPCC, 2018: Summary for Policymakers. In: Global Warming of 1.5°C. An IPCC Special Report on

the impacts of global warming of 1.5°C

Net-Zero by 2050: A Roadmap for the Global Energy Sector, IEA, May 2021.

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should be promoted through social, participatory, and democratic parameters: The

involvement of civil society and the business sector in consultation and decision-

making, at both local and national levels, is imperative to ensure transparency and

broader ownership.

If managed properly, the transition could provide remarkable opportunities for States’

economies. Good governance, economic diversification, social dialogue, social

protection, availability of transition funds, as well as skills development, are important

aspects of an equitable energy transition. Finally, reducing dangerous emissions will

slow down environmental degradation and pollution, which are negatively impacting

public health and, consequently, the State’s finances.

Citizens’ needs and considerations should be put at the core of the energy transition

effort. It is necessary to further ensure the fairness of the transition towards a climate-

neutral economy, thereby leaving no one behind. The socio-economic impact of the

transition should be alleviated through financial mechanisms and suitable policies.

Parliaments must be in the driver’s seat when it comes to the energy transition, as

they can influence/make significant political decisions. Both the speed and depth of

the energy transition will be shaped by their decisions. Against this background,

Parliaments have the critical role of taking into account citizens’ considerations in the

process, as well as ensuring their support, inclusivity, and representation. For

instance, they should ensure that costs and benefits are distributed evenly throughout

society and that no one is left behind.

3.4 Environmental Protection and Sustainable Use of Natural Resources

Compelling correlations between environmental degradation and global security have

consistently emerged over the decades. Environmental challenges affect individuals

and countries in many ways, even when they do not lead to direct conflict. Effects are

wide-ranging and, besides the environment itself, they concern public health,

economy, development, infrastructure, and others.

Therefore, a more holistic and interdisciplinary approach to environmental security

should be advocated for, whereby the protection of the environment becomes the

precondition to effectively address both the public health and climate crisis.

The world is facing several major environmental crises including climate change,

biodiversity loss, unsustainable use of natural resources, and pollution. These come

with many human and animal health risks in the form of infections and non-

communicable diseases, water scarcity, and food safety problems. For instance, the

relationship between altered environmental conditions and human health is

particularly complex: drivers of global environmental change (e.g., land-use change,

resource scarcity, or climate change) can directly pose health risks, or impair

ecosystem services that subsequently influence public health.

The appalling, and widely documented, impact of pollution on human health has been

proficiently exposed in the 2021 Report. Notably, of all environmental factors that lead

to disease and shorten life expectancy, air pollution is the most predominant.

Statistically, loss of life expectancy in global terms is ten times larger due to air

OSCE, Alm.del - 2021-22 - Bilag 19: OSCE PA Practical and procedural information og udkast til rapporter og resolutionstekster for de 3 komiteer i forbindelse med dette års Annual Session

pollution than due to any kind of violence (including armed conflicts or domestic

violence). Overall, it is estimated that air pollution kills approximately seven million

people every year, but recent figures are even more worrisome.

Micro- and nano-plastic particles have been found in recent years in all parts of the

world and in various organisms. Shockingly, the human body consumes on average

up to 5 grams of these particles per week. Although the health implications of such

exposure have not been explored so far, renowned researchers from the Netherlands

recently concluded that ‘multidisciplinary research efforts, involving scientists from

environmental and medical sectors as well as polymer scientists, are needed to tackle

this potential health hazard.’

To this end, micro- and nano-plastic particles must be

explored as a public health concern, and research efforts must be strengthened in this

direction.

Clearly, environmental, social, and economic development also depends on the

sustainable management of our planet’s natural resources, and the promotion of

sustainable consumption and production patterns. As such, OSCE participating States

should increase their efforts in the protection of the environment and sustainable use

of natural resources, including soils, water, and forests, and in the conservation of

ecosystems and biodiversity through,

inter alia,

stringent regulatory frameworks.

One striking example is the Arctic region. Polar ice caps are melting as global warming

causes climate change. As a result, access to natural resources leads to new

economic opportunities. This, in turn, leads to further environmental concerns

regarding the exploitation of natural resources in areas with very fragile ecosystems.

Global climate efforts must, therefore, counteract these developments to prevent

further erosion of the polar ice cap and combat the acidification of the sea to protect

natural habitats and fisheries. I welcome the efforts of our Special Representative on

Arctic Issues, Ms. Bryndis Haraldsdottir (Iceland) in this critical context.

In this regard, co-operation and co-ordination among all stakeholders and at all levels

is key, including through the implementation of international agreements. The

Convention for the Protection of the Mediterranean Sea Against Pollution (Barcelona

Convention)

represents a case in point. I commend the OSCE PA for officially joining

the United Nations Mediterranean Commission on Sustainable Development of the

Barcelona Convention as of 01 January 2022. Acting as a forum for sharing

experience and peer learning, the Commission

assists Contracting Parties in

Vethaak D and Legler J, Science 2021, Gruber E et al, Journal Exposure & Health 2022.

The Convention for the Protection of the Mediterranean Sea Against Pollution (Barcelona

Convention) was adopted on 16 February 1976 in Barcelona and entered into force in 1978. The

Barcelona Convention was amended in 1995 and renamed as the Convention for the Protection of the

Marine Environment and the Coastal Region of the Mediterranean. The amendments to the Barcelona

Convention entered into force in 2004.

The Commission is unique in its composition and includes not only government representatives but

also local authorities, socio-economic actors, non-governmental organizations, intergovernmental

organizations, the scientific community, and parliamentarians. All MCSD members participate in its

deliberations on an equal footing. The MCSD notably coordinates the preparation of the Mediterranean

Strategy on Sustainable Development (MSSD), as a strategic framework document for all stakeholders

and partners to translate the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at regional,

sub-regional, national and local levels.

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protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development policies in the

Mediterranean region, which is integral to the OSCE region.

It is also critical to promote a multi-stakeholder approach, including dialogue between

public and private sectors, civil society, and the scientific world, in the protection of the

environment, considering that damage to the environment - such as the unsustainable

use of natural resources, climate change and biodiversity loss - is best avoided

through preventive measures.

To this end, good public and corporate governance in the sphere of the environment

can help to ensure a more sustainable and balanced socio-economic development.

Parliaments should therefore promote good environmental governance, including

through the development of relevant legislation and the strengthening of international

co-operation by exchanging experiences and lessons learned to enhance the

protection of the environment and the sustainable use of natural resources.

4. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Science and technology are potent allies in the change we seek to achieve. A strong

science-policy interface is therefore key, including for better informing our policy

decisions in tackling climate change, promoting sustainable development, protecting

the environment, and safeguarding citizens’ health.

However, the potential misuse of new technologies, which have become so critical in

our modern lives - such as Artificial Intelligence - also carries along some security

challenges.

4.1 Artificial Intelligence

New technologies, and in particular Artificial Intelligence (AI), have profoundly

changed our lives. They offer countless opportunities in the OSCE area, but, at the

same time, they pose new challenges regarding human rights, democracy, and the

resilience of infrastructures. Such challenges need to be tackled co-operatively, as

new technologies are hardly affected by national borders.

Narrow artificial intelligence

in which algorithms perform specific tasks, is a helpful

tool to aid people’s lives in a myriad of areas, from text translation to successful

advertisement placement. General artificial intelligence, such as humanoid robots,

would seem, in contrast, rather hyped ideas than realistic prospects. Nonetheless,

robotics will change, and has already significantly changed, the labor market as well

as our care systems.

Where drones take over border patrols, where protection from terrorist threats,

food/water security and energy supply are entrusted to centralized AIs, we may face

Narrow artificial intelligence (narrow AI) is a specific type of artificial intelligence in which a learning

algorithm is designed to perform a single task, and any knowledge gained from performing that task will

not automatically be applied to other tasks. Unlike general artificial intelligence, which seeks to mimic

complex thought processes, narrow AI is designed to successfully complete a single task without human

assistance.

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some dangers. Marginal statistical errors may not be dramatic in many day-to-day AI

applications, but systems of critical nature require the highest precision and reliability.

Technology should never replace human experience and human decision-making,

especially in critical areas, such as defense, health, and critical infrastructures.

As a matter of fact, an excessively fast digitization process without adequate back-up

systems can make our societies more vulnerable to sporadic system failures and

targeted cyber-attacks. If faced with a major blackout or security attack, our supply

chains, logistics systems, commerce- and payment systems could be significantly

crippled, or even shut down. To ensure greater resilience, OSCE participating States

should secure the existence of functioning, analogous alternative economic processes

and backup plans for critical supply chains and infrastructure services. We should also

continue to support science and research efforts to optimize AI, better tailoring it to

human needs.

When AI analyses data, fairness and non-discrimination must be upheld, and the

absence of bias secured. Whenever used, AI must be transparent, tested and certified

prior to getting market access. Additionally, systematic machine-profiling of people

should be regarded as an infringement of personal rights and freedoms concerning

the job market, insurance policies, and many other services essential to citizen well-

being. Automation and profiling are furthermore susceptible to abuse. Parliaments

should legislate mandatory labeling for processes in which a person is dealing with AI

and not with a human being.

I welcome the work of the new OSCE PA Special Representative on Digital Agenda,

Mr. Radu-Mihai Mihail (Romania) in the context of digitalization in the regard.

4.2 Communication in a Digitalized World

Modern communication platforms empowered by technological innovation and

digitalization have contributed greatly to the increase of citizens’ participation in public

discourse and have granted unlimited access to resources and information for

everyone. This is a benefit to democratization, co-operation, and the empowerment of

citizens, allowing for easy communication amongst people around the globe. At the

same time, the misuse of individualized algorithms prioritizing certain content in the

user’s news feed has increased the spread of disinformation, is prone to mass

manipulation, and could lead to polarization and civil unrest. This poses a very serious

threat to security in the OSCE region.

OSCE participating States should therefore define goals and create legal frameworks

for social media platforms to combat manipulation and disinformation while, at the

same time, protecting the freedom of expression from censorship and state

propaganda. I welcome the work of the OSCE PA Special Rapporteur on

Disinformation, Fake News and Propaganda, Mr. Oscar Mina (San Marino) in this

area.

Parliamentarians’ focus should be on strengthening media pluralism and information

literacy among citizens, enabling them to distinguish fake news from facts and discern

verified sources. Given their relevance and impact in modern societies, the activities

cf. EU AI Act

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of social media platforms must be regulated through clear, transparent, and impartial

rules aimed at preventing disinformation, radicalization, and mass manipulation, also

for economic purposes, with a strong commitment to the protection of free speech.

The UN Joint Declaration on Freedom of Expression and “Fake News”, Disinformation

and Propaganda

warns against the “outsourcing of public functions, like protection

of freedom of expression, to unaccountable private actors”

and suggests companies

should make “high-level policy commitments to respect the human rights of their

users”

and adopt measures which guarantee “transparency, meaningful

accountability and a commitment to remedy in order to protect the ability of individuals

to use online platforms as forums for free expression, access to information and

engagement in public life.”

Legal obligations on companies to restrict content should not be put under vague or

complex criteria, such as broadly worded restrictive laws on “extremism” or “offensive”

speech, “false news” and “propaganda”. In all attempts to combat disinformation, we

must remember that freedom of speech is a fundamental human right.

In particular, the protection of children and youth from disinformation through

individualized preferential algorithms, as well as emotional or psychological

dependency through instant gratification, needs to be a priority. The linkage between

the economy, technology and education of future generations becomes a cross-

sectoral, cross-regional security concern, which requires a strong commitment of

governments and parliaments across the OSCE region.

UN Joint Declaration on Freedom of Expression and “Fake News”, Disinformation and Propaganda

as well as the Report (A/HRC/38/35) by former UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection

of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, David Kaye.

Para. 1

Para. 11 (b)

Para. 64