The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly, OSCE PA, provides a forum for parliamentary dialogue between 323 parliamentarians from the 57 OSCE member states.
The Dublin event, held over three days in October, facilitated delegates in the parliamentary conference, along with a meeting of the Mediterranean forum and a meeting of the standing committee. The autumn meeting was held under the theme “Fifty Years after Helsinki: The Role of Parliaments in Reinforcing the OSCE’s Comprehensive Model of Peace and Security”.
In opening the meeting, the Ceann Comhairle, Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl, noted that the conference marks "a significant opportunity to facilitate interparlaimentary dialogue and, in turn, advance the fundamental objectives pursued by the parliamentary assembly of the OSCE".
Attendees at the Autumn meeting included the Minister for Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications, Deputy Eamon Ryan, and former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern
In addition to the Ceann Comhairle’s address, the inaugural session of the conference heard from Pia Kauma, President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, and Deputy Michael Creed, head of the Irish delegation to the OSCEPA.
Sessions of the OSCE PA Autumn meeting
The sessions of the autumn meeting are available on the OSCE PA YouTube channel.
Session I
The first session was held under the topic of the OSCE’s conflict cycle: dialogue facilitation, conflict resolution, mediation support, conciliation and post-conflict rehabilitation.
Session II
This session discussed addressing the climate crisis and the role of MPs in fulfilling global commitments ahead of COP29.
Session III
The final session explored the topic of enhancing migration governance in the OSCE region to foster sustainable development. The OSCE PA Mediterranean Forum also took the opportunity of the Dublin conference to hold a debate on the situation in the Middle East.
In giving a closing address to the conference, the Cathaoirleach of the Seanad, Senator Jerry Buttimer, stated:
Despite all the challenges, crises, and uncertainty the world is currently going through, the last two days have given us enough evidence to demonstrate the active role of parliamentary diplomacy in working towards building bridges and promoting cooperation and genuine dialogue. By working together, OSCE parliamentarians can more effectively address common challenges affecting our region, making a real difference towards the realisation of peace and security.