Webinar

Common security, nuclear risks and the OSCE in the wake of the Ukraine conflict

A webinar highlighting the importance of common security mechanisms like the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), especially in light of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and increased nuclear threats.

This event took place one week prior to the Annual Session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, which is being held in Birmingham, UK, July 2-6. 2022.
Monday, June 27, 2022 | Online

Monday June 27
10:30 Eastern Time USA / 4:30 pm Central Europe Time

Outline

The Russian invasion of Ukraine is impacting significantly on the European security framework. The European Union has facilitated a sweeping package of economic sanctions against Russia, unlike anything undertaken by the EU in any previous conflict. The invasion has elevated the risks of nuclear war, and stimulated Sweden and Finland to abandon their historical neutral status and apply to join NATO - a nuclear alliance.

In light of Russia’s violation of the UN Charter and security arrangements such as the Budapest Memorandum and Minsk agreements, it would be tempting to conclude that common security frameworks such as the United Nations and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) are becoming irrelevant to address security concerns. However, this event will highlight the opposite – that it is in times of such conflict and high tension that common security approaches and other mechanisms for diplomacy and nuclear risk-reduction are vital and should be strengthened, not abandoned.

OSCE Parliamentary Assembly

The event was timed one week before the Annual Session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly in Birmingham, where European Security in the wake of the Ukraine conflict will be a key focus of discussion and of the Declaration to be adopted at the Assembly. (See also PNND recommendations to the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly and OSCE parliamentarians consult with civil society ahead of upcoming Annual Session).

Common Security

Common Security refers to building security between nations through international law, diplomacy and conflict resolution. It is based on the notion that national security cannot be achieved or sustained by threatening or reducing the security of other nations, but only by ensuring that the security of all nations is advanced. For more background see Common Security 2022 Report, Olof Palme International Centre.

Program

Co-Chairs/Introduction:

  • Vanda Proskova (Czech Republic)
    Vice-Chair of PragueVision Institute for Sustainable Security. Co-Convener of Youth Fusion. UNODA #Leader4Tomorrow
  • Alyn Ware (NZ/Czech Republic)
    Global Coordinator, Parliamentarians for Nuclear Non-proliferation and Disarmament. International Representative, Aotearoa Lawyers for Peace. Member, World Future Council.

Panel 1:

  • Christine Muttonen (Austria)
    PNND Co-President. Former President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly;
  • Alexander Likhothal (Russia/Switzerland). Geneva School of Diplomacy, President of Green Cross International (1996-2016). Deputy Spokesman and Advisor to the President of the USSR, Mikhail Gorbachev (1989-1991);
  • Andreas Zumach (Switzerland/Germany)
    Award winning Journalist and political analyst with focus on UN and security issues;
  • Q&A from the audience

Panel 2

  • Bernard Norlain (France)
    Président, IDN-Initiatives pour le Désarmement Nucléaire. Former Air Defense Commander of the French Air Force;
  • Uta Zapf (Germany)
    Former Chair of the Bundestag Subcommittee on Disarmament, Arms Control and Non-proliferation. Former Vice-President of the Germany Delegation to the OSCE PA. Inaugural Co-President of PNND;
  • Jackie Cabasso (United States). Executive Director, Western States Legal Foundation. North America Coordinator, Mayors for Peace.
  • Q&A from the audience

Co-sponsors

Basel Peace Office, Détente Now, Initiatives pour le désarmement Nucléaire, G100 (Group of 100 Women Leaders) Defence and Security Wing, Parliamentarians for Nuclear Non-proliferation and Disarmament, UNFOLD ZERO, World Future Council, Youth Fusion.

Event Flyer

Common security, nuclear risks and the OSCE in the wake of the Ukraine conflict event flyer.

Presentations and event recording

Other key documents