VIENNA, 4 June 2019 – Security is inextricably linked with development, the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s Nilza de Sena (MP, Portugal) said today at the OSCE’s Security Days event in Vienna. Parliamentarians must push for the full implementation of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), de Sena said, noting that the PA can play an important part in generating the needed political will.

Nilza de Sena speaks at the Security Days event in Vienna, 4 June 2019Speaking on the OSCE’s role in promoting the SDGs, de Sena noted that as elected policymakers, parliamentarians are well positioned to both enact laws and communicate directly with constituents about the necessity of these policies. She underlined that the OSCE’s comprehensive approach to security coincides with the strategy of the SDGs and that many OSCE commitments overlap with the UN goals.

“From addressing climate change to conflict resolution to tackling corruption, the international community must redouble its efforts to develop long-term solutions to our problems. Many of these solutions are outlined in detail in the UN’s SDGs, so our job must be to promote effective implementation. Sustainable development is key to tackling these issues and preventing hunger and forced displacement, mass migration, and other threats to security,” she said.

De Sena, who serves as Chair of the OSCE PA’s Committee on Economic Affairs, Science, Technology and Environment, spoke specifically about SDG Goal 17, focusing on the means of implementation and revitalization of global partnerships for sustainable development. She highlighted the unique position of the OSCE as a regional security organization, with its network of field operations to facilitate co-operation between stakeholders at all levels. The OSCE has also demonstrated capacity to promote goal-oriented partnerships with international organizations, particularly the United Nations, she noted.

Regarding the climate crisis, de Sena urged greater urgency on this issue from the international community, noting that according to scientists, time is running out to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions in order to prevent the worst effects of climate change from taking hold.

While in Vienna, de Sena held a number of discussions on the margins of the Security Days event. The event was organized by the OSCE Secretary General and was held under the theme “The OSCE and the Sustainable Development Goals.”

The OSCE PA’s 28th Annual Session will be held next month under the theme “Advancing Sustainable Development to Promote Security: The Role of Parliaments.”