Sustainable Development Goals and the OSCE

“We are determined to foster peaceful, just and inclusive societies which are free from fear and violence. There can be no sustainable development without peace and no peace without sustainable development.” – Preamble to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was adopted by world leaders at a historic UN Summit in September 2015 and officially came into force on 1 January 2016.  Over the next fifteen years, countries have committed to achieving 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They will mobilize efforts to end all forms of poverty, fight inequalities and tackle climate change, while ensuring that no one is left behind. The SDGs are grouped around five major themes: people, planet, prosperity, peace and partnerships.

The OSCE has affirmed the link between security and sustainable development since its beginnings with the signing of the Helsinki Final Act in 1975. Its comprehensive approach to security rests on the recognition that conflicts may arise not only from political and military threats but also from economic tensions, environmental degradation, social insecurity and violations of individual’s rights, all relevant for the achievement of the SDGs.

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals form one integrated whole. While the activities of the OSCE as a regional security organization have a strong focus on peace, justice and stable institutions (SDG 16), they can be relevant to each of the goals.