The Norwegian Minister for the Environment, Ms. Guro Fjellanger, gave an opening address to the Forum. Mr. Erlan Idrissov from Kazakhstan and by Mr. Jeremy Wates from the European Environmental Bureau. The participants stressed the relevance of the overall theme of the Seventh Economic Forum for long-term security and stability in the OSCE area. It was highlighted that the role of the OSCE in the economic dimension is to give political impulses to co-operation among participating States and to the work of specialized intergovernmental organizations. The following considerations stemming from the Forum could be retained and could facilitate the follow-up of the Forum.
Energy is a dominant geopolitical and economic factor.
The participants reviewed challenges and opportunities inherent in the development and distribution and use of energy resources in the OSCE area. It was noted that secure supplies of energy are a prerequisite for long-term stability and security. They reiterated their commitment to move towards more sustainable energy policies, in particular by increasing energy efficiency, and promoting renewable energies. They saw a capacity of the OSCE to enhance dialogue on this issue. The OSCE has the potential for facilitating the sharing of best practices in this field, and encouraging transfer of technology and development of stable framework conditions for commercial investments.