UNDP SEESAC reconfirms its dedication to contributing to regional collaboration within South-East Europe Defence Ministerial (SEDM) forum

UNDP SEESAC took part in the 45th South-East Europe Defence Ministerial Coordination Committee Meeting (SEDM - CC) held via teleconference on 10 June 2021, hosted by Zagreb and Croatian Deputy Chief of Defence, under the Chairmanship of the Ministry of Defence of Albania.

Seventeen representatives from the Member Nations and international/regional organizations (RACVIAC – Centre for Security Cooperation, UNDP SEESAC) gathered to share information on common security challenges in the region with the aim to foster constructive regional political-military cooperation in South Eastern Europe (SEE) to enhance further peace, stability, trust, prosperity, and security in the region.

As this year marks the 25th Anniversary of the signing of the SEDM Agreement, the Member Nations reaffirmed that the SEDM process, as a regional framework of cooperation among the SEE countries, represents a success story of being developed into a positive contributor to the regional and world's peace and security.

UNDP SEESAC briefed on its recent activities in supporting the counterparts in South-East Europe to enhance small arms and light weapons control and improve gender equality in the security sector.

SEDM Chair Mr. Petro Koçi, Deputy Minister of Defence of Albania, highlighted the UNDP SEESAC support to authorities, contributing to regional security, stability, and cooperation in SEE.

UNDP SEESAC reconfirmed its commitment to working closely with the SEDM Secretariat and all participating Member Nations in the process of strengthening regional cooperation, security, and stability, as well as to the Sustainable Development Goals. Furthermore, UNDP SEESAC expressed its sincere appreciation and gratitude to the Member Nations for the outstanding cooperation in enhancing SALW control and strengthening the gender perspective in the security sector.

At the end of the meeting, the participants endorsed the Joint Statement reaffirming their commitment to preserving peace and stability.