The first meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council marking the start of Switzerland’s Chairpersonship in 2026 was held in Vienna, where OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Ignazio Cassis, Federal Chancellor and Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland, outlined the key priorities of his mandate, DKNews.kz reports.
The meeting set the tone for Switzerland’s leadership of the organization at a time of heightened geopolitical tension across the OSCE region.
Focus on Peace in Ukraine and a Stronger OSCE
In his address, Ignazio Cassis emphasized that a central priority of Switzerland’s chairpersonship will be actively promoting a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. He also underlined the importance of strengthening the OSCE as an inclusive platform for dialogue, capable of bringing all participating states to the table despite deep political differences.
Another major goal, he said, is to enhance the OSCE’s operational capacity, ensuring the organization remains effective and relevant in responding to current security challenges.
Budget and Institutional Reform in the Spotlight
Particular attention during the meeting was paid to the need for institutional reforms, sustainable and predictable funding, and the urgent adoption of the OSCE Unified Budget. Swiss officials stressed that without financial stability, the organization’s ability to deliver on its mandate would be seriously constrained.
Kazakhstan’s Position: Connectivity, Climate and Regional Security
In his national statement, Permanent Representative of Kazakhstan to the OSCE Ambassador Mukhtar Tileuberdi highlighted the importance of economic connectivity as a driver of stability and development across the OSCE area.
He also placed strong emphasis on the environmental and climate agenda, announcing that Astana will host a Regional Environmental Summit on April 22–24, 2026. The event is expected to bring together regional and international stakeholders to discuss climate challenges and sustainable development.
Addressing Transnational Threats
Ambassador Tileuberdi also drew attention to the need for a coordinated response to transnational security threats, including those emanating from Afghanistan. He stressed that such challenges require collective action and continued dialogue among OSCE participating states.
Concluding his statement, the Kazakh diplomat invited Ignazio Cassis to pay an official visit to Kazakhstan in his capacity as OSCE Chairperson-in-Office.
Switzerland Chairs the OSCE for the Third Time
As of January 1, 2026, Switzerland formally took over the OSCE Chairpersonship from Finland, becoming the first country to chair the organization three times, following previous terms in 1996 and 2014.
Five Priorities for Switzerland’s Chairpersonship
During its 2026 chairpersonship, Switzerland has defined five core priorities:
- The Helsinki Principles as the foundation for lasting peace
- Inclusive multilateral diplomacy
- Anticipating technologies for a safe and humane future
- Democracy, the rule of law and human rights
- Strengthening the OSCE’s ability to act
Observers note that these priorities reflect Switzerland’s ambition to preserve the OSCE as a functioning and credible platform for security cooperation during a period of global uncertainty.
