Australia-hosted OSCE Asian Partners for Co-operation Group Meeting on Global action on shared challenges: a new framework for co-operation on climate security
Statement by H.E Ambassador Ian Biggs, Australia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and International Organisations in Vienna
24 October 2025
Excellencies, colleagues
I would like to begin by expressing my sincere thanks to Malta for co-hosting today’s meeting alongside Australia.
Australia is grateful for Malta’s collaborative leadership as Chair of the OSCE Asian Partners for Co‑operation Group, and during its OSCE Chairpersonship.
We greatly value the opportunity to work with the Asian Partners to bring an Indo-Pacific perspective to the deliberations of the OSCE.
I would also like to acknowledge the presence and support of the Deputy Permanent Representative of the Chairpersonship of Finland, and the Co‑ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities.
We commend efforts under the Finnish Chairpersonship to advance the role of the OSCE in climate change and security, including through the recent Chairpersonship Forum, which made clear the importance of climate security and resilience to the OSCE’s comprehensive security concept.
I am also grateful for the participation of our speakers. Each brings a range and a depth of perspectives and expertise on climate security issues.
And of course, I would also like to extend my thanks to Her Excellency Ambassador Benhabylès‑Foeth for moderating what will be a valuable discussion.
Colleagues
Climate security is a critical transnational and transregional challenge.
The OSCE’s comprehensive, cross-disciplinary security concept, complemented by the engagement of partners from outside the OSCE region, makes it a valuable forum for these discussions.
Australia recognises climate change as a threat multiplier and accelerant of instability, which will have an increasing impact on international security, conflict and human rights in coming decades.
Women and girls, Indigenous people, and other marginalised communities are too often on the frontline of the climate crisis.
An integrated understanding of vulnerability must be central to our response.
Colleagues
These challenges come a time when we see fundamental principles of the UN Charter being transgressed.
Russia’s illegal and immoral invasion of Ukraine continues to compound global crises in food and energy security.
In addition to its immense direct emissions impacts, Russia’s illegal invasion continues to cause devastating environmental damage.
Australia stands with Ukraine and shares the resolve of every member of the Coalition of the Willing to secure peace on Ukraine’s terms.
We have contributed important defence, economic, humanitarian assistance, including toward Ukraine’s energy security and toward vital recovery and reconstruction efforts.
And will continue to provide strong and steadfast support for as long as it takes.
Colleagues
Bringing together perspectives from all regions is critical to achieving the vision for peace, stability and prosperity that Australia shares with most participating States and Partners.
The Indo-Pacific is the most hazard-prone region in the world, accounting for over 80 per cent of disaster-related displacement.
Small island developing states, many of which call the Indo-Pacific home, are among the most vulnerable to climate change.
Pacific leaders have made clear that climate change is an existential threat to the Pacific’s security.
Australia is committed to ensuring that our region’s voices shape global climate action, including through our bid to host the 31st Conference of the Parties, in partnership with the Pacific.
In recent weeks, Australia has announced its next Nationally Determined Contribution under the Paris Agreement, targeting a reduction in emissions of 62 to 70 per cent on 2005 levels, by 2035.
We have placed climate action at the heart of our international development policy, including by providing $355 million over four years to help Pacific and Southeast Asian communities withstand climate-related shocks.
And we are delivering on efforts such as the historic Australia-Tuvalu Falepili Union, which establishes treaty arrangements to safeguard the future of Tuvalu, including from the threat of rising sea levels.
Colleagues
These issues are critical to our shared future. I look forward to your contributions and to further co‑operation between participating States and Partners.
Thank you.