Strengthening co-operation to counter transnational threats in the digital era is at the centre of the 2026 OSCE Asian Conference, which opened today in Bangkok, Thailand.
Co-hosted by Thailand and Finland, the 2026 Chair of the OSCE Asian Partners for Co-operation Group, the Conference brings together more than 100 representatives from OSCE participating States, Asian Partners for Co-operation, regional and international organisations, academia, civil society and the private sector.
The Conference underscores how intertwined the security of the OSCE region and Asia is. The OSCE Asian partnership represents a unique platform for both regions to foster regional and international security, stability and prosperity. The goal of the event is to address common transnational security threats exacerbated by the rapid evolution of digital technologies and exchange best practices in this area.
"Online scams have evolved into sophisticated, transnational threats that spare no nation. As the sole OSCE Partner for Co-operation from ASEAN, Thailand continues to serve as a bridge, fostering deeper collaboration between ASEAN and the OSCE to uphold comprehensive security. By convening this year's Asian Conference in Bangkok, we aim to forge a more coordinated and resilient cross-regional response to combat these digital threats for the benefit of our peoples," said Vijavat Isarabhakdi, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, hosting the Conference.
"At this time of profound pressure on international security, continued disruption on global supply chains, growing mistrust among States, and increasingly complex transnational threats, sustained and inclusive multilateral dialogue is more important than ever. Emerging technologies are reshaping the security landscape, and while the challenges are shared, so must be our responses. In this context, stronger international cooperation is essential. The OSCE's continued engagement with our Asian Partners is therefore key, and strengthens our collective ability to respond to global security risks," said OSCE Secretary General Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu.
"The security situations of the OSCE and the Indo-Pacific regions have become considerably intertwined and we are grateful for the opportunity to address some of the topical challenges at this Asian Conference. Discussions and joint action on strengthening economic security and promoting media and information literacy are ever more topical in the context of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, which is a blatant violation of international law and the rules-based international order," added Outi Holopainen, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland.
The Conference features three thematic panel discussions built around the OSCE's concept of comprehensive security. The first session focuses on the evolving landscape of transnational threats, including hybrid threats, human trafficking and the misuse of technology. The second session examines the economic consequences of these threats and how to build economic resilience against digital-era crime. The third session is dedicated to enhancing media and information literacy as a means to strengthen societal resilience.
The OSCE Asian Partners for Co-operation Group includes Afghanistan, Australia, Japan, the Republic of Korea and Thailand. The Asian Partnership provides a platform for dialogue, joint activities, and the exchange of experiences and best practices, helping to foster closer co‑operation and build synergies between the OSCE region and Asia.
