2013 OSCE–Australia Conference on
Improving the Security of Women and Girls
18–19 March 2013, Adelaide
In conjunction with the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, and with the assistance of the Government of South Australia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is hosting the 2013 OSCE–Australia Conference on Improving the Security of Women and Girls. The conference aims to provide a forum for government, non-government and academic experts to discuss:
•Combating gender-based violence against women and girls
•Economic empowerment of women
•Combating all forms of human trafficking
In addition to the conference a half-day seminar hosted by Flinders University will examine the growing strategic similarities and links between Europe and Asia. The conference and seminar will be held at the Adelaide Convention Centre. A welcome dinner will be held at the National Wine Centre on the evening of 18 March.
The conference will be opened by Australia’s Global Ambassador for Women and Girls, Ms Penny Williams.
Session 1: Combating Gender-Based Violence Against Women and Girls
Reflecting the OSCE’s politico-military dimension of security, this session will examine implementing the rule of law in preventing gender-based violence, protecting refugees and internally displaced persons from gender-based violence and the success or otherwise of various countries in their implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325, on women, peace and security. Speakers will include: Head of the Conflict Resolution and OSCE Unit at the Irish Foreign Ministry, Mr Brian Glynn; Executive Director of the Australian Civil–Military Centre, Dr Alan Ryan; and Director of the Human Rights Centre of Finland, Ms Sirpa Rautio. The session will be moderated by Turkey's Permanent Representative to the OSCE and Chair of its Security Committee, HE Ambassador Tacan İldem.
Session 2: Economic Empowerment of Women
Reflecting the OSCE’s economic and environmental dimension of security, this session will focus on empowering women as decision-makers, promoting women’s entrepreneurship and the link between national economies and gender equality. Speakers will include: the OSCE’s Senior Advisor on Gender Issues, HE Ambassador Miroslava Beham; the South Australian Government’s Commissioner for Aboriginal Engagement, Ms Khatija Thomas; Head of the European Affairs Bureau of the Japanese Foreign Ministry, Deputy Director-General Takeshi Hikihara and Head of International Organisations at the South Korean Foreign Ministry, Director-General Kim Moon-hwan. The session will be moderated by Slovakia's Permanent Representative to the OSCE and Chair of its Economic and Environmental Committee, HE Ambassador Olga Algayerová.
Session 3: Combating All Forms of Human Trafficking
Reflecting the OSCE’s human dimension of security, this session will include discussions on combating all forms of trafficking in human beings, including Asia–Pacific perspectives on lessons learned and emerging challenges, the impact of anti-trafficking policies on the human rights of vulnerable and trafficked people, especially women and girls, and the connection between economic growth and trafficking. Speakers will include: the OSCE’s Special Representative and Coordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, Dr Maria Grazia Giammarinaro; the First Deputy Director of the Organisation for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, Mr Douglas Wake; and the Chairman of the Thailand Institute for Justice, Mr Chaikasem Nitisiri. The session will be moderated by the Director of Anti-Slavery Australia, Associate Professor Jennifer Burn.
Welcome Dinner
On the evening of 18 March, conference delegates will be treated to the best of South Australian food and wine, a presentation by Australian food icon Maggie Beer and a performance by Indigenous dancers at the National Wine Centre. His Excellency Rear Admiral Kevin Scarce AC CSC RANR, Governor of South Australia, will be keynote speaker.
Flinders University Seminar
A seminar convened by Flinders University will be held following the formal conclusion of the conference on Tuesday afternoon. The seminar will examine the role and promise of confidence-building measures in a changing world—particularly the security challenges and opportunities emanating from the replacement of the narrower Asia–Pacific security region that separates Asia from Europe with the broader Indo–Pacific one that links Asia with Europe. Speakers will include: OSCE Secretary-General, HE Ambassador Lamberto Zannier; HE Ambassador Tacan İldem; Dr Alan Ryan; Flinders University’s Prof Malcolm Cook, Dr Maryanne Kelton and Emily Bienvenue; Sydney University’s Prof John Lee; and Adelaide University’s Dr Prita Chako.