Earlier this week, IIASA welcomed a delegation from the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) to Schloss Laxenburg for a high-level exchange on advancing collaboration at the intersection of science, policy, and emerging technologies.
The meeting brought together experts from both organizations to explore how systems analysis and scientific innovation can support the OSCE’s work across its regions, particularly in addressing complex, cross-border challenges such as disaster risk reduction, energy security, water resilience, and migration.
The visit opened with welcome remarks from IIASA Deputy Director General, Karen Lips, followed by a series of short research presentations by IIASA scientists. Topics included the use of artificial intelligence and social media in disaster risk reduction, satellite-based mapping for agriculture and poverty analysis, systems approaches to water security in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, and new analytical frameworks for energy security. Additional insights focused on migration dynamics and their implications for Europe.
These presentations set the stage for a discussion on strengthening institutional cooperation. Participants explored opportunities to integrate IIASA’s data-driven tools and interdisciplinary research into OSCE initiatives, particularly in regions facing interconnected environmental, economic, and security challenges.
“This meeting highlights the growing need to stay ahead of fast‑moving technological change in an increasingly complex security environment,” said Lips. “Together, IIASA’s analytical capabilities and the OSCE’s regional mandate position us to anticipate new risks, harness innovation, and chart proactive strategies that support resilience, stability, and sustainable development across member states.”
The OSCE delegation, which included representatives from the Swiss Chairpersonship and the OSCE Secretariat, engaged actively in the dialogue, emphasizing the value of scientific partnerships in informing policy and operational responses.
This exchange marks an important step toward deepening collaboration between IIASA and the OSCE with a shared vision of leveraging science and technology to address pressing global and regional challenges.
News
23 September 2026
Global water report warns of increasingly erratic freshwater conditions
IIASA water-quality modeling has contributed to the World Meteorological Organization’s (WMO) State of Global Water Resources 2025 report. The assessment shows that the global water cycle is becoming increasingly erratic, with serious implications for people and economies worldwide.
22 September 2026
IIASA at UNCCD COP17: Advancing land restoration and resilience
Building on its engagement at the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD COP16) in Riyadh, IIASA contributed to a series of events and bilateral discussions at UNCCD COP17, held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, towards the end of August. Under the theme, Restoring Land, Restoring Hope, COP17 advanced action on land degradation, drought resilience, and sustainable land management, with particular emphasis on rangelands and pastoral livelihoods.
16 September 2026
Exploring new opportunities for regional collaboration across sub-Saharan Africa
IIASA recently welcomed a high-level delegation from its Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Member Organization (SSARMO), its first Regional Member Organization, to explore and shape the next phase of collaboration across Sub-Saharan Africa.