Albania's Igli Hasani nominated for OSCE Secretary General

Tirana, July 25, 2024 — The Albanian government has put forward Igli Hasani, the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, as their candidate for Secretary General of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). This nomination places Hasani in a competitive race against four other distinguished candidates.

The announcement, made by the "Security and Human Rights Monitor," underlines the diverse and experienced field Hasani will be up against. Among his competitors are Jan Braathu from Norway, currently heading the OSCE Mission to Serbia, and Christophe Kamp from the Netherlands, who serves as the Permanent Representative of his country to the OSCE.

From Canada, John MacGregor, the head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat, is also in the running. Completing the list is Marcel Peško of Slovakia, who holds the position of Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and coordinates OSCE projects in Ukraine.

Hasani's candidacy is seen as a testament to Albania's growing influence in international diplomacy. Known for his proactive approach and extensive experience in European affairs, Hasani has been instrumental in several key negotiations and diplomatic initiatives. His leadership in the OSCE could bring a fresh perspective to the organization's efforts in promoting security, human rights, and cooperation across its member states.

The OSCE, headquartered in Vienna, is the world's largest regional security organization, encompassing 57 participating states from Europe, North America, and Asia. The role of Secretary General is crucial in guiding the organization's strategic direction and ensuring its diverse missions are effectively coordinated.