A meeting was organized in Belgrade on November 20, 2024 as a side event by the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) at the Belgrade Security Conference titled "In Defense of Humanity" (18-20 November 2024).

As a panelist on behalf of TEPAV on the issue of "Revisiting Human Security in Southeast Europe and the Role of Regional Cooperation," summary of my initial comments are outlined below.

In today’s interconnected world, the concept of human security is becoming increasingly crucial, especially in regions like Southeast Europe, characterized by resilience and shared challenges. The recent Belgrade Security Conference provided an essential platform for discussing the vital role of regional cooperation in ensuring human security.

The timely initiation of this crucial dialogue by the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) is commendable. With over forty years in diplomacy, one cannot emphasize enough the need to move beyond traditional security frameworks that focus solely on state and military aspects. Instead, we require a holistic approach that prioritizes the well-being of individuals while acknowledging that strong state structures are indispensable amid ongoing conflicts.

Addressing a wide range of critical issues in our modern world, including economic disparities, climate resilience, migration, healthcare, and education, should not be disregarded. Türkiye, as a historically and contemporarily significant player in the region, has long championed a cooperative regional approach. The path to sustainable peace and prosperity in Southeast Europe lies in fostering trust, dialogue, and collaborative solutions. Prosperity and peace are fundamental to ensuring human security in the region.

Given the limitations of the UN Security Council, particularly its unequal representation and its struggles to act decisively on urgent international matters such as Ukraine and Gaza, regional cooperation is a necessity. Addressing challenges such as asymmetric threats, organized crime, cross-border illegal human trafficking, and hybrid threats like disinformation campaigns and cyberattacks requires concerted regional efforts. Additionally, economic insecurity, youth unemployment, brain drain, depopulation, poverty, and sustainable energy supply are significant security threats that must be collectively addressed.

The RCC's role in facilitating regional cooperation is critical, providing platforms for dialogue and action that ensure the human dimension of security—people, their livelihoods, and their rights—remains at the forefront of the agenda. Türkiye’s commitment to these initiatives and its contributions to regional stability and development should be remembered. Our extensive experience in regional partnerships, from trade agreements to crisis management frameworks, evidences the importance of collaboration. Türkiye ranks among the top 10 investors in Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, and North Macedonia, and among the top 20 investors in Bulgaria, Montenegro, and Croatia. At the regional level, Türkiye is among the top 13 investors.

We must also remember that the RCC 2030 Goals were accepted at a meeting in Antalya in 2021. Furthermore, TEPAV has actively participated in meetings in Thessaloniki in 2022 and hosted an RCC meeting in Ankara in December 2023.

Looking forward, there is a need for inclusive, human-centered policies that build resilience and empower communities. "Security for all" is a central principle of Türkiye's Balkans policy, guided by regional ownership and inclusiveness. Regional solutions to regional issues, such as those provided by KFOR and Türkiye’s support for NATO membership, are essential.

In this context, the importance of the UN Sustainable Development Goals as key targets must be underscored. TEPAV continues its activities and research on related matters such as migration and Green Deal. We must recognize that Türkiye cannot indefinitely serve as the EU’s "dam" for illegal migration and must explore viable alternatives, including climate buffer zones.

In conclusion, the Belgrade Security Conference underscored the indispensable role of regional cooperation in addressing the multifaceted challenges of human security in Southeast Europe. Through fostering trust, dialogue, and collaborative solutions, the region can advance towards a more secure, prosperous, and resilient future. There already exists a roadmap for enhancing regional cooperation and ensuring that human security remains a top priority.

The future is in cooperation for all parties concerned.