The 10-day event is being held under the auspices of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), public broadcaster Polish Radio’s IAR news agency reported.
The conference has brought together more than 1,000 participants, according to officials.
In his speech during Monday’s opening session, Poland’s Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau stressed the destabilising impact of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine on international security.
He added that the Warsaw conference continued “the best traditions of the OSCE,” facilitating dialogue between country representatives, OSCE officials and civil society activists.
Poland’s top diplomat voiced hope that the event would explore the war in Ukraine, "the deteriorating human rights situation in Belarus" and developments in other regions, according to officials.
Rau stated: “Only full respect for all principles in all three dimensions of OSCE [politico-military security; economic and environmental security; and human security] may restore trust and lower the tension in Europe."
Also taking part in Monday’s opening session of the Warsaw Human Dimension Conference were North Macedonia’s Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani, OSCE Secretary-General Helga Schmid and OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President Pia Kauma, news outlets reported.
The event is divided into eight thematic sessions focusing on various aspects of human rights, fundamental freedoms and democratic institutions, the Polish foreign ministry said.
The OSCE Warsaw Human Dimension Conference runs until October 13.
The OSCE works to prevents conflicts under "a comprehensive approach to security that encompasses politico-military, economic and environmental, and human aspects," according to officials.
The organisation brings together 57 participating states, including European countries, as well as the United States and Canada, among other members.
(pm/gs)
Source: IAR, gov.pl, OSCE Warsaw Human Dimension Conference