In 2019, the Slovak Republic will hold the Chairmanship of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) for the first time in its history. Every year, the OSCE Chairmanship is held by a different participating State and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of that State becomes the Chairperson-in-Office for the duration of the period.
Beyond doubt this is one of the greatest diplomatic challenges faced by our country in the modern era. Throughout the year, we will set the tone for the group, consisting of almost sixty countries from three continents. The core topics of Slovakia's Chairmanship are conflict prevention, boosting multilateralism and at the centre are also the people who live in the OSCE area.
The OSCE is comprised of 57 participating States in North America, Europe and Asia, making it the world's largest regional security organization. It also works closely with 11 partner states from the Mediterranean region and Asia. The Organization aims to secure stability, peace and democracy for more than a billion people, through political dialogue, shared values and many practical projects. It has a comprehensive approach to security, striving to bridge the differences between states by co-operation on conflict prevention, crisis management and post-conflict rehabilitation.
The graphic design of this issue of postage stamp was created by the artist Adrian Ferda. For the postage stamp he chose the motif of an umbrella created by the Northern Hemisphere where the states that participate in the OSCE are located. It represents the concept of protection against the adverse effects that threaten security. The clasped hands on the First Day Cover symbolize solidarity and a mutual partnership.

The Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic