The ten-day event, which is held under the auspices of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), attracted more than a thousand participants, Polish media reported.

Zhanabil Davletbaev, Deputy Executive Director of the International Business Council, is taking part in the conference.

“The Warsaw Conference is very important from the point of view of uniting the efforts of the OSCE participating countries and partners in order to comply with international principles of human rights,” Davletbaev said.

At plenary sessions the importance of the rule of law, freedom of speech, respect for human rights and freedoms is discussed.

“Representatives of the participating states make various statements on the topics identified on the agenda,” he added.

In his address, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland Zbigniew Rau stated that “the Warsaw Conference is a continuation of the OSCE’s best tradition to carry on a meaningful dialogue between states’ representatives, participants in the OSCE mechanisms, and civil society”.

The opening session was also attended by OSCE Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid and OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President Pia Kauma.

Participants are provided with a platform where they can report on their human rights activities and raise issues that they believe deserve the attention of the international community.

“It is planned to take part in panel discussions on the role of the private sector in promoting the respect for human rights and freedoms, the importance of international principles of freedom of association, freedom of speech and access to information – as the basis for public-private dialogue aimed at the economic development of the country. We also plan to discuss the importance of developing entrepreneurship as a tool for promoting respect for human rights. This is the creation of jobs, the fight against hunger, improving the well-being of vulnerable segments of the population, ensuring food security, reducing migration, and promoting social projects,” said the IBC deputy head.

The OSCE brings together 57 participating states, including European countries, as well as the United States and Canada, among other members.

As part of the Warsaw Conference, scheduled to last until October 13, eight thematic plenary sessions are planned, devoted to specific issues in the field of human rights, fundamental freedoms and democratic institutions.