The Conference was held in the wider context of the International Holocaust Remembrance Day. In his opening speech, Angelino Alfano, the Italian foreign minister and OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, stated: "Today too many signals point to a fresh outbreak of Anti-Semitism and we must fight them because our very security is at stake." Moshe Kantro, the President of the European Jewish Congress, asked the OSCE to adopt the international definition of Anti-Semitism.

A debate during one of the panels made clear that religion plays an important role in combating Anti-Semitism as it can only be fought by rejecting anti-religious feelings. In his address, the Holy Father Francis called for establishment of an alliance against indifference.