Excellency,
Italy aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union and its Member States and wishes to offer the following remarks in its national capacity.
We would like to thank the Secretary General for presenting his report , and highlight that the discussion is indeed very timely. The path laid down in 2017 to reposition the UN Development System finds in the UN80 initiative its natural evolution in light of the new challenges facing global development.
Italy reiterates its full support to the UN80 initiative and its objectives: enhance system-wide efficiency, and deliver greater impact on the ground.
On system reform, workstream 3 puts forward some concrete solutions to make the UNDS more agile, integrated and results-oriented. In our view, these efforts should be addressed to move forward rather than to lean inwards. From the process we expect an outcome that preserves agility, effectiveness and readiness to embrace new challenges in line with Agenda 2030, the Pact for the Future and the Sevilla commitments.
With reference with the merger proposals, we believe that such initiatives must be evidence-based, demonstrate their added value, and be implemented without undue haste.
We also note with appreciation the intention to strengthen the UN Training Hub and to harness the potential of existing centers of excellence, within the training and research pillar.
Your Excellency,
Priority to be given to preserving impact and delivery: on the ground, aligned with national priorities and where it is most needed, starting with countries in special situations.
We are playing our part to this common effort, by scaling up our bilateral initiatives within the Mattei Plan for Africa and pursuing synergies at country level with Resident Coordinators, UN agencies and country teams.
Also, in this time of multiple crisis, Italy offers its full support to the multilateral system through the key assets represented by the UN Hubs in Rome and Brindisi.
We look forward to continuing to work together in this spirit.
I thank you.
