Organizational session of the Preparatory Committee for the 4th International Conference on SIDS
30 May 2023
Statement of Italy delivered by the Permanent Representative, Ambassador Maurizio Massari
First of all, I would like to thank the co-chairs of the Bureau of the Preparatory Committee for their excellent cooperation and commitment.
I am particularly proud and honored to give my contribution as a member of the said Bureau since Italy has traditionally supported expectations and needs of Small Island Developing States in terms of sustainable development.
We regard SIDS as crucial partners in the global agenda, and in our capacity, we will make every effort so as to achieve a successful outcome of the Conference.
This is no doubt a very important highlight in the multilateral agenda and represents an opportunity to address effectively the special needs and vulnerabilities of SIDS by focusing on practical and pragmatic concrete actions, as well as to identify new and emerging challenges and opportunities for the sustainable development of these countries.
In the run-up to the Conference, it will be crucial to build on the synergies with the other relevant processes, like the Food Systems Stocktaking Moment in Rome, the SDGs Summit, the COP28.
COP28 will of course be a crucial block along the process to the 4^ SIDS Conference. True, the development of SIDS goes beyond COP. We have to ensure that SIDS development encompasses all the SDGs, but we all know that climate change represents the most pressing issue these countries face, an existential threat, and we need to deliver through multilateral actions and solidarity.
Of course, it is up to member states to fill the plenary sessions and interactive dialogues of the Conference in Antigua and Barbuda with actions-oriented discussions.
We will do our part.
Italy established long-term partnerships in particular with CARICOM countries and PSIDS in the field of sustainable development, climate change, capacity building. In both cases, our cooperation predates the 2030 Agenda and the Paris Agreement, anticipating some interconnected environmental and social goals that will be explicitly addressed in Agenda 2030 and the Paris Agreement.
Recently, our Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has proudly announced Italy’s contribution of up to 1 million USD to the organization of the 4th International SIDs Conference and we encourage other countries to follow and meet the necessary financial requirements.
Please, count on Italy to continue to leverage the technical, political, financial support for SIDS sustainable development.
I thank you.
