Excellencies, Distinguished colleagues,
Italy welcomes the decision of the United Nations General Assembly to address all issues related to the phenomenon of sea level rise at the highest levels.
The data clearly shows that the phenomenon is not in a phase of regression. It must therefore be addressed in a pragmatic way, especially with regard to the coastal risks associated with it and which have a direct impact on people, economic activities and ecosystems in the regions concerned, as well as on coastal structures, such as airports, infrastructure and transport networks, ports and even cultural heritage sites. Over the last three decades, the level of the Mediterranean Sea has risen at an accelerated pace.
Italy is aware of the need to implement effective and pragmatic adaptation measures, diversified according to the priorities and needs within different contexts. This approach is essential to improve the resilience of countries and communities around the world, in particular the most vulnerable, the island states and coastal regions.
We need to leverage and enhance multi-stakeholder cooperation mechanisms to accelerate the transition from adaptation plans and strategies to viable projects. Failure to act promptly would worsen the current adaptation gaps, to the detriment of the most vulnerable countries and communities.
We take this opportunity to share that in June 2024, Italy, together with its G7 partners, announced the “G7 Adaptation Accelerator Hub.”
With this initiative, the G7 underlines its determination in tackling the urgent challenges posed by climate change, including sea level rise and its impacts on vulnerable populations.
The G7 reaffirmed its solidarity with developing countries facing the serious consequences of climate change. Against this backdrop, the Italian Presidency has planned and will continue every effort to strengthen international cooperation, coordination and knowledge sharing, with particular attention to the critical aspect of resource mobilization.
Through enhanced coordination and collaboration, we aspire to achieve a more cohesive, collective and impactful approach to the challenge of climate change adaptation, ultimately contributing to the growth of community resilience and sustainability around the world. Italy underscores its commitment to ensuring effective facilitation partnerships, broadening participation, promoting multi-stakeholder engagement and supporting effective progress to close adaptation gaps and build long-term resilience, especially in support of the most vulnerable countries. Thank you.
(Courtesy translation)
