Madam Chairperson,
I am honoured to speak at this Open Debate on behalf of Italy, to share the Italian approach in implementing the WPS Agenda, based on our long-standing commitment to promoting the significant contribution of women and girls to sustainable peace and security. And I am particularly proud to do so as my country’s first male WPS Focal Point.
Since the early 2000s, we have been working on all four pillars of the Agenda, with a special emphasis on women’s meaningful participation to peacebuilding and mediation efforts – including through the Mediterranean Women Mediators Network, launched in 2017 with Italy’s support – and on the protection of women and girls – including girl children, in line with the CAAC Agenda – from all forms of gender-based violence in conflicts and crises.
Italy believes that it is paramount to further integrate gender perspectives in peacebuilding efforts, especially in the context of evolving global challenges such as climate change, food insecurity, migration flows, trafficking in human beings and the misuse of technology, including for Tech-facilitated gender-based violence. This means ensuring a comprehensive, holistic and mainstreamed vision that duly considers the intersection of human rights, environment and security, and where the involvement and active participation of women and girls is crucial to achieving inclusive peace.
Our action, both internally and at the international level, is based on the fruitful interaction with women’s civil society organizations, academia and other non-government partners, throughout the political, security and development spheres. Italy has pursued this scope via the periodic adoption and implementation of its NAPs. Our 4th NAP will be phasing out at the end of 2024. Preparation of the fifth NAP is underway: it will come into force in time for the 25th Anniversary of Resolution 1325 next year, prioritising two main components:
Firstly, the collaboration with local communities: grassroots involvement, engaging local women in peacebuilding efforts to ensure that their voices and needs are heard, particularly in regions affected by or at risk of conflict; Secondly, the allocation of dedicated financial resources to support programmes framed and implemented by civil society organizations, the academia, research centres to empower women in conflict-affected areas, providing training and opportunities for leadership in peacebuilding .
Let me conclude by reiterating Italy’s full support to the important work of the United Nations, as well as of regional organisations and other multilateral and national initiatives, to advance the WPS Agenda and improve its operational impact on the ground. Ensuring the active involvement of women and girls in peace and security policies is a must – to face current challenges and promote resilient societIes across the world.
I thank you Madame Chair.
