Dear friends,
As the new year is about to begin, I would like to convey to you all and to your families my best wishes for a Happy 2025.
The past year has been a difficult one for peace and security in the world. Italy as a strong UN partner has tried to play a positive role on all fronts and as a bridge between the north and the south of the globe.
Let me highlight some key moments of our action here in New York.
First, the State Visit of Sergio Mattarella, President of the Italian Republic in May, and the conference on SDG 16 organized by Italy in collaboration with DESA and IDLO. That event aimed to advance the creation of peaceful, just, and inclusive societies.
Another key moment was the Summit of the Future in September, where Italy, represented by Prime Minister Meloni, alongside the European Union, played a pivotal role in supporting the adoption of the Pact. This groundbreaking agreement, the most comprehensive in decades, not only addresses emerging issues, but also tackles long-standing challenges that have previously hindered consensus. During the High Level Week, Italy also organized a G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, chaired by Foreign Minister Tajani, to discuss the most pressing issues of the global agenda.
Throughout 2024, Italy’s work at the UN focused on the three main UN lines of action:
First, on peace and security, in the face of increased conflicts and humanitarian emergencies all over the world, Italy has renewed its commitment by presenting alongside the group Uniting for Consensus a reviewed proposal of reform of the UN Security Council, which would make it more effective, democratic and representative, while guaranteeing the principle of equality of all Member States.
Second, on Human Rights, Italy co-facilitated with Argentina the Resolution for a moratorium on the use of the death penalty, as a first step towards its abolition, adopted with a record 130 Yes votes. We also celebrated for the first time the International Day to fight Transnational Organized Crime, established by a resolution promoted by Italy and a cross-regional group of countries.
Third, on sustainable development, I’d like to recall the role of Italy as Vice-President of the 4th SIDS Conference, also co-financed by Italy, which adopted the landmark new Action Plan for the SIDS development over the next 10 years. Moreover, Italy last June was elected as a member of the ECOSOC for the 2025-2027 three-year term, being the most voted country of the Western Group in this electoral round.
Italy’s engagement with the UN also was manifested throughout its G7 presidency, to reinforce the partnership with the African countries – also in the framework of Italy’s Mattei Plan – but also to improve finance for development, the protection of women’s rights and those of persons with disabilities, and to leverage artificial intelligence as a driver of sustainable development. The Italian G7 presidency was one of the most inclusive to ever take place, with the invitation extended to many countries from Africa and beyond, of several financial institutions and of different UN entities and representatives including the Secretary-General.
In conclusion, this coming year marks the 70th anniversary of Italy’s membership in the United Nations, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the UN itself. It offers a significant opportunity to reaffirm our shared commitment to a more peaceful and prosperous world, while celebrating Italy’s deep-rooted multilateral tradition. We look forward to collaborating and engaging with all of you in this pivotal year.
Happy 2025 to all.
