Distinguished delegates, dear colleagues,
I want to thank the Permanent Mission of Ukraine and the Government of Ukraine for organizing this event. It is an honor to address you today as we reaffirm Italy’s unwavering support for Ukraine in its pursuit of a just and lasting peace – one firmly rooted in the principles of sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. As we stand with the Ukrainian people, we recognize that true recovery extends beyond rebuilding infrastructure; it requires fostering an inclusive and gender-responsive society that upholds the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter. The full implementation of these principles, which form the bond that holds the international community together, is not only in the interest of Ukraine and Europe, but also of the entire UN membership to ensure stability, peace, and mutual respect among nations and peoples.
We stand firm in defending Ukraine’s right to exist as an independent and sovereign state, and we believe that the path to restoring peace must be one of diplomacy. There is no military solution to this conflict. On top of that, the need for a solution becomes ever more urgent as Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified full-scale invasion of Ukraine continues to disproportionately affect women and girls. Italy understands the need for targeted and inclusive recovery efforts to support women in Ukraine as they face higher rates of poverty, displacement, and gender-based violence.
From the very beginning of the crisis, Italy has prioritized unfaltering support for Ukraine. This commitment has taken many forms, including humanitarian aid and reception measures for refugees, as well as strong backing of European Union initiatives. Our efforts do not stop here: Italy is actively contributing to Ukraine’s resilience and remains determined to play a leading role in the social and economic recovery of the Country. This also encompasses the empowerment of women who continue to encounter barriers to equality both in decision-making and economic life. In this regard, Italy will host the next Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC) in Rome in July 2025.
This conference will not only serve as a crucial platform to lay the foundations for a prosperous, independent Ukraine, but will also follow up on the 2022 URC in Lugano, which made significant steps forward in mainstreaming gender equality in Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction plans.
Particular focus will be given to the contribution that the active involvement of women can provide to Ukraine’s economic resilience, recovery, reconstruction, and modernization. Another key area of interest will be the active engagement of Ukrainian, Italian, European and international civil society organizations in shaping the priorities and strategies for Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction.
Important goal of the URC 2025 is also to mobilize the private sector for Ukraine’s recovery, reconstruction, and modernization, while also expanding the number of contributing nations. Beyond the conference, Italy actively contributes through the G7 Donor Coordination Platform and bilateral assistance for both immediate needs and long-term reconstruction. Our Country has also provided substantial financial support for refugees, direct budgetary aid, and humanitarian efforts. During the URC in Berlin, additional funding was pledged for critical sectors, including energy, healthcare, agriculture, cultural heritage, and demining. A key priority is Ukraine’s energy sector resilience, as much of its power infrastructure has been severely damaged or occupied.
Let me stress also our full commitment to addressing and supporting the needs of vulnerable groups, including displaced women, women with disabilities, veterans, and rural women, aligning these efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals.
In conclusion, the only real way to alleviate the suffering of the Ukrainian women and girls and address the profound humanitarian consequences of Russia’s aggression is to put an end to this war. Italy stands ready to cooperate with all partners who are committed to supporting peace efforts. But it cannot be any peace, it must be a just peace as I said, in line with the principles of the UN Charter. We must work together, through diplomacy, to restore peace, security, and stability to Ukraine for Women and Girls to secure a prosperous future for the country as a part of the European family.
I thank you.
