Permanent Mission of Italy to the United Nations promoted a meeting with Italian officials working for the Organization that was held at the UN Headquarters, as part of the “structured dialogue” between the Italian government and the members of UFIOI (Unione Funzionari Italiani presso le Organizzazioni Internazionali, which brings together approximately 200 members).
At the opening of the meeting, Ambassador Massari recalled that Italy places strategic importance on the presence and contribution of international officials of Italian citizenship within the International Organizations, as Minister Tajani has on multiple occasions stressed while also shining a light on their crucial role in promoting national interests and strengthening multilateral cooperation.
The debate moderated by UFIOI President Alessandro Susini and Vice President Maurizia Calo’, revolved around topics such as the relations between Italy and the United Nations, the UN reform initiative “UN80”, the use of artificial intelligence by some UN entities to streamline processes, and the progression and career prospects of officials within the Organization.
This is the first meeting of a series of dialogue moments between Italy and UN officials of Italian nationality, aiming for a “States General of Italian Officers at the UN” by the end of the year, to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Italy’s membership in the UN.
The more than 200 Italian officials at the UN work in UN Offices, Funds and Agencies of crucial importance, from the Executive Office of the Secretary General to the Department for Operational Support, the Agency for Refugees to UNICEF, the UN Development Programme to the Department for Economic and Social Affairs and many others. The qualified Italian presence at the top of UN branches is demonstrated, most recently, by the appointment of General Abagnara as UNIFIL Commander.
