Mr. President,
Mr. Secretary General,
Distinguished colleagues,
Italy aligns itself to the statement to be delivered by the European Union and would like to add the following remarks on its national capacity.
Eighty years ago, nations joined together to create the United Nations — the cornerstone of a world order built on law, dignity, and solidarity. It remains our shared home, a forum where all countries have a voice and where peace must always prevail over confrontation.
Since its accession to the Organization, Italy has constantly believed in and strongly supported the United Nations as a project with peace at its heart. A project that chose cooperation over conflict, human rights over repression, and solidarity over inequality.
Yet today, the principles that unite us are under threat. The rule of law is challenged by the rule of force; solidarity gives way to self-interest; and human rights are too often portrayed as expendable. This is also the case of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine — a blatant violation of the UN Charter by a permanent member of this Council. It is not only illegal and devastating, but also a direct attack on the foundations of international peace and security.
Italy, together with the European Union, stands firmly on the side of the UN Charter. We call for respect of international law and humanitarian principles everywhere — in Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan, the DRC, Myanmar, Haiti, and beyond.
Mr. President,
We must ensure that the United Nations remains fit for purpose. Italy welcomes the Secretary-General’s leadership and the UN80 Initiative, which charts a path toward a more agile, efficient, and accountable Organization. Reform is not ideological; it is pragmatic and urgent. We need a UN that can respond quickly to crises, eliminate duplication, and deliver concrete results on the ground.
On peace and security, we should adapt without lowering our level of ambition. With the right adjustments, and an effective integration with peacebuilding activities, peace operations can continue to be a key engine of peace and stability, as it has been since the birth of the United Nations, combining political sustainability and operational effectiveness, ensuring a resilient peace continuum and leveraging regional capacities.
On development, we must move from fragmentation to delivering impact at scale to face a fast-changing world and ever-new global challenges. Stronger regional coordination, unified data and research, and efficient use of resources are now essential — without diverting funds from action where it is most needed.
On human rights, coherence and impact must be matched with sustainable funding. And on humanitarian response, Italy supports a gradual, pragmatic approach that enhances efficiency while empowering local actors.
Mr. President,
The Security Council itself must also evolve. Italy has for long time voiced the need for a comprehensive reform to make it more representative, democratic, transparent, and effective, amplifying the voice of underrepresented regions.
Italy will continue to work with all its partners to build a United Nations capable of meeting today’s complex challenges.
The UN has overcome great challenges before. Let us once again find the courage to renew it — so that it can continue to deliver peace, justice, and human dignity for all.
Thank you.
