Mr. President, Mr. Secretary-General, Excellences,
Italy aligns itself with the statement delivered by the Group of Friends for Women Peace and Security (WPS) and with the statement delivered by the European Union and wishes to add the following remarks in its national capacity.
Italy is honoured to participate in this Open Debate on Women, Peace and Security and reaffirms its constant commitment to advancing the WPS Agenda, twenty-five years after the landmark adoption of Security Council Resolution 1325.
We acknowledge the Secretary-General’s comprehensive report and underline the essential role played by UN personnel working directly in the field to promote women’s leadership and protect their civic space.
Over the years, Italy has consistently emphasized the critical role women play in peace and security, as agents of change, peacebuilders, and leaders. We continue to pursue a comprehensive approach that supports all four pillars of the Agenda: prevention, protection, participation, and relief and recovery.
Italy supports the ongoing prioritization of WPS and is proud to have recently adopted its fifth National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security for the years 2025 to 2029, which confirms my country’s steadfast commitment towards the full implementation of the Agenda. Italy’s new Plan will focus on empowering women at the community level and on providing support to those affected by conflict.
We welcome the proposal to establish a dedicated Centre of Excellence on WPS under the UN reform, which seeks to enhance coordination and knowledge sharing. Equally important is the sustained support for women’s organizations and networks, key actors in conflict prevention and peacebuilding.
In addition to the multiple threats that women and girls continue to face in the physical space, the shift towards digital spaces as key platforms for women’s participation brings new risks, including online harassment and misinformation campaigns. Italy emphasizes the importance of collecting gender-specific data on digital access and fostering regional partnerships to protect and amplify women’s voices in these environments. Addressing global challenges such as climate change, displacement, and technological developments through a gender-responsive approach remains essential.
The WPS agenda remains a powerful tool to prevent violence, foster lasting peace, and secure justice for survivors. Italy stands ready to continue working with the United Nations and all partners to transform commitments into meaningful outcomes. It is with this goal in mind that Italy has joined the Secretary General’s Common Pledge for Women’s Full, Equal and Meaningful Participation in Peace Processes.
I thank you.
