New York 19 March 2026
Excellencies,
Italy aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union and joined the cross-regional statement delivered by Finland and would like to make a few remarks in national capacity.
Allow me first to thank UNESCO for convening a commendable initiative to celebrate the World Water Day, which focuses on equality, inclusion, and shared responsibility.
It is also a profound honour to celebrate the official launch of the United Nations World Water Development Report 2026 produced by the UNESCO World Water Assessment Programme (WWAP). This flagship Report arrives at a critical moment. It reminds us, with clarity and urgency, that water is not merely a resource – it is a human right, a foundation for dignity, equality, and sustainable development.
Italy is committed to contribute to this global effort. For nearly two decades, we have hosted the UNESCO World Water Assessment Programme. The Italian Government provides the core funding that enables WWAP to produce these authoritative reports year after year, coordinating the work of the entire UN family. This long-standing commitment reflects our deep conviction that water science, data and policy must guide our collective action.
Our commitment to UNESCO has also been strengthened with our election to the Council of the Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP) in 2025.
We appreciate that UNESCO has sought to highlight, also through an event in Venice, the European contribution and Italy’s strategic role in promoting water governance oriented toward the security of future generations.
This year we are in the International Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences, which we consider not only a scientific program but also a political, cultural, and human commitment.
In this regard, please allow me to proudly underline Italy’s contribution through the Milano–Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, as an example of sustainable management of mountain resources thanks to the reuse of infrastructure and the reduction of environmental impacts.
Italy will continue to make its scientific and technological expertise available in this field, also by hosting several key events on the topic, as we recently did with the Arctic Circle Forum Polar Dialogue held in Rome on 3-4 March, which aim was to also foster dialogue about a region that is critical for global climate balances.
We conclude by recalling that the protection of water and the cryosphere is a shared responsibility. Italy will continue to contribute with determination, expertise, and experience, promoting inclusion and international cooperation.
The Decade represents an opportunity to transform knowledge into concrete action. We will work together to ensure that water remains a common good and a universal right for present and future generations.
I thank you.
