Madame President, Mr Secretary-General, Distinguished Colleagues,
Italy aligns with the statement by the European Union and would like to add the following in its national capacity.
Italy fully supports the UN80 Initiative.
Let me elaborate on this with three short points.
First. We need a reform that is balanced across the three pillars of the Organization.
- On peace and security, we see merits in the proposals on prevention and peacebuilding, in line with the New Agenda for Peace and with a view to further integrating peacebuilding and peacekeeping.
- On human rights and humanitarian action, the establishment of one “Human Rights Group” could result in more coherence, efficiency and global impact. We look forward to receiving further elements to guide our assessment. In parallel, the New Humanitarian Compact should contribute to more efficiencies, coordination and impact, while preserving what is working well.
- On sustainable development, we could overcome fragmentation and optimize our working modalities, in light of the “development emergency”, as it has been outlined by the Secretary-General.
- Second. We need a reform that allows us to collectively deliver impact at scale.
The 2017 reform of the UN development system still provides a crucial reference to build upon. A more integrated response is needed through knowledge pooling, streamlining physical presence on the ground and moving further competences to the regional level.
At the same time, a balance should be found between strengthened coordination and avoiding the diversion of resources from delivery on the ground, in alignment with the needs and priorities of Partner Countries.
- Third. We need a reform that does not lose track of the broader UN System.
This means that it shall not limit its focus on the Secretariat alone, but rather encompass the UN System’s functioning and architecture.
When it comes to the mergers and consolidations, it is important to clarify how the specific core mandates will be streamlined and how coherence will be preserved.
In conclusion, Madame President, Mr. Secretary General, we look forward to your further guidance on these and other crucial issues. Italy, as one of the main UN contributors and donors, stands ready to support you and constructively work with the whole membership.
Thank you.
