Excellencies,
Distinguished delegates,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Let me begin by saying that I consider it a privilege to be here, addressing this Panel on such an important subject. I am also honored to be one of the few men present.
Let me start by thanking the International Development Law Organization for convening this important discussion. I am the father of a 20-year-old boy, and my wife and I have raised him to be fully aware of the importance of these issues.
I have known IDLO for decades, and I have always appreciated the important work it carries out. Under the leadership of Ms. Jan Beagle, the organization has reached an even higher level of effectiveness. As representatives of one of the host countries, we are pleased that you have guided IDLO so successfully throughout these years.
I would like to say that ensuring equal access to justice is a cornerstone of the international human rights framework and a fundamental component of democratic and inclusive societies.
Yet, for many women and girls around the world, justice remains out of reach. Legal barriers, social norms, and structural inequalities continue to limit their ability to claim their rights and seek protection from violence and discrimination.
Progress cannot be taken for granted and is not guaranteed, and in some contexts, we have also witnessed worrying setbacks, including the exclusion of women from judicial institutions and decision-making processes.
Safeguarding women’s access to justice requires sustained political commitment and international cooperation.
National Action Plans on Women, Peace and Security have become key instruments in this regard. Adequate resources and effective monitoring mechanisms are also essential to translate commitments into tangible results.
In this perspective, SDG 16 represents a vital enabler of progress across the entire 2030 Agenda. Since 2019 Italy has promoted the Global Conference on SDG 16, together with the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs and IDLO. I’m proud to say that I was in that very first conference.
Building on the success of previous editions, including the 2024 Conference held here in New York in the presence of the President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella, I am pleased to announce that the SDG 16 Conference will be convened again at the United Nations Headquarters in New York in June.
A gender-responsive approach must be mainstreamed across development, humanitarian and peace efforts. In this regard, Italy considers gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls to be essential preconditions for sustainable development. This includes attention not only to protection from violence and discrimination, but also to economic empowerment, participation, leadership, and access to services and opportunities.
These priorities are also reflected in Italy’s support for the Women, Peace and Security agenda, including through the recent adoption of its fifth National Action Plan.
We remain committed to working with the United Nations, IDLO and international partners to advance access to justice for all women and girls.
Thank you.
