4 Giugno 2026, New York
Chef de Cabinet, Excellencies, Colleagues, Dear Friends,
It is an honor to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Italian Republic with you. For Italy, the past 80 years of democratic history are deeply intertwined with the same story of the United Nations. The principles of the UN Charter are reflected in our Constitution and helped inspire the European integration project that eventually became the European Union. Thanks to the international system of peace and cooperation built around these institutions, Italy has enjoyed decades of economic prosperity and political stability.
As strong believer in the UN and International Law, I chose to serve at the United Nations in New York as a young First Secretary thirty years ago. Throughout my career, I have continued to follow the work of the UN closely, both as Director General of the Legal Department of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and as Director General for Development Cooperation. I am proud to have returned as Italy’s Permanent Representative and to reaffirm that Italy remains a steadfast supporter of the Organization and a committed multilateral partner in all areas of the UN’s work. Tomorrow, the Secretary-General will lay a wreath in honor of the peacekeepers who have fallen in the line of duty.
As the largest Western contributor of troops to UN peacekeeping operations, Italy expresses its deepest gratitude to the military and civilian personnel serving under the UN flag around the world often at risk to their own safety. In a few days, Italy will host here the SDG 16 Conference, further demonstrating our commitment to sustainable development, effective institutions, and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. As a member of the Human Rights Council for the 2026–2028 term, Italy will continue to advance priorities such as the elimination of female genital mutilation and the universal moratorium on the death penalty.
Excellencies, Colleagues, Dear Friends, today we are delighted to present also a showcase of Italy.
The MUSIC4D Orchestra brings together music, innovation, and education, creating opportunities for younger generations through the use of new technologies.
Two exhibitions celebrate the achievements of Italian women over the past eighty years—from the right to vote to their accomplishments in every field of society—as well as the remarkable successes of Italian women athletes. You can also admire (not yet ride) the Ducati Panigale Tricolore, a symbol of Italian creativity, excellence, technology, and design.
And, of course, you will enjoy the outstanding food, wine and spirits prepared by our chefs and restaurants, celebrating the inscription of Italian cuisine on UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage and the establishment of the International Day of the Mediterranean Diet. Food security remains one of Italy’s top priorities. Through the Rome-based agencies—FAO, IFAD and WFP—and through our engagement in the UN Food Systems Summits, including the most recent Stocktake in Addis Ababa in 2025, Italy continues to work towards a world free from hunger and malnutrition.
Above all, however, we are proud to celebrate our National Day together with all of you: members of the international community, UN officials, representatives of the media, colleagues, and friends. Your presence here means a great deal to us. We value your friendship, your partnership, and your trust.
And you know that you can count on us. You can count on Italy at the United Nations.
Thank you, buona Festa della Repubblica!
