Ministerial Open Debate of the Security Council on Climate Change, Peace and Security
New York, 13 June 2023
Statement of Italy delivered by the Permanent Representative, Ambassador Maurizio Massari
Mr President, Excellencies,
I thank the United Arab Emirates for convening this meeting and the briefers for their interventions. Italy aligns itself with the statements delivered by Germany, on behalf of the Group of Friends on Climate and Security, and with the one to be delivered by the European Union.
Mr President,
Recurring droughts in the Sahel and the Horn of Africa, rising sea levels in the Pacific Ocean, last year’s devastating floods in Pakistan, this year’s flooding in the Great Lakes Region and Cyclone Freddy in Southeastern Africa have killed thousands of people and displaced millions.
These natural disasters are a stark reminder of how climate change affects fragile and conflict-affected areas with a particular degree of violence and unpredictability, adding to regional and global instability and insecurity.
It is no wonder then that the countries most affected by climate change are sending us a clear message: instead of questioning the climate peace and security nexus, we should act to counter it.
Unfortunately, this Council is in a deadlock when it comes to climate and security and has so far been unable to fully respond to the demands of an increasing number of Member States.
Despite that, responsible Member States remain determined to pursue full recognition of the climate and security nexus, while factoring in climate change issues into conflict prevention, resolution and peacebuilding efforts.
Italy therefore adheres to the vision and proposals outlined by the Group of Friends on Climate and Security and the European Union.
Italy, in particular, supports the Secretary-General’s regular reporting on the security implications of climate change; the use of climate-related early warning systems as a tool of conflict prevention and peacebuilding; and the incorporation of climate risks in the mandates of UN Peacekeeping missions, while promoting the reduction of the missions’ environmental footprint.
We encourage the United Nations System to continue its work on climate and security and are appreciative of inter-agency initiatives, such as the Climate and Security Mechanism, capable of consolidating a much-needed strategic approach.
At the same time, Italy is doing its part in multilateral fora to better integrate climate and environmental concerns in policy interventions and peace operations.
We are working closely with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction and the African Union to strengthen early warning systems and reinforce transboundary risk management, contributing to the implementation of the Africa Road Map for Improving the Availability, Access and Use of Disaster Risk Information.
Italy is also proud to host the United Nations Global Service Centre based in Brindisi, providing logistics and digital technology services to UN peace operations worldwide. The Centre has also specialized in environmental services and is helping field operations reduce their environmental footprint and manage environmental risks, allowing UN missions to leave a positive legacy in the communities where they operate.
As the co-chair of the Group of Friends on Leading on Environmental Management in the Field, together with Bangladesh, Italy is particularly engaged in this area and will continue to provide its contribution.
Finally, Italy – through the Carabinieri Corps – and the United Nations Department of Operational Support have agreed to cooperate in training, capacity building and knowledge exchange in the areas of environmental management and protection.
I would like to conclude by thanking, once again, the United Arab Emirates as they hold the Presidency of the Council, as well as incoming Presidency of the CoP28.
Thank you.
