Thank you Mr. Chair.
Italy aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union and wishes to add the following remarks in its national capacity.
At the outset, we join the Committee in warmly congratulating the Chair, Ambassador Amorin of Uruguay and the Bureau for their election and their work in steering the 2nd Committee of the 78th General Assembly. You can count on Italy’s full support and engagement, also within the Bureau.
Mr. Chair,
This 2nd Committee convenes in the aftermath of an eventful High-Level Week. From the crucial SDG Summit to the High-Level Dialogue on FFD and the Climate Ambition Summit, most of the key Summits and their outcomes now fall under the competence of this Committee.
The outcome of the SDG Summit proved that, even at these challenging times, we can and we must continue to work together to address global challenges and increase international solidarity.
The reckless Russian aggression against Ukraine and its undeniable global effects continues to jeopardize these global efforts. And this is why Italy and many other Countries are further increasing global action and support to the most vulnerable countries.
The 2030 Agenda still unites us.
Only by finding the common ground we will be able to successfully bring the SDGs back on track and to accelerate systemic actions on climate change and on financing for sustainable development. And this common ground is possible.
Despite ongoing challenges, some improvements have been made. Italy has been actively supporting the action of the G20 on the SDRs rechanneling, on the MDBs and IFAs evolutions and on welcoming the African Union as fully Member of the Group. We are also looking forward to COP 28, where we remain committed to advance the Climate Agenda and, hopefully, to welcome the formalization of the achievement of the 100 billion annual target.
The UN Food Systems Summit in Rome has also generated rich outcomes for food systems transformations and for Food Security, especially for those facing hunger. Food Security remains a crucial priority. Italy calls for accelerated global action in line with the Secretary General’s Call to Action launched at the Rome Summit and we look forward to this year’s negotiations on the Food Security Resolution.
Mr. Chair,
Italy remains fully committed to advance the 2030 Agenda in all its dimensions. Despite crises, Italy’s Official Development Assistance has continued to increase, also in support of the UN System, and focusing on the most vulnerable countries. 10 out of 20 high-Priority Countries of the Italian Development Cooperation are Least Developed Countries (LDCs). We are also continuing to actively support SIDS and LLDCs with many political, financial and technical initiatives. I’m proud to confirm that Italy is financially supporting both the SIDS and LLDCs Conference and related processes, as we head towards Antigua and Barbuda and Rwanda next year.
In addition, the new Italian Climate Fund, with 840 million euros per year for 4 years, will contribute to address all aspects of climate change, including adaptation, in developing Countries.
As highlighted by the Italian Deputy Prime Minister at the SDG Summit, one of the keys for global action is in the sustainable development of Africa. We will continue to work with partner to address the root causes of forced migration and instill and grow peace and prosperity for African Nations.
But ODA will not be enough and that’s why we are working for comprehensive public-private partnerships in order to channel additional investments from the private sector in Africa and beyond.
Italy is also investing on science and technology. Italy has also recently allocated 350 million of investments in new technologies in agriculture and this will include projects and initiatives which will also benefit the Global South.
Mr. Chair,
You can continue to count on Italy to strengthen global partnerships and increase international cooperation and solidarity. This will also be a priority during our G7 Presidency in 2024.
I thank you.
