I would like to thank the Brazilian Presidency for convening this second Foreign Ministers Meeting, in a new and unprecedented format open to the whole UN membership.
We greatly appreciate this inclusive approach of the Brazilian Presidency. The Italian G7 Presidency is marked by the same inclusive vision. As Prime Minister Meloni stated during the Apulia Summit last June: “The G7 is not a closed fortress, but an offer of values open to the world, having as a goal our shared development”.
We need a collective renewed commitment towards effective multilateralism. Today, more than ever, we need to foster respect for international law and the UN Charter.
Particularly, in the face of a blatant violation of the Charter, such as the Russian aggression against Ukraine, let me here again strongly condemn Russia’s war of aggression. We reaffirm our steadfast determination to support the Ukrainian people in their defense of freedom, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity within Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders, in line with the fundamental principles of the UN Charter.
The international community is also facing a very serious situation in the Middle East, following Hamas’ brutal terrorist attack against Israel, on 7th October last year. All hostages must be released; we need to address the dramatic humanitarian crisis in Gaza and work for a sustainable ceasefire; we need a durable peace for the region, based on the “two states” solution.
In parallel, we also have several structural, global challenges before us, such as climate change, eradicating poverty and the impact of the digital transition, particularly the roll-out of artificial intelligence.
The Summit of the Future, held a few days ago, was a concrete step towards the acutely needed re-launch of multilateralism. The Pact for the Future contains several practical actions to address such pressing global challenges. In the Pact, we have re-committed to advance the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, to foster peace and security, to enhance digital and technological innovation, to empower youth and future generations. Italy is ready to offer its contribution to achieve these ambitious goals, leaving no-one behind.
The Pact for the Future also outlines a path for reforming global governance and its institutions that is both doable and ambitious. We have actively contributed to the debate in the Inter-governmental Negotiation on UN Security Council reform. We will continue to work constructively to make further progress and achieve a consensual reform. Italy supports a reform of the UN Security Council to make it more democratic, accountable, transparent, representative and effective.
International Financial Institutions (IFIs) play an essential role in promoting the Sustainable Development Goals. Italy supports the ongoing efforts to reform these institutions to improve their response to global challenges and build greater long-term resilience. We thank Brazil for giving centrality to this debate during its Presidency. The implementation of this reform agenda will need to take into account the peculiarities of each institution, recognizing in the boards of each institution the responsibility to consider what measures to take to address these challenges.
Trade is critical for sustainable development, including for the poorest countries. Effectiveness and predictable rules are necessary for the benefits of international trade to be shared by all countries. This goal can be achieved only by strengthening and reforming the World Trade Organization – and in particular by re-establishing the WTO Dispute Settlement Body.
Also – a serious discussion on international market distorting factors is needed. This is required to ensure a level playing field in global markets and to avoid protectionist drifts, dangerous imbalances and divisions in blocs. Our goal is to reform and strengthen an open, fair and rule-based multilateral trading system, up to the new challenges of economic security, environmental sustainability and inclusiveness. In brief, a system where all countries can enjoy the benefits of trade.
Italy, also as current G7 Presidency, is strongly committed to all of these topical issues. Our action will remain inspired by an open and inclusive approach. Thank you.
