Position paper for Italy
| Committee: | GA First |
| Topic: | Reducing space threats through norms, rules and principles of responsible behaviours |
| Paper text: | |
| Italy is fully committed to preventing an arms race in space. Italy underlines the urgency of establishing stronger norms, rules, and principles of responsible behavior in outer space. Italy emphasizes the importance of existing treaties and voluntary frameworks, such as the Outer Space Treaty and guidelines developed under the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), which offer concrete and operational means of reducing misperceptions and de-escalating tension. In addition, Italy values the work of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Use of Outer Space (COPUOS), affirming it as a vital part in promoting global cooperation and developing necessary frameworks to ensure the safety, sustainability, and responsible use of outer space. Furthermore, Italy highlights the EU-led proposal for an International Code of Conduct (ICoC). The ICoC will take preventive measures to encourage international cooperation in outer space to ensure its safety, security, and sustainability. This will have immense benefits for all countries whether they are involved in space activities or not. Italy also believes that the implementation of ICoC can spark the initiation of long-term reinforced legal frameworks, laying the foundation for legally binding rules. To address outer space threats, Italy supports the implementation of Transparency and Confidence-Building Measures (TCBMs). These measures work alongside pre-existing frameworks and are a crucial step toward strengthening the security, safety, and sustainability of outer space. To deepen our commitment, Italy calls for an expansion of TCBMs as a main pillar of space security strategy. | |
| Committee: | GA First |
| Topic: | The illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in all its aspects |
| Paper text: | |
| The Italian Republic believes that curbing the illicit trade of small arms and light weapons (SALW) is vital to long-term sustainability and world peace. Additionally, we consider the tracking of illicit SALW an essential prerequisite for finding ways to tackle the illegal flows of weapons to areas struggling with armed conflict or instability. Italy emphasizes the 2018 EU SALW Strategy and its double purpose of using European cooperation to curb the illicit trade of SALW and of promoting responsibility and accountability in regard to the legal arms trade. The Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) is balanced and based on negotiations where all members' views have been considered. The ATT has potential to contribute to international security by regulating international trade in conventional arms, making the system more transparent. This in turn can eradicate illicit arms trading. There is a need for more clarity and uniformity to the ATT. This is vital if we seek to combat illicit trafficking while also not harming commercial and legal trade that align with international obligations. Italy calls on all States to ratify the treaty and commends all states who have already done so. Moreover, Italy highlights Article 7(4) of the ATT and its stance on gender-based violence (GBV). However, there is a need for a stronger focus on the prevention of GBV. Italy urges other States to mainstream Article 7(4) into their Women, Peace, Security National Action Plans. Due to the cross-border nature of the SALW issue, Italy believes the only way forward is to provide capacity building to border guards and the police and increase regional cooperation. We continue to assist African countries with the training of border guards and while also providing technical assistance as part of the Mattei Project. Italy is committed and actively participating in the multilateral effort aimed at curbing the illicit trade of SALW. | |
| Committee: | GA Second |
| Topic: | Role of the United Nations in promoting development in the context of globalization and interdependence |
| Paper text: | |
| Italy supports globalization to promote development and interdependence. Considering our position as a commodity-reliant country with the 8th largest economy in the world, we believe we have the opportunity to play a significant role in the development of a more equitable trading system. The growing disparity of development between rich and poor countries reinforces the idea that more inclusive interventions are needed to stop this trend. We stress the importance of implementing strategic interventions, so foundations for stronger and more equitable trade can be constructed. We have undertaken such intervention opportunities through the Mattei Plan. The Mattei Plan is an Italian initiative which spearheads our contribution for economic and trade development on the African continent. Through an initial investment of â¬5.5 billion, the plan holistically addresses development through 6 strategic pillars, Education and Training, Agriculture, Health, Energy, Water, and Infrastructure. Through this plan we will create strong trade relationships and mutually beneficial, sustainable economic activity. We also work to ensure that amid global uncertainties like tariffs, war, or pandemics we create and foster stronger partnerships to withstand these challenges. We call upon the UN to implement strategies to empower other countries disconnected from the global trade system, by building their infrastructure and growing capacity building to be able to participate in a fairer globalized trade-based economy. When we create fairer trade relationships, we can diminish the effects of wealth disparity and poverty caused by unequal development. To summarize, Italy supports initiatives that facilitate globalization and sustainable development and support UN efforts to eradicate globalized disparities amongst countries in the global trade system. | |
| Committee: | GA Second |
| Topic: | Protection of global climate for present and future generations of humankind |
| Paper text: | |
| Italy is aware of the impact that climate change has on the safeguard of universal human rights, such as the rights of life and dignity, and an adequate standard of living. Italy remains a signatory to the Paris Climate Agreement, as we are committed to reducing emissions by 33% by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. It is indisputable that women have suffered disproportionately from the consequences of climate change. Italy acknowledges that it is vital for women to participate fully in the design, planning, and implementation stages of policies regarding climate change. We believe that gender equality and womenâs empowerment can be attained through integrated policies that uphold rights, promote resilience, and encourage the development of sustainable and regenerative economies. We are committed to considering gender equality as a primary objective which is why through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, which aims to address the gender inequality through investment areas such as increasing the female labor market participation, skill development, and strengthening care services, we have allocated the Next Generation EU funds to finance and support new policies that are centered on gender transformative approaches. We want to build a future in which women can actively put their skills in the service of the Green Revolution and can effectively contribute to the fight against climate change. We envision a future where women can hold political and economic leadership roles and be able to be a forefront of guiding countries towards increased sustainability, not only environmental, but also economic and social. We emphasize the critical role that women play in peace and security, as agents of change, peacebuilders, and leaders. We support the ongoing prioritization of the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS), and will be focusing on empowering women at the community level and providing support to those affected by conflict. We urge the UN to establish a dedicated Centre of Excellence on WPS, which will support women as key figures in the fight against climate change. | |
| Committee: | GA Third |
| Topic: | Universal realization of the right of peoples to self-determination |
| Paper text: | |
| The Republic of Italy strongly supports the Charter of the United Nations, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries and the self-determination of peoples. One of the things weâve been working on is to protect the rights of indigenous communities to their culture and languages. The Republic of Italy brings back the attention of all countries to admit and defend cultural rights, as elevated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other worldwide and geographical human rights implementations for successful community- based revival, reinforcing the protection and advancement of ethnic variety and ethnic legacy in all forms. We acknowledge the misapplying and the stealing of Indigenous and local populationâs art and cultural heritage, as well as the creation and transaction of copied Indigenous and local communitiesâ art attributes to the demotion and abuse of Indigenous and local cultural heritage and culture. We encourage the international community to elevate the knowledge, stories and voices of their populations, including of persons belonging to Indigenous communities, reflecting these in their cultural institutions and fostering the development, education, and job pathways to improve self-determination and professional opportunities for them. The Republic of Italy advocated in the Security Council in 2017 to ensure the protection of cultural heritage within UNESCO. Italy has donated 6 million of Euro to build and promote human capital rooted in cultural legacy and local traditions, which is a strategic long-term investment for the African Youth Cultural Heritage. Italy reminds the international community to invest in craft training and cultural heritage conservation, which means promoting sustainable development and creating tangible opportunities for young people. Doing these things to protect the cultural heritage of Indigenous peoples is a way to promote the self-determination of peoples. | |
| Committee: | GA Third |
| Topic: | Improvement of the situation of women and girls in rural areas |
| Paper text: | |
| The Republic of Italy believes that empowering women and girls in rural areas is important to build a more just, inclusive, and sustainable society. As a committed member of the United Nations and European Union, Italy calls for action to improve the situation of women and girls in rural areas. We acknowledge that rural women play an important role in preserving and improving their communities and their livelihood systems. They are pivotal to economic and agricultural development, poverty reduction and meeting food needs. However, for the full potential of women in our society to be unlocked, we must address gender-based violence first. We acknowledge that one in three Italian women between the ages of 16 and 70 has faced physical or sexual violence. In response, in 2019, Italy enacted the Codice Russo, a law that prioritizes and accelerates legal cases of domestic and gender- based violence. In addition to this, on International Womenâs Day 2025, Italy approved a draft law introducing life imprisonment for such crimes, which entered into force in June 2025 to further combat personal abuse, stalking, and sexual violence. Italy is also working to address outdated elements within the legal system and ensure that all women in all regions have equal access to justice, healthcare, education, and economic opportunities. We remain concerned about the rising influence of fundamentalist ideologies that seek to limit womenâs autonomy. Italy remains committed to supporting the dignity and freedom of all women and girls worldwide and reducing the gap that prevents that. The Republic of Italy calls on all nations to implement strong measures and laws to combat human trafficking, violence, and legal or social persecution of women, while also investing in their participation in society. | |
| Committee: | GA Plenary |
| Topic: | Our ocean, our future, our responsibility |
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| Italy supports the United Nations in global efforts to combat marine pollution, overfishing, and habitat destruction. This can be achieved by promoting scientific cooperation, science- based management plans, and establishing marine protected areas. Italy has been a long active promoter of ocean health through a mixture of national policies, technological initiative, and international cooperation such as within the Mediterranean region. Our posture to protect our oceans and water resources is clearly defined by our efforts to combat pollution, help work to restore marine ecosystems and address the continuous challenges such as overfishing and climate change. Italy amended its constitution to formally recognize environmental protection as a fundamental principle which requires future legislation to prioritize the environment. Italy has made it our mission to be in support of ocean health and help promote the development of sustainable ocean health and environmental protection. The Italian Ministry of the Environment has made it clear to be at the forefront of fighting against hydrocarbon pollution at sea, through a series of prevention response measures that involves partnering with the Italian Coast guard. With additional funding the Italian Ministry has also implemented an enhanced surveillance which is operated by the Italian Coast Guard at sea, both on marine protected areas and oil platforms. Italy will continue to spearhead a transformative initiative which are aimed at restoring marine ecosystems and our oceans' health. | |
| Committee: | GA Plenary |
| Topic: | Strengthening of the coordination of emergency humanitarian assistance of the United Nations |
| Paper text: | |
| Italy has and will continue to be a long-time active contributor to humanitarian aid, and wants to see reforms that allows the UN to collectively strengthen coordination of emergency humanitarian assistance. We also want to further build on the commitment to provide a fast, effective, and efficient response that is suited to the needs of those in crisis situations. Italy has already made a commitment to international principles focused on providing assistance in areas such as food security, water, healthcare, and protection for those who have been displaced .Our principles are based on humanity, impartiality and interdependence, while focusing on fast and effective responses, relief and protection in the aftermath to crises that may be both natural or human. We strive to continue making progress in being significant financial contributors in aid during any global crisis and actively participate in humanitarian efforts. As of 2024 we contributed $6.5 billion to the Official Development Assistance (ODA) and was listed as the 8th largest donor country among the Development Assistance Committees (DAC) members. We have also been among the top 10 donors to the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF). This also includes Italy's support in UN appeals and the utilization of resources such as the United Nations Humanitarian Response Depot (UNHRD). Italy is a key partner of the United Nation High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and has implemented programs such as the Humanitarian Corridors which facilitated the transfer of thousands of refugees from countries like Jordan, Lebanon, Niger, and Ethiopia to Italy and France. Italy is home to many UN humanitarian agencies such as the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, UN World Food Program, International Fund for Aid and Development are based in Rome, Italy, while the UN Logistics Base is located in Brindisi, Italy. We believe these agencies being located in Italy shows our commitment to humanitarian aid, and their effectiveness. Italy will always continue to be a supporter of humanitarian aid and efforts to strengthen coordination to help bring our principles to fruition. | |
| Committee: | CND |
| Topic: | Promoting alternative development as a development-oriented drug control strategy that is sustainable and inclusive |
| Paper text: | |
| Italy strongly supports promoting alternative development as a sustainable and inclusive strategy to combat the global drug problem. Recognizing and addressing the root causes of illicit drug cultivation such as poverty and lack of economic opportunity, and social harm these conditions create, is critical for long-term success. Italy is deeply concerned about environmental damage caused by illicit drug cultivation, including deforestation and soil degradation in rural communities. Italy believes in empowering local communities and farmers by providing opportunities to transition from illicit crops to legal, sustainable alternatives that improve both livelihoods and the environment. Italy also advocates for coordinated international support, technical assistance, and funding to ensure that alternative development strategies succeed. | |
| Committee: | CND |
| Topic: | Promoting comprehensive and scientific evidence-based early prevention |
| Paper text: | |
| Italy believes that comprehensive, scientific, and evidence-based early prevention is essential to protecting youth and reducing the damage of addiction. Recognizing that prevention is most effective when it begins early, Italy supports programs that are informed by research and tailored to local contexts, focusing on education, early identification, and community engagement. Italy has implemented the Life Skills Training (LST) program, which provides adolescents with the confidence and practical tools to resist peer pressure and make informed decisions about drug use. Italy also promotes CHAMPS (Children Amplified Prevention Services), an evidence-based initiative that strengthens protective factors for children and adolescents. Italy has long supported scientific and evidence-based approaches to drug prevention. Italy has continued to show its commitment to early prevention by emphasizing the importance of using research-driven strategies and international cooperation to protect youth and vulnerable populations. Italy encourages all Member States to adopt UNODC and WHO International Standards on Drug Use Prevention, integrating health, social, and educational strategies into their prevention efforts. Collaboration across sectors, including public health, education, and law enforcement, is essential to ensure these measures are both effective and sustainable. Through these cooperative and research-driven strategies, Italy aims to protect future generations, reduce the social and economic costs of drug abuse, and promote healthier, safer communities worldwide. | |
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