NEW YORK, SEPTEMBER 10 – “In the context of constantly evolving scenarios of security, peacekeeping remains a fundamental instrument,” the Italian Deputy Permanent Representative at the United Nations in New York, Ambassador Stefano Stefanile, during a Security Council debate on UN peace operations.
“Italy, first contributor of blue helmets among Western countries and one of the main contributors of the peacekeeping budget, is particularly conscious of the complex challenges that peace operations are called to face. For this reason, we are among the first signatories of the Declaration of Shared Commitments on Peacekeeping, promoted in 2018 by the Secretary General for improving the performance and efficiency of operations.”
Stefanile underlined the importance of investments in training. “Italy is at the frontline in this area due to the expertise of a centre of excellence like that of COESPU in Vicenza” said the Italian representative: “It’s furthermore necessary to work to increase the number of women -and their role- in peacekeeping missions. We must also continue to provide peace operations with our best troops and most advanced equipment, while simultaneously ensuring the respect for standards of conduct. In this regard we support a politics of zero tolerance towards sexual abuse, and are among the first contributors of the UN’s fund for the victims of such crimes.”
Ambassador Stefanile furthermore re-affirmed Italy’s effort to reduce the environmental impact of peace missions, a goal which Italy contributes to also in as founder and co-president of the pertinent Group of Friends. (@OnuItalia)
