NEW YORK, OCTOBER 13 – According to the World Bank, by 2030 almost half of the world’s poor will be residing in countries affected by fragility, conflict or violence. “It is therefore more and more essential to accompany all initiatives related to conflict prevention and mediation, peacekeeping and peacebuilding with parallel and adequate commitments to addressing the root causes and long-term drivers of instability in the field of sustainable development”, Italy said during a Security Council open debate on “Peacebuilding and Sustainable Peace.”
The Italian delegate touched several issues related to the theme of the debate. “Women’s participation is crucial to guaranteeing inclusivity”, he said mentioning the Mediterranean Women Mediators Network, which responds to the pressing need to foster women’s participation in a region that is key for global peace and stability. Launched in 2017, the network brings together a multigenerational group of more than 60 qualified women mediators from 21 countries and provides for training, capacity building as well as networking opportunities.
Religious leaders and NGOs also play an essential role in fostering the prospects for peace and promoting dialogue and reconciliation. A notable example is the support provided by the organization “Comunità di Sant’Egidio” to the Central African Republic peace process. The work of the Italian NGO “Rondine Cittadella della Pace” is another testimony of the important contribution that the so-called “second-track diplomacy” can bring to conflict prevention, education to peace, and the promotion of human rights.
Italy – said the delegate – also shares the concern for the dangerous impact that disinformation, fake news and hate speech can have in contexts of crisis. Consistently, Italy supports the United Nations action in combating hate speech, in particular through the implementation of the relevant UN Strategy and Plan of Action launched in 2019. (@OnuItalia)
