Position paper for Italy
| Committee: | GA First |
| Topic: | Consolidation of peace through practical disarmament measures |
| Paper text: | |
| Italy remains committed to the disarmament of weapons of mass destruction, drawing a
distinction between conventional weapons to spur non-proliferation. We do not produce nuclear
weapons, but we will continue to innovate to reintroduce the use of nuclear power. Our main tie
to nuclear weapons still remains through the NATO nuclear sharing program.
We previously signed and continue to uphold the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, as we feel it sustains the standards previously established under EURATOM (the European Atomic Energy Community). We also endorse the United States Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) to work to ban the trade of weapons of mass destruction. These public steps Italy has taken to be involved in the containment of nuclear arms is done so out of responsibility to our citizens and citizens abroad. Currently Italy has not signed the Treaty of the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (as it would undermine the NATO nuclear sharing program and other scientific nuclear developments), but we continue to take steps to consider TPNW and evaluate it within the context of our goals as a nation committed to weapons controls. We have signed into effect two resolutions that affirm this consideration, the most recent being in May of 2022. These actions together affirm the responsibility we have towards maintaining peace through the control of the nuclear arms we do possess. Italy has a responsibility and prior commitment as a member of NATO to comply with our allies to ensure our citizens are awarded the peace NATO provides, which is why we remain in the nuclear sharing program and have not signed TPNW. To sign TPNW we as a nation need to identify the best way we can do so while simultaneously aligning with NATO and their goals. Italy also condemns countries that irresponsibly abuse their positions as nuclear-weapons states. We believe that nuclear weapons pose a threat to all of humanity and efforts must be continuously made to contain them and monitor their current existence. | |
| Committee: | GA First |
| Topic: | Implementation of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on Their Destruction |
| Paper text: | |
| Italy stands against the use of chemical weapons as a means of defense and will continue
to condemn countries who use them. They are a threat to peace, and we believe that every
country should join us in this position.
We are an executive member of the OPCW and plan to continue to be a major part of the council, as well as act against any country that does produce chemical weapons, in cooperation with UN Security Council Resolution 1540. Protecting innocent civilians remains a priority for us, and we will strive to make sure we can do that through limiting the use of chemical weapons. To ensure that these dangerous weapons aren't put into the wrong hands, we need to make sure good security and monitoring systems are put in place. We call for others to join us in this struggle to ensure long-term global stability. We are disturbed by the recent use of chemical weapons, such as by the al-Assad regime, and we condemn anyone who uses them, no matter what the circumstances are. In February of 2023, we donated in order to support the ability to address chemical weapon threats through scientific research. We have completely deconstructed our chemical weapon stockpile, and we call on other countries to do the same. By deconstructing these stockpiles, we are creating a safer place to live for innocent people of all nations. We believe that accountability needs to be taken by countries and states that use chemical weapons, which is why we are an active member of the Partnership Against Impunity for the Use of Chemical Weapons. We call for as many member states to join this partnership with us, so we are better able to condemn and publish the names of groups that do use these weapons. | |
| Committee: | GA Second |
| Topic: | Agriculture development, food security and nutrition |
| Paper text: | |
| Of the 8 billion people in the world, 733 million go hungry every day. Of those, approximately 9 million people die every year as a result of the hunger crisis. This issue disproportionately impacts those in Africa, in which one in every five people in the continent suffer from hunger. These problems stem from a lack of agricultural advancement, as data shows direct correlation between countries with food insecurity and lack of agricultural technology and resources. 99% of the farms in Italy are family owned. Allowing accessibility in agricultural technology is vital in Italy in order to keep food stability and maintain vital parts of our economy. Italy has one of the lowest rates of malnourishment in the world as a result of our strong infrastructure, and we lead the world in sectors like wine production as a result. Furthermore, our commitment to increase agricultural development and decrease malnourishment stretches internationally in order to expand the quality of life and economies of lesser developed nations. We endorse a resolution to declare the right to food as a human right. After the failed attempt at this passage in 2023, we hope to finally classify food as a human right. We also encourage increased UN funding towards organizations created to help nations unable to provide necessary resources. We encourage that these organizations be used to help nations increase their agricultural sector in order to allow for an eventual end to the humanitarian crisis of food insecurity. Lack of agricultural advancement not only affects food security but affects the local economy as well. There is a direct correlation between lack of agricultural infrastructure, food insecurity, and weak economics. Aid would not only help the food crisis, but help grow economies that are underdeveloped and therefore unable to contribute as much to the global economy. | |
| Committee: | GA Second |
| Topic: | Development cooperation with middle-income countries |
| Paper text: | |
| As a country, we believe highly on the importance of what developmental help and cooperation can do for a nation. There has been a demonstration by us, one of the leading powerhouse countries internationally, of how one can adequately aid countries in need of development. There are vital implications on what that cooperation can do to those economies. There has been a continuous dedication and commitment by us of aiding Countries in Africa for the assistance they need. Though they are considered to be on the lower-income end of the spectrum, there is evidence to show why we need to focus on everyone within. For example, El Salvador is considered to be a middle-income country with slow GDP growth and a high debt burden. El Salvador sets a precedent of the crises that having cooperation from other countries can assist with. We play active roles in conducting open plans on adapting initiatives that would allow gain in other countries. Some of what the developmental energizes get at are that of sustainability, human rights, and all aspects of what a country should show. The reiteration from the G7 Foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, United Kingdom, and the USA state that they have "the need to take collective action to preserve peace and stability and to address global challenges." Reiteration of the importance we find in these aspects of life are critical in what we continue to show through action and support. These global challenges of development are crucial for our partners and require unity and cohesiveness in order to share solutions of peace, development, and stability. Keeping momentum on the issues at hand will allow for effective and long-term changes. To hold responsibility and cooperation to those who hinder others' success is what we aim to do. | |
| Committee: | GA Third |
| Topic: | Rights of indigenous peoples |
| Paper text: | |
| Italy has worked to conserve the cultural heritages and languages of all people,
specifically in 2016 when Italy created the UNESCO Emergency Task Force for Culture,
which works to preserve cultural heritage and foster resilience for those facing crisis.
Additionally in March 2017, Italy supported and promoted this issue by promoting a Security
Council Resolution that would fight for the right to cultural heritage and against the illegal
trafficking of cultural goods. This resolution was then adopted unanimously in March of 2017
that help to combat both ethnic and religious violence as well as facilitating peace-building
and different national recognition processes. Italy remains a vital supporter of conserving
cultural heritages across nations through the work of the UN.
Italy aims to continue using its UNESCO task force and expand its capabilities as well as continue to support further legislation within the United Nations. Specifically, the goal is to provide guidance to indigenous peoples facing challenges in maintaining their rights, land, and culture. More governments can work to encourage language revitalization by allowing Indigenous peoples' the right to use their languages within local contexts, and the delegation of Italy urges them to do so. An example of this is allowing the use of indigenous language local council meetings and court proceedings. Additionally, the delegation of Italy requests that every nation examine its governments closely and ensure there is representation for its indigenous populations. Furthermore, Italy recognizes that the concept indigenous peoples differs across nations, however in understanding the values of cultural heritage and the link to indigenous people, nations can find within themselves to protect those values. Preserving indigenous peoples is crucial, as they represent a vital part of each nation's history and Italy aims to be a large supporter in expanding rights for all indigenous people. | |
| Committee: | GA Third |
| Topic: | Literacy for life |
| Paper text: | |
| In 2023, the percentage of the world's literate population was at 87%, but of the 754
million illiterate adults, two thirds of them were women. Italy is committed to improving
literacy worldwide, particularly in bridging the gender gap. By decreasing the gender gap
in education, women around the world gain knowledge that pushes them closer to
economic and social equality with their male peers. The delegation of Italy supports
measures that improve women's global literacy rates, such as national education plans
supporting gender equality and examining gender disparities in education. To address
educational challenges women face, the Republic of Italy supports sustainable solutions,
such as menstrual cup distribution by UNICEF as a reusable period product, which allows
girls to attend school without having to stay home if they lack menstrual supplies. It is vital
that organizations like UNESCO and UNICEF continue to be funded so they are able to
safely implement projects which aim to ameliorate the educational divide women around
the world face.
As a member of the European Union, Italy strongly supports additional efforts to spread digital literacy in an increasingly online world. The delegation of Italy would stand behind further endeavors targeted towards decreasing digital illiteracy, such as expanding internet access and access to technological devices in the classroom, as well as ensuring that educators are allocated additional resources and training to properly teach their students essential digital skills. One's ability to navigate today's digital world is imperative to one's success in finding critical information necessary to be an informed global citizen and seek out online opportunities which may be unavailable to them offline. The need to solve literacy's digital divide continues to grow as more and more vital employment, healthcare, and educational resources move online. The delegation of Italy urges the UN to find more inclusive ways to combat digital illiteracy around the world, particularly in countries which lack widespread Internet access. | |
| Committee: | GA Plenary |
| Topic: | The human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment |
| Paper text: | |
| Italy has demonstrated a firm commitment to protecting our global environment and will
continue to push for further reforms. As a coastal nation, Italy has felt the impact of rising sea
levels and can, therefore, serve as an example of the immediacy of the issue at hand and its
security impacts when left untreated.
Over the last 40 years, western nations have often brushed aside the concerns raised by states in the global south. These concerns should have been headed when they were raised, but instead, they were ignored until it directly impacted Europe and North America. Italy was proud to lead the way in the signing and passage of both the Paris Climate Agreement and the European Green Deal. Italy has also pledged to the global community that we shall become carbon neutral by 2050. Italy believes it is incumbent upon those who can act to make the most significant steps forward. With this understanding, Italy acknowledges the goal of being carbon neutral after 2030, as many companies and nations have pledged, is not enough, not nearly fast enough. Italy will continue to push the global community toward using renewable energy as the primary goal to combat the rising climate concern. Italy also pushes our sister European Union states to take the actions they can to participate in green energy technology-sharing initiatives. The climate crisis cannot be solved by one nation or even one continent. We can only win this war when we fight together as one people. Developed and more prosperous nations must give access to those resources that would assist developing nations in their own fight against the crisis. The climate crisis is a manmade issue. The only upside to this fact is that we also understand what is causing it and, therefore, what is needed to stop the tide. Through global exchanges of information and fair treatment, we can solve this problem. It is incumbent upon those with the ability to act, to make the most impact. | |
| Committee: | GA Plenary |
| Topic: | Safety and security of humanitarian personnel and protection of United Nations personnel |
| Paper text: | |
| Italy believes the security of humanitarian personnel, specifically UN personnel, is an issue of
survival for the United Nations as a global organization. Many UN bodies that do the most crucial
work require the knowledge of volunteers and experts. These individuals cannot possibly go
where needed and do the vital work required if they do not feel guaranteed in their safety. With
these facts in mind, Italy proposes that the UN look within itself to assess why these crises are
happening and what can best be done to address them.
Italy first would like to criticize the United Nations secretariat for not addressing this issue until it became dire. The UN functions best when taking preventative measures to address a problem. By allowing humanitarian worker security to spiral out of control, the UN is now in a position where we, as a body, are required to respond. The government of Italy would also like to question the motives for raising this concern at present. UN aid workers have been faced with rampant kidnapping, hostage-taking, murder, rape, and assault throughout the global south for decades. These concerns went unaddressed at this time. However, the UN has demonstrated a substantial concern for UNRWA workers after the invasion of Gaza. With this fact in mind, Italy reiterates its position, along with the opinion of many other NATO states, that the UNRWA has been internally compromised and the WHO, World Food Programme, or UNICEF may better accomplish its mission. The UN has deliberately placed its workers in dangerous situations in several global conflicts for little to no benefit. The UN must heed the warnings of the militaries of states to evacuate and transfer our employees when needed. Keeping nonessential UN- personnel in an active warzone will only increase unnecessary fatalities. Italy has no interest in the UN becoming a militant organization or engaging in military action against a member state. The UN must remain an aid and diplomacy-centric IGO. It is incumbent upon the UN to take preventative action to safeguard its employees at all costs. | |
| Committee: | ECOSOC |
| Topic: | Empowering people and ensuring inclusiveness and equality |
| Paper text: | |
| The Italian Republic firmly believes that the topic of empowering people and ensuring inclusiveness and equality is of vital importance. We acknowledge that there are several factors that contribute to inequality including but not limited to: climate change, economic issues, and general social challenges. Italy is committed to combating these problems, and we have made significant strides in the past in the form of policy changes and international agreements. For example, we have been at the forefront of efforts to stop climate change as we are committed to the Paris Climate Agreement, pledging to ensure that we are taking action that is conducive to keeping global temperatures from rising above 1.5 degrees Celsius. We also have reduced our reliance on Russian oil since the invasion of Ukraine, diversifying our sources of energy, which not only is good for the climate, it reduces inequality because it prevents supply shocks which can hurt the everyday person. Additionally, as of 2022 renewable energy makes up 34.3% of Italy's power generation, while emissions are also down 26% since the year 2000. Because of this, we are on track to reach our 2030 targets for reducing emissions, which is to achieve 55% renewables in electricity generation, and 30% renewables of total energy consumption. Italy believes that poverty is an extremely important issue, and one policy we have used to fight it is our Inclusion Cheques. Inclusion Cheques are given to households with dependents, elders, and disabled members. We also provide Vocational Training for those who are ineligible for checks and are looking for a job, ensuring that no one is left behind. Our principles extend to our healthcare where we automatically cover all citizens and legal residents funded by corporate and value-added tax revenues. Residents receive mostly free primary and impatient care as well as health screenings. | |
| Committee: | ECOSOC |
| Topic: | Science, technology and innovation for development |
| Paper text: | |
| As a nation with more than 105,000 high-tech companies and the fastest-growing life science sector in Europe the Italian Republic is committed to developing science and technology that can benefit the common good. We believe that developing science and technology is important because it can help us combat important issues, like climate change, disease, and economic downturns. In the past, we have undergone many initiatives in order to develop this new tech. One example of Italian innovation is the space industry. We have become a leading figure in developing space technology, us being 6th largest manufacturer in the world, and revenue from the space industry totalling to 2.23 billion Euros as of 2018. Another important development in Italy is our advanced rail and transit system. Italy is spending 160 billion Euros on updating our rail system, as well as 190 billion Euros on above-ground transport in general, as part of our 2022-2031 Industrial Plan. This helps the people of our country get around swiftly and efficiently, which is good for the environment and the everyday citizen. We also acknowledge that artificial intelligence is the future, which is why we have created a 1 billion Euro investment fund to develop AI further. We also are committed to ensuring that AI is ethical and puts people and their needs first, which we are doing by putting together a committee of Italian experts in this field to research this topic. | |
| Committee: | CCPCJ |
| Topic: | Equal access to justice for all |
| Paper text: | |
| Embedded in Italy's constitution are fundamental legal rights attributed to every human
being. These rights include providing the accused the opportunity to defend themselves
and the presumption of innocence. Those found guilty are protected from inhumane
punishment and civilians are protected from arbitrary arrest. Every individual is
guaranteed the right to a fair trial. Italy is steadfast in its commitment to ensuring every
human being, regardless of nationality, is provided the same protections.
International cooperation is a crucial part of achieving sustainable development and upholding human rights globally. Italy firmly believes a just and inclusive society depends on ensuring access to justice. Providing legal aid to every human being is crucial. As the facilitator of General Assembly annual resolution 77/237 the delegation of Italy is dedicated to making equal justice a collaborative priority. Italy's commitment to justice is further reflected in its support for the 2021 Kyoto Declaration, which established a common rule of law supporting human rights for Member States. Legal aid is to be provided to all, particularly to those lacking the financial means, to fulfill an essential element of any justice system based on the rule of law. This ensures rights such as that of a fair trial which protects fairness and trust from the public in justice. Italy supported the resolution adopted by the General Assembly on 19 December 2023, which emphasized equal protections for all under the law. Criminal justice institutions can adopt measures which secure respectful treatment without discrimination or bias. Law enforcement officials, in all capacities, should respect human rights as protected in both national and international law. Among the relevant laws are the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Declaration on the Protection of All Persons from Being Subjected to Torture and Other Cruel Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. In working towards sustainable development, human rights are at the forefront of Italy's goals. Italy focuses on building cooperative partnerships that encourage the development of criminal justice systems worldwide. While cooperation is essential, Italy recognizes that the primary responsibility for upholding justice still lies with individual member states. Further, Italy acknowledges the need to respect cultural diversity when designing policing relevant to justice, ensuring local context is incorporated without sacrificing fundamental human rights principles. | |
| Committee: | CCPCJ |
| Topic: | International cooperation in combating transnational organized crime and corruption |
| Paper text: | |
| Organized crime and corruption is a prominent issue within Italy due to the presence of a variety of well-known criminal groups, including the Italian Mafia and the ties organized crime has within the Italian government itself. The Italian Mafia first emerged within the state during the mid- nineteenth century during the collapse of feudalism and subsequent centralization, the Italian Mafia providing security that the state was unable to provide. Today, the principle issues faced within Italy include efforts to combat the smuggling of narcotics, tobacco, and arms, along with the prominence of money laundering. Organized crime has grown in strength and severity following the end of World War II and the collapse of socialism as the rapid technological, economic, and political changes allowing for organized crime organizations to prosper. The rise of international businesses and telecommunications has similarly led to economic, political, and social stability coming under threat as the Italian Mafia has developed a global presence. Italy is dedicated to combating transnational organized crime and corruption. Italy is one of the main donors to the UNODC, contributing over 110 million U.S. dollars in the past two years. In 2000, the state hosted the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, also known as the Palermo Convention. This convention is of particular importance to Italy and the delegations fight against transnational organized crime due to the convention's widespread success. Italy has also attempted to fight organized crime within its own state by freezing illegal assets, establishing investigative boards, and passing laws prohibiting money-laundering practices. The delegation of Italy, however, recognizes that there is still lots to be done in regards to the prevention of organized crime and corruption. Despite the efforts Italy has taken to diminish the presence of organized crime, the delegation of Italy also recognizes the threat that organized crime presents to the stability and well-being of the state, including organized crimes threat to democracy and the economy. The delegation of Italy requests additional transnational resources be directed towards the fight against organized crime and would recommend the implementation of stricter regulations in money transferring and international business transactions. Combating international crime is an essential aspect of ensuring states maintain economic, social, and political stability. | |
| Committee: | WHA |
| Topic: | Global Strategy for Women's, Children's and Adolescents' Health |
| Paper text: | |
| We believe that this topic is an issue deserving of the utmost attention. Historically, women, children, and adolescents have been subjected to systemic disparities preventing them from accessing fundamentally necessary resources for success and development, especially in respect to their health and wellbeing. We condemn the repeated failures to ensure proper care for mothers and their children across the globe, and believe that it is imperative to provide those affected by the scarcity of these resources with solutions to these disparities. We support the initiatives led by UN Women and the UN Population fund. Additionally, we back cooperation and administration projects in African, Middle Eastern, and Central American countries in order to empower women and provide them with adequate healthcare and education. We believe in global combattance of violence against women, the end of female genital mutilation, and the outlawing of child marriage. The WHO's Global Strategy for Women's, Children's, and Adolescent's health presents several initiatives regarding the stimulation of improved health programs. Among these, the two initiatives we hold at the highest level of priority are to thrive and transform. We believe in the expansion and improvement of educational and protective services to ensure equality under the law and increase opportunities available to women and children in marginalized spaces. The health and safety of expectant and new mothers is a top priority, and there should be increased resource allocation to fund clinics offering improved maternal care and vaccinations to individuals affected by war, disease, and economic disparities. In ensuring that mothers are protected and empowered, we are able to create healthy and productive environments for the development of children. When we prioritize the health of women, children, and adolescents, those bringing forth the future world, we experience global benefit as a result of increased opportunities for development and change. | |
| Committee: | WHA |
| Topic: | Public health dimension of the world drug problem |
| Paper text: | |
| The world drug problem is a far-reaching and complicated issue that requires serious
attention. We affirm the importance of combating the spread of illicit substances and condemn
the human rights violations that occur as a result of international drug trading. Additionally, we
recognize the economic and political effects of drug trafficking, and believe that the illegal sale
and distribution of controlled substances pose significant threats to international relations and
the
global economy. Despite an increase in law enforcement seizures, global synthetic drug use has
increased. Manufacutures continue to adapt the chemicals used in the creation of these
substances in order to avoid seizure of their product.
We believe that there is no place for drug use in the world. It is imperative to invest in
drug prevention measures, support for rehabiltiation and treatment, and the resources to fight
the
producton and sale of drugs. We have supproted, and will continue to support, a multi-level
approach to the world drug problem. In 2009, our Department for Anti-Drug Policies introduced the National Early Warning System for Drugs in collaboration with the EU Drug Agency and other EU nations. This system identifies threats to public health, and provides alerts regarding health protection networks. Our government continues to strengthen our attacks on drug use, having recently adopted a new National Prevention Plan, focusing on comabtting the distribution of synethic substances like Fentanyl. This plan highlights multiple action approaches including the distrubiton of antidotes, prevention of non-medical drug use, and increased emergency services. Our focus, however, remains on early prevention and networking. We believe that an approach spreaheading education and recourse allocation will be the most effective in combatting the world drug problem. Networking and prevention are the two most effective soltuions . It is crucial to prevent drug use before it occurs, which can be done through community outreach and increased security. Additionally, we believe that networking will encourage the sharing of information between citizens, increasing the flow of preventative statistics. Drug use is a detrimental and dangerous issue, and we believe that the most effective strategy is confronting the problem before it is able to manifest itself within and across national borders. | |
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