“At a time when we are facing the unprecedented challenge of the pandemic, it is important to reaffirm the crucial role of multilateralism and the only international organization with a universal vocation such as the UN convincingly. This was stated Vice Minister Marina Sereni during a videoconference at the Seminar “Together for the UN”, organized by the University of Padua on the United Nations 75th anniversary.
“COVID-19 – continues Sereni – is a ‘catalyst of fragility’, it has exacerbated our problems and even more so those of areas close to us such as the Middle East and North Africa. At the same time, however, it pushes us to seize opportunities for a general rethink, to follow the path of a ‘better recovery’, to use the words of Secretary-General Guterres. In this regard, it is essential to remember our efforts to reform the Security Council, to make it more democratic, effective and representative”.
“Unfortunately – adds the Deputy Minister – the UN is still perceived as too far removed from the needs of the people. We must therefore concentrate our efforts on a more transparent, inclusive organization, attentive to the contribution of civil society, local authorities, women, and young people. Italy is doing and will do its part. We are the seventh contributor to the ordinary budget and peacekeeping operations. Our country will continue to promote its campaign for a universal moratorium on the use of the death penalty. The end of executions is a battle rooted in our national cultural and civil heritage, and it is with great satisfaction that today we record the continuous decline of the use of the death penalty in the world”.
“This Italian commitment – says Sereni again – comes from having long since assumed multilateralism as one of the main guidelines of our country’s foreign policy. Believing and investing in the United Nations also means supporting an instrument such as the WHO. It requires changes and reforms but remains the only real possibility that humankind currently must fight epidemics. We are therefore working – concludes the Vice Minister – all ‘together for the UN'”.
