Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani met today with the Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Alexander De Croo. During the meeting, the Minister reiterated Italy’s full support for UNDP, the United Nations’ leading development agency. Italy is closely following the ongoing discussion on possible reform of the UN body, including the prospect of a new multi-location headquarters structure, as well as potential synergies with other agencies within the United Nations system.
Tajani expressed his willingness to further strengthen the active partnership with UNDP, particularly with regard to cooperation in crisis management and reconstruction activities, especially within the framework of the Mattei Plan. Cooperation in the main crisis contexts was positively assessed: in Gaza, most recently through a project supporting reconstruction planning, financed by an Italian contribution of EUR 5 million; in Syria, where Italy will contribute to the restoration of essential services; and in Ukraine, including in the field of humanitarian demining. With reference to the humanitarian channel for Gaza, Minister Tajani agreed with UNDP on an initiative that will involve Italian Civil Society Organisations operating in the Strip.
During the meeting, Italy’s interest was also highlighted in UNDP’s proposal aimed at further strengthening its partnership with Italy, starting with the initiative to relocate the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) to Rome. Tajani confirmed the political commitment to consolidating Rome’s role as an international hub for Development Finance Institutions, with a strong focus on Africa.
