The Permanent Representative of Italy to the United Nations and other International Organizations in Geneva, Ambassador Vincenzo Grassi participated today to the “Glacial Threads: From Forests to Future Textiles” event, organized by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), on the occasion of the International Forest Day.
Ambassador Grassi, UNECE Executive Secretary Tatiana Molcean and Maestro Michelangelo Pistoletto jointly laid a glacier fleece made from wood-based fibers onto the “Rebirth” sculpture, made by Pistoletto and permanently exhibited at the Palais des Nations. Such material, which will first be used to ensure the conservation of glaciers, can subsequently be recycled to create sustainable clothing items.
In his opening address, recalling the importance of international cooperation to tackle the “triple crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution“, Ambassador Grassi observed that “despite the undeniable progress made at COP28 in Dubai, we remain far from global warming mitigation goal set by the Paris Agreement”. For this reason, he added, “mitigation actions, such as the further development of renewable sources, the increase in energy efficiency, the reduction of methane and CO2 emissions, represent main topics of the Italian G7 Presidency agenda”.
The Ambassador recalled Italy’s commitment to the countries most affected by climate change, stating that “In the field of climate finance, we have established the Italian Climate Fund (4 billion euros), to be allocated mainly to projects in African countries”.
“Italy will continue to cooperate with the EU and the United Nations to preserve forests, ensuring the sustainability and well-being of present and future generations,” concluded Ambassador Grassi.
Today’s ceremony confirms the key role that art can play in international fora to foster environmental sustainability, also echoing the initiative promoted last December at Palais des Nations, with the “Art and Human Rights” exhibition organized by Italy in the context of the 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
