The Permanent Representative of Italy to the United Nations and other International Organizations in Geneva, Ambassador Vincenzo Grassi, took the floor today during the during the Interactive Dialogue with the new Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change, Elisa Morgera, in the framework of the 56th session of the Human Rights Council.
Ambassador Grassi reiterated Italy’s deep concern about the triple global crises of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution which are mutually reinforcing, aggravating economic and social disruptions, health threats and environmental damage, energy access and security challenges. He also highlighted that those challenges constitute a priority of our current G7 Presidency and welcome the convening of the high-level informal Presidential discussion on the link between climate change, food security and health security and their impact on the enjoyment of human rights.
Italy then recalled its financial contribution to the Loss and Damage Fund (100 million euros), as well as to the Green Climate Fund (with the announcement of 300 million euros), in addition to more than 4 billion euros that have been mobilized through the Italian Climate Fund, of which 75% earmarked for interventions in African and Middle East countries.
Ambassador Grassi also pointed out the importance of the transformation of food systems to enhance their resilience in the face of climate change and reach the Paris Agreement’s goal. In this regard, he remembered that the common commitment reaffirmed at the recent G7 Leaders’ Summit in Italy to address the climate-food systems nexus, reinforce food security and foster climate resilience, mentioning the launch of the new Apulia Food Systems Initiative aimed at strengthening the efforts to ensure that all people can progressively realize the right to adequate food.
Read the full statement.
