Italy at the UN, 'climate is a priority of the G7 presidency'

(ANSA) - GINEVRA, 02 LUG - The Permanent Representative of Italy to the United Nations and other International Organisations in Geneva, Ambassador Vincenzo Grassi, spoke today as part of 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 - says a communiqué from the Representation - reiterated Italy's concern about the global triple crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution in relation to the serious economic and social impact, for health and the environment, as well as for access to energy and security. He also stressed that these challenges are a priority of our current G7 Presidency and welcomed the initiative of the President of the Human Rights Council to hold an informal debate on the link between climate change, food and health security, and their impact on human rights.
    Italy also enhanced its financial contributions to the Loss and Damage Fund (EUR 100 million), as well as to the Green Climate Fund (with the announcement of EUR 300 million), in addition to the more than EUR 4 billion that have been mobilised through the Italian Climate Fund, 75% of which is earmarked for interventions in Africa and the Middle East.
    Ambassador Grassi then emphasised the transformation of food systems, which is considered essential to improve their resilience in the face of climate change and to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement. In this regard, he recalled the commitment reaffirmed at the recent G7 leaders' summit in Italy to address the climate-food systems nexus, strengthen food security and promote climate resilience, recalling the launch of the new Apulia Food Systems Initiative aimed at increasing efforts to ensure the progressive realisation of the right to adequate food.