In particular, he underscored the need to act against all the dimensions employed by terrorist groups, including the Internet and social media, as well as financing of terrorist activities.

In his address to the 72nd general debate at the United Nations General Assembly, Gentiloni also highlighted Italy’s close involvement in assisting crisis-struck countries around the world, and said that addressing such distressing situations, such as many conflicts across Africa, required dialogue and reconciliation.

Turning to the heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula due to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK) nuclear weapons development programme, he underlined that unity in the international community and determination in its response is vital.

“Full implementation of the pertinent Security Council resolutions […] is crucial […] North Korea must immediately end its missile and nuclear proliferation and all provocative actions,” he said.

He also noted the progress made by the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) – under which Iran reaffirmed that it would not seek, develop or acquire nuclear weapons – and said that it remains a “success story in the framework of global efforts to counter the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.”

Further in his remarks, the Italian leader stressed the importance of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and expressed his country’s pledge to do its part to ensure its strong implementation.

Gentiloni also expressed his nation’s support for the reform plans proposed by Secretary-General António Guterres as well as his focus on empowerment of women and girls, and gender equality.