On 24 October Ambassador Bencini, Permanent Representative to the Conference on Disarmament, delivered statements on behalf of Italy under cluster III (outer space) and cluster IV (conventional weapons). In his statement on outer space (video) he reaffirmed that the 1967 Outer Space Treaty remains the cornerstone of global space governance, while recognizing the emergence of new threats that require responsible behaviour norms to complement existing legal frameworks. Bencini rejected the dichotomy between legally and non-legally binding measures and the behavioural and capabilities approaches, considering complementary rather than contradictory. He noted the political commitment by many States, including Italy, not to conduct destructive direct-ascent anti-satellite tests and expressing hope that this commitment develops into a treaty banning this type of tests. He also praised the Open-Ended Working Group on the prevention of an arms race in outer space and its role in bringing together States, international organisations, commercial actors, academia and civil society.
Under cluster IV (statement and video), Ambassador Bencini recalled Italy’s strong commitment to disarmament and international humanitarian law concerning conventional weapons. Bencini highlighted Italy’s active role in advancing the Ottawa and Oslo Conventions, renewing calls for their universal adoption amid growing challenges. He voiced concern over the expanded use of improvised explosive devices and renewed Italy’s support to the Declaration on EWIPA (explosive weapons in populated areas). Italy continues to support progress under the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons, advocating for a future protocol on lethal autonomous weapons systems. Finally, Italy reaffirmed its dedication to the Arms Trade Treaty, contributing to long-term strategies and joining the “Friends of the ATT” initiative to promote international dialogue and cooperation.
