Geneva, 21 August 2026 — Ambassador Leonardo Bencini, Italy’s Permanent Representative to the Conference on Disarmament (CD), delivered his final statement today at the plenary, marking the end of his mandate in Geneva after four years of service.
In his remarks, Ambassador Bencini noted that, while 2025 had seen a “remarkable result” in the Conference with the establishment of subsidiary bodies under the Italian Presidency — the first time this happened so early in the session since 1996 — the 2026 session had unfortunately “taken a step back” by reverting to a less structured format.
He stressed that the CD’s difficulties do not stem from intrinsic flaws in the body itself, but from “deeply entrenched and politically sensitive decades-old divisions” and the current tense state of international relations. “When mutual trust is at an all-time low and dialogue is faltering, how can we expect a breakthrough on the sensitive security questions we deal with in this body?” he asked.
Ambassador Bencini expressed concern over growing criticism of the CD that is “not counterbalanced by constructive proposals or alternative approaches,” recalling Italy’s own concrete suggestions, most recently outlined on 24 March. He underlined the continued value of the CD as a forum for discussion, including on emerging issues linked to new technologies, and welcomed high-level political participation, such as the visit of US Under Secretary DiNanno in February.
Concluding on a hopeful note, he praised the “competent and committed diplomats” who make up the disarmament community, describing them as “human capital that we will badly need one day, hopefully soon, when we negotiate treaties again.”
“Sometimes, when the weather is uncertain, as is the case today, all we have to do is wait for the sun to return, and remain confident that it will,” Ambassador Bencini said.
