Water and Health: A Forum on Italy’s International Role at the ISS

A conference dedicated to Italy’s ratification of the WHO/UNECE Protocol on Water and Health was held today at the Istituto Superiore di Sanità (National Institute of Health), bringing together institutions and stakeholders to discuss challenges related to water security and international cooperation.

In his address, Marco Rago, Advisor to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, highlighted the political significance of the ratification and Italy’s growing role in promoting shared water governance.

Special focus was given to the upcoming Euro-Mediterranean Water Forum, identified as a strategic event for strengthening dialogue and cooperation across the Mediterranean region.

The One Water Committee participated through its Director General Emilio Ciarlo and attorney Paolo D’Onorio De Meo, reaffirming its commitment to fostering institutional synergies on an increasingly central issue.

On the sidelines of the event, a preliminary meeting was held with the Director General of the Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Dr. Andrea Piccioli, and the Director of the ISS National Centre for Water Safety, Dr. Luca Lucentini, during which both parties expressed their willingness to develop forms of institutional collaboration aimed at integrating joint actions on water as a priority issue.

In this context, it was emphasized that Italy is increasingly establishing itself as a key international player, with the goal of actively contributing to shared initiatives in the sector.

The One Water Committee will continue to work with determination to promote a shared and concrete vision of water management as a strategic lever for cooperation, development, and global stability.