HAPPENING AT THE UN
THE CAMPANA DEI CADUTI FOUNDATION AT THE 69TH COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN
The 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (SCW) took place from 10 to 21 March, a particularly significant edition because it coincided with the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. This document, considered the 'bible' of women's and girls' rights, is still a fundamental reference today, but needs updating in the light of global transformations and the new social and environmental challenges.
2025 is also a year of important anniversaries. The first is the 80th anniversary of the birth of the United Nations (UN), founded on 24 October 1945 in San Francisco by 50 states with the primary objective of 'maintaining Peace', as the first words of Article 1 of the Charter state. It is also the 70th anniversary of Italy's entry into the UN, an occasion to reflect on Italy's contribution to international dynamics.
THE ITALIAN PARTICIPATION AND THE ROLE OF THE CAMPANA DEI CADUTI FOUNDATION
The Campana dei Caduti Foundation took part in the work organised by the Italian Representation to the United Nations under the leadership of Ambassador Maurizio Massari. The Minister for Equal Opportunities for the Family, Eugenia Roccella, had to withdraw her participation at the last moment, but the Italian Delegation to the Council of Europe nevertheless wished to emphasise Italy's commitment to ensuring respect for human rights as an indispensable condition for Peace.
Two main events were organised by Italy on the sidelines of the official session. The first was organised in collaboration with Angola and Sierra Leone. The focus of the discussion was the status of implementation of the Beijing Declaration through the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) and Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) Agendas. The second meeting, co-organised by Burkina Faso, the Joint Programme of the United Nations Population Fund (Unfpa) and the United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef), focused on female genital mutilation, and explored strategies and alliances to intensify the battle against this practice.
During my stay in New York, as the Foundation's envoy, I also attended the reception organised by Ambassador Massari on 12 March, a useful opportunity for dialogue between the Italian Delegation, non-governmental organisations and international partners, where Italy's role in the UN and the significance of the anniversaries celebrated this year were emphasised.
THE IMPORTANCE OF CSW69 IN THE INTERNATIONAL CONTEXT
The participation of the Campana dei Caduti Foundation in CSW69 is of particular importance and will be highlighted in the four-year report that the Foundation must submit to the UN by 1 June. This moment is particularly significant as 2025 marks a year of synthesis and revitalisation of policies for gender equality and the promotion of Peace. Moreover, the Foundation has been an active participant in the work of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) since 2010 and has already passed three four-year reviews. This is also why, during the mission, as the Foundation’s envoy, I met with Pietro De Martin, the political coordinator and head of coordination of the activities of the IV Commission of the European Union at the UN. With De Martin there is a relationship of mutual trust built up over the years thanks to the mediation of the Director, Marco Marsilli, which led, among other things, to an interview with Radio Vaticano at the start of the celebrations for the Centenary of the first chime of Maria Dolens. In this case, the possibility that a UN representative give a speech in Rovereto as part of the Centenary was discussed with De Martin.
MEETINGS AND FUTURE PROSPECTS
As always, the mission to New York was also an opportunity to forge relationships with local realities that have maintained a close relationship with the Bell for years, or that can initiate a dialogue with the Foundation. On Tuesday 12 March, for example, a meeting was held at the Italian Cultural Institute (IIC) with Silvia Mondargo and Alessandra Botta, cultural attachés, and Malina Mannarino, assistant director. The forthcoming appointment of the new Director and the possibility of starting a cooperation between the IIC and Maria Dolens based on sharing human rights work was discussed on this occasion.
There was another important opportunity for discussion with Eliseo De Marco, the president of the National Alpine Association (Ana) in New York, who expressed interest in collaborating with the Foundation in the near future. A further contact is planned during the Adunata degli Alpini, to be held in Biella in May.
Finally, on Sunday 16 March, I took part in a meeting at the headquarters of the Associazione Trentini nel Mondo, an opportunity to meet the Trentino community abroad, learn more about their activities, and talk about their Centenary initiatives. A 'family' meeting, which further strengthens the relationship between the Bell and the descendants of Trentino emigrants, each bringing with them a story that we constantly share on these pages in a dedicated column. And this has also led to the organisation, together with the President of the Association, Michael Pancheri, of an online connection for 4 October, the date of the first chime of Maria Dolens.
The mission of the Campana dei Caduti Foundation at CSW69 was therefore part of an ongoing and lasting commitment to the promotion of Peace and human rights. Discussions with international institutions and participation in high-profile events have strengthened the Foundation's role as a promoter of dialogue between peoples.
Peace is not just the absence of war, but the active construction of fairer societies. The words of the Beijing Declaration remain relevant and must be translated into concrete action. Our commitment continues. With the prospect of the UN's quadrennial report and the centenary of the Bell, the Foundation looks to the future with determination, aware that the building of Peace passes through the recognition and protection of the rights of all.
Morena Berti
