Discorso del Presidente Sessa al seminario internazionale “La Dimensione Subacquea: come accrescere la consapevolezza e il suo uso sostenibile” – 27 agosto 2024
[Photo credit: Sasakawa Peace Foundation for any external use]
Il 27 agosto 2024, la Marina Militare Italiana e la Sasakawa Peace Foundation hanno organizzato a Tokyo un seminario internazionale intitolato “La Dimensione Subacquea: come accrescere la consapevolezza e il suo uso sostenibile”. L’evento si è svolto in occasione della tappa nipponica del tour globale della Nave Amerigo Vespucci e del Villaggio Italia. La conferenza ha esplorato la rilevanza strategica del mondo sottomarino, trattando aspetti ambientali, tecnologici e di governance. L’evento si è aperto con un messaggio del Presidente della SIOI, Amb. Riccardo Sessa, che ha evidenziato la centralità della cooperazione internazionale nell’affrontare le sfide legate all’UDA (Underwater Domain Awareness). Tra i relatori, l’Ammiraglio di Squadra Giuseppe Berutti Bergotto, Sottocapo di Stato Maggiore della Marina, ha sottolineato l’importanza economica e strategica delle risorse sottomarine. Altri relatori hanno incluso Carlo Festucci, Segretario Generale di AIAD, e Andrea Tomao, Vice Presidente di Defence Institutional Affairs di Fincantieri. La manifestazione ha visto la partecipazione di esperti, rappresentanti del settore privato e pubblico, e membri delle marine di diversi Paesi.
ADDRESS OF AMBASSADOR RICCARDO SESSA
PRESIDENT
THE ITALIAN SOCIETY FOR INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION
Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, let me start with a heartfelt thank you for the opportunity to participate in such a high-level event, even if remotely. Allow me to specifically mention the President of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, Dr. Atsushi Sunami, and the Chief of Staff of the Italian Navy, Vice Admiral Enrico Credendino, acknowledging their commitment in the organization of this event.
This seminar represents a crucial moment for the strengthening of the relations between Italy and Japan, two maritime countries with a long tradition of naval excellence and a shared vision of maritime security. The event is also a unique opportunity to discuss the growing role of Underwater Domain Awareness (UDA) in global security.
UDA concept has emerged as a fundamental strategic element in maritime defense and security, but historically knowledge and control of underwater areas have always been essential for military operations and resources protection. It is a crucial priority for the security of every nation, but also for the collective global security in preventing conflicts, protecting trade routes, and safeguarding natural resources and submarine cables.
In this framework, new international cooperation is essential to address the challenges related to UDA starting from the best practices that have already led to a significant improvement in managing underwater areas and to the development of alliances and partnerships capable to address new challenges in the foreseeable future.
Italy is strongly committed to follow this path. I am not from the Navy, I am a career diplomat, but you should know that diplomacy and Navy in our country have always worked in close cooperation, especially in this – yours – part of the world. Besides, in many occurrences the Italian Navy has been the first Italian contact to open channels of relations and diplomatic ties. The visit to Tokyo of ITS Vespucci – “the most beautiful ship in the world” – and the carrier strike group of the ITS Cavour aircraft carrier are in line with this historical Italian tradition of cooperation between Diplomacy and the Navy.
I know how the Sasakawa Peace Foundation is playing a crucial role, not only as a promoter of this event, but also as a key player in promoting peace and security through research, education, and maritime diplomacy, contributing to raising awareness about the need for sustainable and secure ocean management.
Other speakers will underline the potential for increasingly close collaboration between Italy and Japan in the field of maritime security and sustainable development.
Allow me to spend some words about the Society – S.I.O.I. – I have the honor to chair, one of the oldest private Institutions in Italy (this coming October we will celebrate our 80th anniversary) working in the fields of research, education, training, documentation and international cooperation with similar foreign institutions. We are an important liaison channel with the major international organizations, starting with the United Nations, we are the Italian Association of the Associations of United Nations and a founding member of the World Federation of United Nations Associations.
We are not only working as a Think Tank, but also in training for International Careers and for those who want to join the diplomatic service. We offer a platform for multilateral dialogue, facilitating the exchange of ideas, experiences, and best practices among experts, government representatives, and private sector leaders. We are committed to promoting constructive dialogue that can lead to innovative solutions and greater cooperation in different fields, including maritime security and UDA also through partnerships with universities, research centers, industries and a growing network of international centers.
We are interested to explore new areas of collaboration between Italy, Japan, and other international partners to address these challenges and we attach great importance in building strong partnerships and investing in diplomacy to promote security and stability in any areas including the maritime one.
Today’s seminar represents a very important step toward greater cooperation and understanding of the challenges that lie ahead for the entire world. S.I.O.I. is deeply committed to play its role in this wider scenario in the interest of future young generations and international peace, security and stability.
I thank you again and wish all the best to the success of this Seminar, to the future of the cooperation between the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, the Italian Navy and S.I.O.I. and the cooperation between Japan and Italy.
Rome, August 27th, 2024
