Italy and UNDP mark Earth Day with high-level dialogue to scale climate finance and partnerships

April 22, 2026

Rome, 22 April 2026 – On the occasion of Earth Day 2026, the Italian Ministry of Environment and Energy Security (MASE) and UNDP Rome Centre convene a high-level dialogue in Rome bringing together representatives of governments, development finance institutions, the private sector and UNDP from across Africa, Europe and beyond to strengthen cooperation on climate finance and sustainable energy investment. 

Held as a part of Climate Finance Dialogues 2026, the event will facilitate a dialogue between over 100 participants from Italian government counterparts, partner countries, development finance institutions, private sector actors, academia, and international organizations. Participants include representatives from the Ministry of Environment and Energy Security, the Prime Minister’s Office Task Force for the Mattei Plan, and key public and financial institutions. The dialogue will focus on technical and strategic exchanges, including a bankability deep dive with development finance institutions, a roundtable on investing in Africa’s climate pipeline, a session with Italian private sector representatives, and a high level evening segment celebrating the Italy-UNDP partnership, followed by a cocktail reception hosted. 

Two men in suits converse on a grassy lawn at an outdoor garden event, with tents in background.
Man in suit speaks at podium on stage with blue backdrop at Climate Finance Dialogues 2026.
Speaker at a podium in a green patterned outfit delivering a speech into a microphone.
Photograph of a large group of people standing together in a park with trees in the background.

 

“Earth Day is a moment of shared reflection and commitment: we have chosen to celebrate it by focusing on the primary role of climate cooperation, which must be measured by the concrete opportunities it creates for countries and communities,” 

said the Italian Minister for the Environment and Energy Security, Gilberto Pichetto. 

“Together with UNDP,” the Minister continued, “we are supporting numerous initiatives aimed at global resilience in the environmental and energy fields: only in this way will we be able to expand opportunities and reduce inequalities, while mobilizing the investments needed for long-term sustainable development.” 

“As we mark Earth Day, the Italy–UNDP partnership shows how political commitment, technical expertise, and strong partnerships can work together to translate climate ambition into concrete investment opportunities,” 

said Agostino Inguscio, Director of UNDP Rome Centre. 

Audience in a bright conference hall, many wearing lanyards and looking forward.
Photograph of three men in suits shaking hands outdoors, with others talking in background.
Photograph of a man speaking at a podium during Climate Finance Dialogues 2026 conference.
Three people seated on a stage panel with papers, in front of a red banner.

 

Convened on Earth Day, Climate Finance Dialogues 2026 underscored the importance of linking global ambition to practical implementation. As global attention intensifies around climate action, this partnership continues to demonstrate how international internal use cooperation can mobilise finance at scale and drive sustainable development, reinforcing the central role of climate finance in achieving long-term global resilience. The longstanding partnership between Italy and UNDP, led through the Ministry of Environment and Energy Security, plays a pivotal role in mobilising climate finance and supporting country-driven solutions. 

Through initiatives such as PISTA (Platform for Investment Support and Technical Assistance), Energy for Growth, UNDP Rome Centre connects governments, development finance institutions, and private sector partners to design, develop, and implement bankable climate and energy projects. 

By combining technical assistance with strategic partnerships, these initiatives help unlock public and private capital for sustainable infrastructure, promote green jobs, and deliver climate- smart solutions aligned with local priorities and global climate goals. 

Panel of six speakers seated on a blue stage in front of a Climate Finance Dialogues 2026 banner.
Two women taking a selfie in a lush garden; one in magenta and the other in a floral shawl.
Audience seated in a conference hall facing a stage with a Climate Finance Dialogues 2026 banner.
Photograph of a man in a suit at a podium speaking at a climate dialogue event.

 

Media contact 

omer.kavuk@undp.org 

About the Italy–Africa Mattei Plan 

The Italy–Africa Mattei Plan is a EUR 5 billion initiative launched by the Italian Government to strengthen economic and political partnerships with African countries. It aims to move beyond traditional aid models by promoting sustainable development through investments in key sectors such as energy, infrastructure, agriculture, and education.The Plan is named after Enrico Mattei, a key figure in Italy’s post-war industrial development, who promoted a model of cooperation based on more equitable partnerships and the sustainable development of partner countries’ natural resources. 

About UNDP 

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the leading United Nations organization working to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. With a presence in over 170 countries and territories, UNDP works with governments and partners to develop integrated, sustainable solutions for people and the planet. For more information: https://www.undp.org/romecentre