A Conversation with Ambassador Maurizio Massari: Diplomacy, Leadership, and Italy’s Vision at the United Nations
- Olga Nesterova
- 22 hours ago
- 6 min read
Updated: 13 hours ago
Four decades of service, the future of multilateralism, and Italy’s leadership in a changing world.
Earlier this fall, I attended a special event hosted by the Permanent Mission of Italy to the United Nations, focused on the upcoming Milano–Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games and the Olympic Truce resolution scheduled for a vote the following day. The resolution ultimately passed by consensus — a remarkable achievement in today’s fractured geopolitical climate, especially considering that such unity had not been reached for the previous Olympic Games.
In his remarks, Italy’s Permanent Representative, Ambassador Maurizio Massari, spoke not only with precision but with genuine conviction. It was clear that behind the concise diplomacy stood someone who cared deeply — both about the institution and the ideals it was built to uphold.
Last week, I had the honor of sitting down with Ambassador Massari at the Italian Mission in New York, where he was generous in engaging in a wide-ranging and deeply thoughtful conversation. What emerged was a rare window into a four-decade diplomatic career shaped by service, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to multilateralism.
A Career That Began “By Chance” — and Became a Life of Service
Ambassador Massari has served in the Italian diplomatic corps for more than forty years and has received numerous distinctions recognizing his contributions. Yet the path, as he describes it, began rather unexpectedly.
He initially studied political science, then passed Italy’s highly competitive diplomatic entrance examination — the Concorso Diplomatico — and received his first assignment. As he put it, the trajectory of his postings unfolded “by chance.”
His early foreign posting placed him at the Italian Embassy in Moscow from 1986 to 1990, during the final years of the Soviet Union — a period of profound geopolitical transformation.
Over the years, Ambassador Massari has served in a wide range of ambassadorial and mission roles — including as Italy’s Ambassador to Egypt, and as Ambassador and Head of the OSCE Mission in Serbia and Montenegro. His distinguished career also includes senior diplomatic assignments in Washington, London, and Brussels, where he served as Italy’s Permanent Representative to the European Union before assuming his current role at the United Nations.
He insists the progression was not part of any grand blueprint. Yet the breadth of his service tells a different story — one of trust, professionalism, and remarkable capability.
Championing Women and Girls — A Cross-Cutting Priority
A defining element of Ambassador Massari’s multilateral work is his long-standing commitment to advancing gender equality.
I asked how his roles — including service as Vice President of the UN Women Executive Board and as an International Gender Champion — have contributed to Italy’s efforts to combat gender-based violence and femicide, and how Italy’s first female Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, has influenced this space.
He spoke highly of Prime Minister Meloni’s leadership, emphasizing her professionalism, experience, and decisiveness. At a certain level, he noted, gender becomes secondary to competence — but nonetheless, Italy takes pride in being represented by a strong female leader.
He also noted that several candidates for the next UN Secretary-General are women, calling this an opportunity that could strengthen both gender equality and the UN.
Italy’s commitment is substantive, not symbolic. Under Ambassador Massari’s leadership:
Italy increased its core financial contribution to UN Women by 20% in 2022.
Italy was elected Vice-President of the UN Women Executive Board for 2023, represented by Ambassador Massari.
Italy became the first EU member state to support UN Women through the “Team Europe” approach, with targeted projects in Africa.
Italy continues to sponsor and co-sponsor resolutions addressing early marriage, female genital mutilation, and women’s rights globally.
Italy recently adopted its fifth National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security (2025–2029).
Italy has also been active on the plight of Afghan women, convening meetings and advocating for their rights at the UN.
From Brussels to New York — Two Multilateral Worlds
Ambassador Massari served as Italy’s Ambassador to the European Union from 2016 to 2021, years that profoundly shaped the EU’s trajectory. I asked how that experience prepared him for the United Nations.
He described the contrast succinctly:
At the EU, negotiations result in binding legislation, with ambassadors shaping policies that directly affect budgets, governance, and integration among 27 member states.
At the UN, diplomacy is far more intergovernmental and global, involving 193 countries with diverse interests, cultures, and priorities.
Language, he emphasized, is paramount. Every word in a resolution is chosen with precision. Whereas the EU focuses on practical governance, the UN reflects a broader global diplomatic landscape.
UN Reform and Security Council Dynamics
As Chair of the First Committee (Disarmament) of the 80th UN General Assembly, Ambassador Massari is deeply engaged in discussions on UN reform — an area where Italy plays a leading role.
He noted that the current Security Council configuration does not fully reflect global realities. Regions such as Africa, Asia, and Latin America remain underrepresented in permanent decision-making structures.
Italy champions reform through the Uniting for Consensus (UfC) movement, which opposes expanding permanent membership and instead proposes:
exclusively expanding non-permanent seats,
ensuring regional balance,
considering longer-term elected seats,
limiting the use of veto power, particularly in cases of mass atrocities,
and pursuing reforms based on broadest possible consensus, not narrow majority.
He also underscored an often-overlooked development: Under UNGA Resolution 76/262 (2022), the General Assembly now automatically meets to discuss any veto cast by a permanent Security Council member. This mechanism is an important step toward accountability.
Ukraine, the UN, and a Critical Question Often Overlooked
Turning to Ukraine, I asked for the Ambassador’s assessment of the UN’s role, especially amid discussions of potential agreements that could violate the UN Charter.
He noted that while territory is central, an often-overlooked factor is whether any eventual agreement would be brought to — and ratified by — the United Nations. This procedural question, he explained, would shape the international standing of any arrangement.
It is an important point, since sovereignty is anchored in the UN Charter, and any long-term, internationally recognized arrangement would naturally require the UN’s involvement.
Since 2022, the UN has:
passed multiple resolutions condemning Russia’s aggression,
provided large-scale humanitarian aid,
supported refugee and displacement operations,
and initiated investigations into war crimes.
The question ahead is not only what agreement is reached — but whether it is anchored in international law.
The Olympic Truce — A Diplomatic Success
We returned to the topic that first brought our paths together — the successful adoption of the Milano–Cortina Olympic Truce resolution.
The Ambassador shared that the Mission worked intensely over two to three months, ultimately gathering 165 co-sponsors, one of the largest numbers in recent years. Achieving consensus in today’s environment is exceptional.
The resolution, titled “Building a peaceful and better world through sport and the Olympic ideal,” calls on all Member States to observe the Olympic Truce during the 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
Ambassador Massari humbly credited his team for the groundwork. But effective teams reflect strong leadership — and this achievement underscores Italy’s diplomatic skill and credibility at the UN.
Italy at 70 Years in the UN — Priorities for the Future
Italy celebrates 70 years of UN membership in 2025. I asked the Ambassador about Italy’s priorities looking ahead.
He outlined three balanced pillars:
Peace and Security
Development
Human Rights
He emphasized the importance of reducing bureaucracy, respecting diverse national priorities, and ensuring that multilateralism remains inclusive and effective.
On December 11, Italy — together with the group of countries that joined the UN in 1955 — convened an open discussion on the future of multilateral cooperation. I look forward to bringing you inside that conversation in my next report.
Purpose, Service, and the Heart of Diplomacy
Finally, I asked what continues to motivate him after four decades of service.
He spoke of a lifelong passion for diplomacy, of the privilege of representing Italy, and of the unique vantage point the UN offers.
“The fact is that in New York, more than any other place, you understand what the world thinks.”
He added, with characteristic modesty:
“It is an honor to serve my country. Especially now. And… we are the good guys.”
On this cold December afternoon, under a bright full supermoon rising over Manhattan, I had the privilege of meeting not only Italy’s Ambassador to the UN, but Maurizio Massari — a diplomat of depth, conviction, and care.
