Law 125/2014 sets out the primary objectives of Italian development co-operation: poverty eradication, reducing inequalities, improving well-being, and sustainable development; human rights, including gender equality, equal opportunities for everyone, democracy and the rule of law; and conflict prevention, peacebuilding, reconciliation and stabilisation processes, as well as institution-building. The law also broadens partnerships, operationalises Italian development policy, and creates more accountability and transparency. The 2021-23 Three-Year Programming and Policy Planning Document establishes key priorities, focusing on 20 priority countries, 10 of which are least developed countries (LDCs). Its geographical focus is primarily on the African continent, the Middle East, Cuba and El Salvador.
Multilateral co-operation accounts for more than half of Italy’s development co-operation. Italy aims to strengthen its role as a major player in addressing global challenges and promoting human, economic, social and environmental development through its multilateral engagement. Italy has prioritised strengthening health systems and supporting the research, production and fair distribution of drugs, treatments and vaccines to make them accessible to all. Italy demonstrates leadership in preserving cultural heritage and fighting tax crime. The review of the National Sustainable Development Strategy, which includes the National Action Plan on Policy Coherence for Sustainable Development was approved in September 2023 by the Interministerial Committee on Ecological Transition. In 2024, Italy’s new strategic plan for Africa “Piano Mattei” was launched during the Italy-Africa conference in January 2024 (Law 2/2024).