*Corrado Clini
If Expo opened on May 1st in Milan, a lot is due to the decisive contribution of Vanuatu and the others small islands in Pacific Ocean voted in favour of the candidacy of Milan during the Bie (Bureau International des Espositions) conference of 31th March, 2008. During the meeting, the candidacy was approved with 86 votes in favour and 65 against.
Since 2007 the Italian Ministry for the Environment, together with the small islands of the Pacific Ocean, in participation with the Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs and with the municipality of Milan realized a cooperation program for environmental generally highlighted during the General Assembly of the United Nations. This program plainly eased the support the candidacy of Milan as part of these nations and many developing countries. During the Paris conference the spokesperson of the small islands in Pacific Ocean personally confirmed me its support for Milan.
About one month ago severe tropical cyclone Pam hit Vanuatu. Now the majority of the population is homeless. The most part of schools was destroyed. According to Fao (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) tropical cyclone hit over 82,000 children and 67,000 pregnant women. Fishing and farming has been turned on its head by Pam. In my opinion, Italy must do everything possible to help Vanuatu, as requested by United Nations, in such a dramatic moment for its population.
*Former director general of the Italian Environment Ministry and Minister
