The Italian Government has made a €5 million (£4.5m) contribution to the UN’s Environment Fund.

They signed a new agreement to intensify collaboration on pressing environmental issues such as clean energy and environmental education.

The Fund depends on voluntary national contributions and is the main source of money for UN Environment to follow its work on topics ranging from climate change, sustainable management of chemicals to flagging new environmental threats.

The latest donation will help the UN department implement projects to design a sustainable financial system, boost resource efficiency and reinforce the sustainable management of natural resources and the marine economy.

Erick Solheim, Head of UN Environment said: “This generous contribution is yet another signal of Italy’s unwavering commitment to a clean, safe and healthy planet. We look forward to working with the Italian Government to build the green future we all deserve.”

The donation brings Italy’s total contributions to the Fund to more than €10.5 million (£9m).

Last month, the nation took over the Presidency of the G7 group of countries and will host the G7 Environment Ministers Summit in June in Bologna.