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Intervention of H.E. Archbishop Bernardito Auza
Apostolic Nuncio and Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the
United Nations
Forum on Financing for Development
New York, May 22-25, 2017
Mr. President,
In our globalized era, among all countries and the various sectors within countries, economic activities are in dire need of a greater sense of solidarity and responsibility for justice and the common good, animated by an authentic concern for those left behind. This requires public and private stakeholders to coordinate their efforts in financing to achieve integral human development, mobilizing all sources: domestic, international, private sector, and official development assistance. Particular attention ought to be given to the financing needs of countries in special situations, like the Least Developed Countries (LDCs), the Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), the Small Island Developing States (SIDS), and countries in conflict or post-conflict situations.
Two years ago, the Holy See welcomed the Addis Ababa Action Agenda (AAAA) and its strong people-centered approach as a harbinger for a future of sustainable development. This Forum on Financing for Development and its outcome document offer us another opportunity to translate into action this vital global commitment. An equally strong people-centered implementation of that commitment without further delay would serve as a dynamic impetus to the achievement of the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Pope Francis, speaking in December 2016 to CEOs of Fortune+Time Global Forum in Rome, said, “What is required now is not a new social compact in the abstract, but concrete ideas and decisive actions that will benefit all people and that will begin to respond to the pressing issues of our day.” Some of these concrete actions include the reform of an international trade system that is, among others, inclined to protectionism, disinclined to technology transfer to benefit the developing world, and prone to harm the interests of the weaker trade partners.
In expressing strong support for the implementation of what was agreed in Addis Ababa and its overarching goal of ending poverty and hunger, the Holy See wishes to underline once again that solutions to global poverty and hunger cannot be left to market forces alone. The acceptance of proper ethical values informing market forces begets solidarity and social justice, and generates joint political will for sustained attention to the critical needs of the most vulnerable sectors of society and those of economically disadvantaged countries.
We all have the responsibility to ensure that the commitments made in Addis Ababa meet the overarching goal of ending poverty and hunger and of ensuring sustainable, equitable, and integral development that leaves no country and no person behind. It is no longer enough for us to declare our desire to end poverty and hunger and to achieve sustainable development; we must translate declarations into actions, and commitments into achievements.
Thank you, Mr. President!
