Welcome to the Vatican News blog! Today, we bring you insights from the Vatican Permanent Observer to the United Nations, Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, as he addresses the 2024 High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in New York.
In his address, Archbishop Caccia emphasizes the importance of building resilience in African nations, Least Developed Countries (LDCs), and Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs). He highlights the need for affluent nations to support these countries in achieving sustainable development, terming it a moral imperative rather than a mere choice.
The Challenges of Climate Change, Covid-19, and Conflicts
Archbishop Caccia acknowledges the multiple crises faced by these countries, including increasing debt burdens, limited economic growth, food insecurity, and malnutrition. He points out that the effects of climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic, and new conflicts have further exacerbated these challenges.
Building Resilience and Capacity
To address these vulnerabilities, Archbishop Caccia emphasizes the importance of strengthening healthcare systems, expanding access to education, promoting economic diversification, and encouraging sustainable agricultural practices. He also underscores the significance of capacity building through education and vocational training to empower individuals in these nations.
A Call for Global Solidarity
Archbishop Caccia stresses that LDCs and LLDCs cannot tackle these challenges alone and urges wealthy nations to extend resources, knowledge, and technologies in a demonstration of global solidarity. He calls for enhanced cooperation and tangible action towards sustainable development for all nations.
“It is only through collective efforts and shared responsibility that a sustainable future for African countries, Least Developed Countries, and Landlocked Developing Countries, and for our entire family of nations, can be built.”
Focusing on Debt Relief and Eradicating Poverty
The 2024 High-Level Political Forum is centered on reinforcing the 2030 Agenda and eradicating poverty amidst multiple crises. Discussions revolve around various Sustainable Development Goals, including No Poverty, Zero Hunger, Climate Action, Peace, Justice, and Partnerships for the Goals.
Archbishop Caccia reiterates the need for debt relief to alleviate poverty, echoing Pope Francis’ calls for debt forgiveness for countries unable to repay unsustainable debts. He emphasizes the importance of radical action on debt to achieve a world without poverty by 2030.
Promoting Sustainable Food Production and Distribution
In his statement on the No Hunger Goal, Archbishop Caccia advocates for sustainable food production and equitable distribution to combat hunger and malnutrition, which perpetuate cycles of poverty.
Stay tuned for more updates and insights from the Vatican Observer to the United Nations as we navigate the path towards sustainable development and global solidarity!
