By Blogger,
 |
| Hundreds of Youth at the Global Summit Against Violent Extremism at the Roosevelt Hotel, New York on Monday 28th September (Photo by Blogger) |
Many radical and groundbreaking resolutions have so far been adopted by the member nations with, all channeling towards making the world a better and safer place for all.
But key among the issues to be thrashed out squarely from the front burner is the issue of violent extremism.
President Barrack Obama will be leading other world leaders at the summit in New York to discuss the issue of ISIS and other related violent extremism and how the world can tackle the situation that if fast becoming a global epidemic.
As a prelude to today's grand event, the Global Youth Summit Against Violent Extremism was held in New York at the Roosevelt Hotel where hundreds of participants mostly youth who are making various efforts to combat extremisms and promote youth development in their respective communities were all in attendance.
The Summit was opened by great speeches from the US Home Land Security Advisor to President Barrack Obama, Lisa Monaco; the President and CEO of Search for Common Ground, Shamil Idris; and President of the Counter Extremism Project, Frances Townsend.
The highlight of the Youth Summit which is expected to, at the end of the day, give birth to a 'Youth Action Agenda to Prevent Violent Extremism and Promote Peace', was a roundtable discussion on challenges youth face in their various community which was moderated by Rashad Hussain, an American Attorney and Special Envoy and Coordinator for Strategic Counter Terrorism Communications.
In her speech, the US Home will take the lead in the support of global efforts of youth towards the fight against violent extremism.
According to her “today world leaders, CEOs, leaders at all levels, communities, families, government, young men and women, uniting to form a common front in dignity and in tolerance to fight extremism”.
“Tomorrow, leaders from around the world will meet at the summit to tackle ISIL and violent extremism. I will seat with President Obama and a host of many world leaders to discuss on the progress of what weve started last year.
At the summit, we are going to chart how we can all work together, and to support your (Youth) efforts and the efforts of those in your communities who are working with you. We need solutions that are not just talked down; violent extremism don’t know borders; its impacts are as devastating as they are indiscriminate.
“It impacts lives on every regions of the world. What makes this challenge difficult is that there is no known formula to what drives the person to violent extremism. Violent extremists twist religions and distort the peaceful teachings of Islam. They target people from a diverse range of backgrounds; Some may be misinformed or misled, others are obviously informed and educated.
“We see extremists target women and girls as well as young men and boys. Some people are targeted through recruitments and come away disillusioned, still others become very dangerous.
 |
| Shamil Idriss |
“Young men and women like you are essential. This summit offers the chance for all of you to be part of the solution by connecting with one another and with mentors who can help put your ideas into action and put them to work – by finding ways to bring solutions that can be dealt with back into your own community.
The US Advisor on Home Land Security hopes that “the youth action agenda” that will created at the Summite provide the keys for further action for the all the young people.
“For those of us in government, we will continue to drive the action to ensure your work will be more strengthened and extend the reach of all efforts. You are in the front line of the struggle; you have a truly global reach …so your engagement is going to advance this work for generations to come. And there is no doubt as I am absolutely confident that you can change your generations and others. I am confident because you are already doing it and I am seeing it.
She acknowledge the presence of a young man who survived the Kamapala bombings in 2005; in stead of living in fear of Alshabab, but formed a Muslim youth organization in Yuganda, and now that organization is focused on peace and tolerance.
“Among you is a young woman who overcame a host of challenges to become a respected news casters in a television outfit, she works there as a specialists on research for common ground, engaging young to turn around from violence to positive approaches.
“These are just two examples; and today I am confident that many more stories will be written and many more ideas for action will be developed. To this gathering, one person at a time; 195 countries strong, your voice is building up that we can fight violent extremism to a defeat”.
**************************************************
BELOW ARE SOME OF THE VARIOUS SPEECHES AND PRESENTATION MADE BY WORLD LEADERS IN ATTENDANCE
Statement of the Republic of Paraguay
United Nations Summit for the adoption of the Post-2015 Development Agenda
His Excellency Mr. ttoracio CARTES President of the Republic of Paraguay New York, 27 September, 2015
United Nations Summit for the adoption of the Post-2015 Development Agenda
His Excellency Mr. ttoracio CARTES President of the Republic of Paraguay New York, 27 September, 2015
Mr. Chair, Heads of State and Government, Ladies and Gentlemen:
The adoption of the 203 Agenda for Sustainable Development represents the beginning of an
ambitious roadmap for countries, in the fight against poverty, aiming to improve the quality of
life of its inhabitants, particularly those living in vulnerable situations.
One of our government's public policy priorities is the fight against poverty. We have made progress towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals, which were adopted in 2000.
Since the adoption of these international agreed commitments, with effort and perseverance, we have reduced to more than 50% the proportion of people living in extreme poverty. However, we keep pushing and focusing our efforts on rural areas where the differences are even greater.
Our main goal as a government is to ensure food security for our population, in order to completely eradicate malnutrition.
We are aware that there is a direct relationship between education and development. In this context, we have achieved the universalization and consolidation of primary education, and our country will soon meet the goal of 100% (a hundred percent) coverage.
The entry into force of a recent law regarding school nutrition and sanitary control has allowed us to galvanize remarkable changes in public policies, like the incorporation of nutritional education and the promotion of family agriculture through simplified purchases.
The total investment destined towards the school food program rises up to 95 million dollars and benefits with breakfasts and snacks to 90% of the student body and through school lunches to 15%.
We are creating a new awareness among our population, mainly children; an example of this is the drawing, that I am sharing with you, of the Paraguayan winner of the regional contest "Feed the world" organized by the World Food Programme.
We are aware that there is a direct link between education and development. In this context, we have achieved the universalization and consolidation or primary education and our country will son achieve the goal of full coverage.
In 2014 youth literacy rates were already above the 98% and in this sense we are just one-step from universal literacy, with equity by gender, area of residence and poverty condition.
Significant progress can also be observed in the coverage and the reduction of gaps per gender, and for example I would like to point out the increase of female participation, from 8 to 17% in the national leadership in the last 15 years.
With regards to children mortality under 5 years, by maintaining the downward trend in recent periods, we will achieve the expected goal.
By the end of 2013, assisted birth delivery in health service centers has increased to 96.2% on average at country level.
One of our government's public policy priorities is the fight against poverty. We have made progress towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals, which were adopted in 2000.
Since the adoption of these international agreed commitments, with effort and perseverance, we have reduced to more than 50% the proportion of people living in extreme poverty. However, we keep pushing and focusing our efforts on rural areas where the differences are even greater.
Our main goal as a government is to ensure food security for our population, in order to completely eradicate malnutrition.
We are aware that there is a direct relationship between education and development. In this context, we have achieved the universalization and consolidation of primary education, and our country will soon meet the goal of 100% (a hundred percent) coverage.
The entry into force of a recent law regarding school nutrition and sanitary control has allowed us to galvanize remarkable changes in public policies, like the incorporation of nutritional education and the promotion of family agriculture through simplified purchases.
The total investment destined towards the school food program rises up to 95 million dollars and benefits with breakfasts and snacks to 90% of the student body and through school lunches to 15%.
We are creating a new awareness among our population, mainly children; an example of this is the drawing, that I am sharing with you, of the Paraguayan winner of the regional contest "Feed the world" organized by the World Food Programme.
We are aware that there is a direct link between education and development. In this context, we have achieved the universalization and consolidation or primary education and our country will son achieve the goal of full coverage.
In 2014 youth literacy rates were already above the 98% and in this sense we are just one-step from universal literacy, with equity by gender, area of residence and poverty condition.
Significant progress can also be observed in the coverage and the reduction of gaps per gender, and for example I would like to point out the increase of female participation, from 8 to 17% in the national leadership in the last 15 years.
With regards to children mortality under 5 years, by maintaining the downward trend in recent periods, we will achieve the expected goal.
By the end of 2013, assisted birth delivery in health service centers has increased to 96.2% on average at country level.
Since June last year, our Government, with the support of UNICEF, has been carrying out a
project called "Zero avoidable death". In that context, maternal deaths were reduced to 33.6%
and 2% of the neo natal death in the first year of work, through sustained training of public
health staff.
We are satisfied to announce that Paraguay has reached the Millennium Development Goals related to access to systems of water supply and sanitation.
The Paraguayan financial system has been consolidated in recent years and maintains adequate solvency and capitalization ratios. There has been a gradual increase in the access to credit for small farmers.
The achievement of the monetary policies of Paraguay has resulted in the lowest levels of inflation in Latin America. This factor, among others, allows Paraguay to have one of the fastest growing Gross Domestic Products in the region.
According to a 2014 CEPAL report, Paraguay is the second Latin American country with highest rates of Foreign Direct Investment.
Meeting the Millennium Development Goals contributes to improving the living conditions of the inhabitants of our country and of our future generations.
We know we still have much to do, but it is good to see that we are heading in the right direction. At this moment our government would like to express our commitment with the Sustainable Development Agenda 2030 with the main objective of the ensuring the welfare of the entire population. Solidarity and international cooperation are essential for all nations of the world to achieve a harmonious, peaceful, respectful, fair and inclusive coexistence.
We know that the Sustainable Goals that will approve in this Summit are ambitious and pose a challenge to the international community. But if we achieve the international, regional and national political consensus, these objectives and goals are fully achievable.
The implementation and strengthening of public policies, as well as the allocation of resources with timely rationality are essential. In this context, we must work to achieve an efficient investment of public money by installing transparent implementation mechanisms and accountability.
We must not ignore the fervent cry of our mother earth to preserve the environment. Climate change is a global issue and a central challenge for all governments and people in the world.
Excellences, Heads of State and of Government:
The Republic of Paraguay welcomes the holding of this Summit, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of the United Nations Organization.
One of the key points of the Agenda 2030 is the case of countries in special conditions. In that regard, the international community has pledged to take concrete actions to overcome the obstacles of landlocked developing countries.
We are satisfied to announce that Paraguay has reached the Millennium Development Goals related to access to systems of water supply and sanitation.
The Paraguayan financial system has been consolidated in recent years and maintains adequate solvency and capitalization ratios. There has been a gradual increase in the access to credit for small farmers.
The achievement of the monetary policies of Paraguay has resulted in the lowest levels of inflation in Latin America. This factor, among others, allows Paraguay to have one of the fastest growing Gross Domestic Products in the region.
According to a 2014 CEPAL report, Paraguay is the second Latin American country with highest rates of Foreign Direct Investment.
Meeting the Millennium Development Goals contributes to improving the living conditions of the inhabitants of our country and of our future generations.
We know we still have much to do, but it is good to see that we are heading in the right direction. At this moment our government would like to express our commitment with the Sustainable Development Agenda 2030 with the main objective of the ensuring the welfare of the entire population. Solidarity and international cooperation are essential for all nations of the world to achieve a harmonious, peaceful, respectful, fair and inclusive coexistence.
We know that the Sustainable Goals that will approve in this Summit are ambitious and pose a challenge to the international community. But if we achieve the international, regional and national political consensus, these objectives and goals are fully achievable.
The implementation and strengthening of public policies, as well as the allocation of resources with timely rationality are essential. In this context, we must work to achieve an efficient investment of public money by installing transparent implementation mechanisms and accountability.
We must not ignore the fervent cry of our mother earth to preserve the environment. Climate change is a global issue and a central challenge for all governments and people in the world.
Excellences, Heads of State and of Government:
The Republic of Paraguay welcomes the holding of this Summit, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of the United Nations Organization.
One of the key points of the Agenda 2030 is the case of countries in special conditions. In that regard, the international community has pledged to take concrete actions to overcome the obstacles of landlocked developing countries.
The Agenda will be transformative for these countries, to the extent that their specific needs and
challenges are incorporated in the work programs of relevant international organizations,
international financial institutions and particularly in the transit countries. We are convinced that
from these difficulties can also emerge new possibilities, in particular in areas of infrastructure,
logistics and integration.
I have the satisfaction of mentioning the "Declaration of Asuncion on Development with Social Inclusion", which is now in being implemented, was approved at the General Assembly of the Organization of American States, held in year 2014, in my country.
The Government of Paraguay is committed to implementing the Sustainable Development Agenda 2030 and it subjects to procedures for monitoring and review, at national, regional and global levels, which will help to be inclusive, transparent, rigorous and based on serious, reliable and timely information.
In times of great challenges is when we embrace the fundamental Values and Principles, and never forget that the rationale or the reason to exist of the governments must be people with their profound dignity.
Consecrating the common wellness as the ultimate goal of our efforts, we will honor our people and prepare the way for generations to come.
May God bless all of us. Thank you.
***********************************************************
I have the satisfaction of mentioning the "Declaration of Asuncion on Development with Social Inclusion", which is now in being implemented, was approved at the General Assembly of the Organization of American States, held in year 2014, in my country.
The Government of Paraguay is committed to implementing the Sustainable Development Agenda 2030 and it subjects to procedures for monitoring and review, at national, regional and global levels, which will help to be inclusive, transparent, rigorous and based on serious, reliable and timely information.
In times of great challenges is when we embrace the fundamental Values and Principles, and never forget that the rationale or the reason to exist of the governments must be people with their profound dignity.
Consecrating the common wellness as the ultimate goal of our efforts, we will honor our people and prepare the way for generations to come.
May God bless all of us. Thank you.
***********************************************************
STATEMENT BY H.E. JOHN DRAMAN! MAHAMA
PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF GHANA
AT THE
UN SUMMIT FOR THE ADOPTION OF THE 2030 AGENDA FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY HALL, New York 27TM SEPTEMBER 2015
AT THE
UN SUMMIT FOR THE ADOPTION OF THE 2030 AGENDA FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY HALL, New York 27TM SEPTEMBER 2015
PERMANENT MISSION OF GHANA
TO THE UNITED NATIONS
19 FAST 47Tm STREET
NEW YORK, N.Y. 10017
TEL. 212-832-1300 ® FAX 212-751-6743
19 FAST 47Tm STREET
NEW YORK, N.Y. 10017
TEL. 212-832-1300 ® FAX 212-751-6743
Your ExceUency President of the 70th Session of the UN General Assembly
Your Excetlency Ban Ki Moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations
Your Excellences, Co[league Heads of State and Government
Distinguished Detegates
I bring you warm felicitations from the good people of Ghana, undoubtedly the world's friendtiest country.
The adoption on Friday of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which comprises seventeen (17) Sustainable Development Goats (SDGs) is a major rededication of the world, to the commitment to fighting growing inequality, wiping out extreme poverty, and tackling the issues of climate change over the next 15 years.
The adoption of the new Goats at a time the United Nations turns 70, provides a revel of hope to young peopte of the wortd that after decades of being in existence, the UN is stilt alive to the challenges of today's wortd.
Mr. President,
What we have adopted, and referred to simpty as the SDGs is perhaps the most ambitious and transformational devetopment agenda in the history of the United Nations.
We must tackle these chaltenges identified in the 17 goats as a matter of urgency, and we can also seize the opportunity offered by the adoption of the SDGs to tackle the unfinished business of the Mit[ennium Development Goats.
I bring you warm felicitations from the good people of Ghana, undoubtedly the world's friendtiest country.
The adoption on Friday of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which comprises seventeen (17) Sustainable Development Goats (SDGs) is a major rededication of the world, to the commitment to fighting growing inequality, wiping out extreme poverty, and tackling the issues of climate change over the next 15 years.
The adoption of the new Goats at a time the United Nations turns 70, provides a revel of hope to young peopte of the wortd that after decades of being in existence, the UN is stilt alive to the challenges of today's wortd.
Mr. President,
What we have adopted, and referred to simpty as the SDGs is perhaps the most ambitious and transformational devetopment agenda in the history of the United Nations.
We must tackle these chaltenges identified in the 17 goats as a matter of urgency, and we can also seize the opportunity offered by the adoption of the SDGs to tackle the unfinished business of the Mit[ennium Development Goats.
In pursuing the SDGs, it is important for us to redefine a new paradigm of
development. The current high consumption of wasteful societies we classify as
developed cannot be the mode[ for sustainable development.
If the current attraction of the big cities of the so-catted developed world, such as shopping malts bursting at the seams with at[ kinds of consumer goods, g[itzy neon lighting and KFC fast foods are the standard to be ctassified as developed, then we wilt need two more planets, the size of our earth, to maintain and sustain the human race.
The world's resources are not infinite. If we are to attain the objective of a sustainabte consumption and production pattern under Goat 12, then it wit[ be necessary for us to review the retations between tabour, production and capitat.
Mr. President,
The path to sustainabte devetopment for my country Ghana and many other African countries has been a difficutt one. We have been consigned to be producers of primary commodities, white at[ secondary and tertiary processing is done in the developed world and finished goods exported back to us.
If the teeming youth of Africa must find jobs at home and stop attempting to cross the /ÿediterranean to enter the greener pastures of Europe, then we must review the role Africa plays in wortd production. A significant portion of processing and value addition must retocate to the continent.
I stand here at the UN and commit to the peopte of Ghana that I witl continue to aggressively and with dynamism implement our country Agenda for Transformation within the framework of the newly adopted SDGs in order to build a life of dignity that ensures no one is [eft behind.
Through the implementation of our Agenda for Transformation developed by the Nationat Development Planning Commission, we aim to diversify production and exports, be more competitive on internationat markets, increase productivity of at resource inputs and upgrade technologies in order to make the much anticipated Leap out of poverty.
If the current attraction of the big cities of the so-catted developed world, such as shopping malts bursting at the seams with at[ kinds of consumer goods, g[itzy neon lighting and KFC fast foods are the standard to be ctassified as developed, then we wilt need two more planets, the size of our earth, to maintain and sustain the human race.
The world's resources are not infinite. If we are to attain the objective of a sustainabte consumption and production pattern under Goat 12, then it wit[ be necessary for us to review the retations between tabour, production and capitat.
Mr. President,
The path to sustainabte devetopment for my country Ghana and many other African countries has been a difficutt one. We have been consigned to be producers of primary commodities, white at[ secondary and tertiary processing is done in the developed world and finished goods exported back to us.
If the teeming youth of Africa must find jobs at home and stop attempting to cross the /ÿediterranean to enter the greener pastures of Europe, then we must review the role Africa plays in wortd production. A significant portion of processing and value addition must retocate to the continent.
I stand here at the UN and commit to the peopte of Ghana that I witl continue to aggressively and with dynamism implement our country Agenda for Transformation within the framework of the newly adopted SDGs in order to build a life of dignity that ensures no one is [eft behind.
Through the implementation of our Agenda for Transformation developed by the Nationat Development Planning Commission, we aim to diversify production and exports, be more competitive on internationat markets, increase productivity of at resource inputs and upgrade technologies in order to make the much anticipated Leap out of poverty.
The Africa Union's Agenda 2063, Mr. President, makes a strong case for
integrating our economies on the continent to accelerate transformative change.
To achieve this, we have to invest in our human capital through education and health care, accelerate infrastructura[ development to [ink African economies, address inequalities white building meaningful relationships with the private sector.
For Africa, a focus on GoaLs 2 and 7 of the SDGs wiLL provide us with the needed impetus to ensure economic growth and transformation.
Mr. President,
The green revolution has never reaLLy taken off in Africa. And yet Africa has a significant proportion of the world's remaining arable [ands.
With improved seeds, ferti[isers, appropriate technology, and agricuLturaL extension advice, we would not only increase agricuLturaL productivity in Africa, but we wiLL also provide jobs for the growing population of young people.
This wi[[ also fit hand in glove with an expansion of agro processing and agribusiness for which Africa has a comparative advantage,
The focus on access to sustainable and modern energy in Goal 7 emphasises the situation in Africa today, where the shortage of power remains a major constraint to our economic development.
I speak for Ghana as an example where two decades of consistent positive economic growth, has Led to an average 10 to 12% annual increase in demand for power. This has caused demand for electricity to exceed supply. To keep our system running, we have resorted to the implementation of a Load management system.
To achieve this, we have to invest in our human capital through education and health care, accelerate infrastructura[ development to [ink African economies, address inequalities white building meaningful relationships with the private sector.
For Africa, a focus on GoaLs 2 and 7 of the SDGs wiLL provide us with the needed impetus to ensure economic growth and transformation.
Mr. President,
The green revolution has never reaLLy taken off in Africa. And yet Africa has a significant proportion of the world's remaining arable [ands.
With improved seeds, ferti[isers, appropriate technology, and agricuLturaL extension advice, we would not only increase agricuLturaL productivity in Africa, but we wiLL also provide jobs for the growing population of young people.
This wi[[ also fit hand in glove with an expansion of agro processing and agribusiness for which Africa has a comparative advantage,
The focus on access to sustainable and modern energy in Goal 7 emphasises the situation in Africa today, where the shortage of power remains a major constraint to our economic development.
I speak for Ghana as an example where two decades of consistent positive economic growth, has Led to an average 10 to 12% annual increase in demand for power. This has caused demand for electricity to exceed supply. To keep our system running, we have resorted to the implementation of a Load management system.
We have put in ptace a programme to introduce emergency generation into the
system, but are mindfut to ensure that we use as much ctean energy sources as
possibte to the benefit of our current and future generations.
Mr. President,
The MDGs have been good. They have in the fast 15 years he[ped address socio- economic inequatities and disparities in national, regional and global development.
In Ghana, the MDGs have atways been a core part of our national development frameworks since September 2000. That has hetped us make modest but significant progress in the achievement of the MDGs.
Ghana is therefore wet[ positioned and poised to drive the SDGs in the post- 2015 devetopment era.
Mr. President,
As one of Africa's fastest growing economies, Ghana's rise to middle-income status presents us with both burgeoning opportunities and atso daunting chat[enges. With the inspiration and guidance of the SDGs, we are confident of our abitity to surmount these trials. We have a vision and a development agenda for the next 15 years.
It remains my strong position that the post-2015 devetopment agenda must be driven by technotogica[ innovation.For this reason, Ghana rooks forward to the [aunch of the Technology Facilitation Mechanism to support the implementation of our agenda.
Mr. President,
The issue of illicit financial outflows from the developing wortd makes poor nations net exporters of capita[ to rich nations. We wish once again to urge that the UN Audit Board be transformed into a fuji United Nations Agency to help monitor, trace and bring to account, any multi-national or transnationa[ institutions that engage in untoward financial practices.
Mr. President,
The MDGs have been good. They have in the fast 15 years he[ped address socio- economic inequatities and disparities in national, regional and global development.
In Ghana, the MDGs have atways been a core part of our national development frameworks since September 2000. That has hetped us make modest but significant progress in the achievement of the MDGs.
Ghana is therefore wet[ positioned and poised to drive the SDGs in the post- 2015 devetopment era.
Mr. President,
As one of Africa's fastest growing economies, Ghana's rise to middle-income status presents us with both burgeoning opportunities and atso daunting chat[enges. With the inspiration and guidance of the SDGs, we are confident of our abitity to surmount these trials. We have a vision and a development agenda for the next 15 years.
It remains my strong position that the post-2015 devetopment agenda must be driven by technotogica[ innovation.For this reason, Ghana rooks forward to the [aunch of the Technology Facilitation Mechanism to support the implementation of our agenda.
Mr. President,
The issue of illicit financial outflows from the developing wortd makes poor nations net exporters of capita[ to rich nations. We wish once again to urge that the UN Audit Board be transformed into a fuji United Nations Agency to help monitor, trace and bring to account, any multi-national or transnationa[ institutions that engage in untoward financial practices.
On behalf of the Government and people of Ghana, n pledge our support and
commitment to working towards achieving the SDGs and Look forward to working with
other regional and global partners to make them a reality.
Our world is well endowed with resources to ensure that every man, woman, child, person with disability, aged person, Lives a happy, fulfilled and secured Life of hope and promise and not one of poverty and disillusionment.
The time for collective action for the progress we all yearn is now.
The implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals wit[ transform our world.
I thank you all for your attention.
Our world is well endowed with resources to ensure that every man, woman, child, person with disability, aged person, Lives a happy, fulfilled and secured Life of hope and promise and not one of poverty and disillusionment.
The time for collective action for the progress we all yearn is now.
The implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals wit[ transform our world.
I thank you all for your attention.
Countering Violent Extremism Briefing with International Journalists
Tuesday,
September 22, 2015
US Department of State
Foreign
Press Center
Thanks so to everyone for joining
me today. I am honored to be in a room with reporters who are covering incredibly
pressing issues. I personally thank you for commitment to journalism, and for
your willingness to discuss the importance of women and girls in the context of
preventing and countering violent extremism.
USAID has long recognized the
critical role of development in addressing social and economic factors, and
governance issues that can drive radicalization or recruitment to violent
extremism. These factors often cannot be dealt with by law enforcement or other
security oriented interventions; they often need a “softer” touch -- a more
long term, development oriented approach.
And in today’s world, applying our development tools and emphasizing
prevention are increasingly recognized as important to address the growing
threat of violent extremism. Using development tools in this manner is part of
the Agency’s work to promote resilient, democratic societies while advancing
our security and prosperity.
In 2011, USAID issued “The
Development Response to Violent Extremism and Insurgency” policy, which recognizes
the importance of identifying and addressing drivers of violent extremism, and
notes that much of U.S. foreign assistance goes to countries in the midst of,
or trying to prevent, conflict or state failure. USAID currently manages
programs that specifically address drivers of violent extremism in Africa, the
Middle East and Asia.
Our approach is founded upon
rigorous, locally-informed risk assessments and analysis to identify the
drivers and design programs.USAID’s approach has concentrated in areas where
our tools are most effective - youth empowerment, social and economic
inclusion, reliable media, improved local governance and in some cases
reconciliation and conflict mitigation. Activities are tailored to meet the
specific threat levels, political environments and material needs of each
community. Our efforts to prevent and counter violent extremism often target
distinct populations, for example at-risk young men in at risk neighborhoods,
and increasingly recognize the unique role of women in promoting peace and
security.
USAID has invested significant
resources to monitor and evaluate countering violent extremism -- or CVE
programming, gathering both quantitative and qualitative data, and is using the
lessons learned from these programs to drive effective approaches to CVE.
Interest and
awareness have grown regarding the non-traditional role women play in
perpetuating violent extremism- including as fighter, recruiter, perpetrator
and facilitator. These roles are perhaps not at all new, but amplified by the
global context. And at the same time, the international community seems to
forget the less ‘attention seeking headlines’ of women working in their
communities, to make their cities, states and nations safer for all.
Secretary Kerry
and British Foreign Secretary Hammond recently wrote an op-ed in the Guardian and said: “We must continue to
integrate women as equal partners in international efforts to counter violent
extremism, prevent conflict and build peace. Women are uniquely affected by war
and their perspectives are indispensable in resolving disputes, ensuring
accountability for crimes, minimizing the suffering of civilians and designing
long-term recovery programs.”
Furthermore, the
ongoing conflict in Syria and the flow of foreign terrorist fighters there and
to other conflict zones highlights the fact that many women flock to the ranks
of ISIL, many as a result of sophisticated and targeted recruitment efforts
that the US Government actively works to discredit and counter. Women and girls
are also victims of brutal violence perpetrated by violent extremist groups
like ISIL and Boko Haram. But, just as
women are victims and perpetrators of violent extremism, they must also be part
of our efforts to counter it. Common
sense and past experience tells us that women can wield significant influence
in their families and in their communities.
We can support women and girls in creating a new narrative that focuses
on the concerns of their families and neighbors and their communities.
Women have a
unique - and, until recently, largely untapped - role to play in CVE. Mothers play an important role in their
children’s early education, so they must be engaged to help build and sustain
resilience outside of formal schooling. For example, the international Sisters
Against Violent Extremism (SAVE) network along the Tajik and Afghan border is training local
women leaders in how to identify and address signs of radicalization to
violence in their families and neighborhoods through “Mother's' Schools.” The
Mothers' Schools approach draws on social psychology and empowers women to
train their peers.
Beyond their
roles in a family, women are members – and often leaders – of their
communities. Their influence as
communicators, educators, entrepreneurs, members of the security sector, faith
leaders and practitioners gives them unique access and nuanced perspectives
about local vulnerabilities. We’ve seen
women develop early warning and response networks, build relationships with law
enforcement or serve as police, and bridge divisions across their communities
as a tool to prevent violence. Those
experiences and perspectives need to be at the table, but more importantly,
they have a right to be there as citizens and stakeholders.
Beyond this,
women have a number of other complex roles to play around violent extremism,
many of which we do not yet understand.
Mindful of the existing gap in research on gender and CVE, the United
States is taking concrete steps to address this by investing in research so
that we can develop and refine the inclusive tools that make us all safer. In addition to academic research,
community-wide engagement through civil society, religion, and other methods is
critical for better understanding the diverse push and pull factors that
radicalize women and men to violence, and the diverse ways women and men are
working together to counter violent extremism.
On July 21,
2015, the U.S. Government and the United States Institute of Peace co-hosted “Women and Countering Violent Extremism:
Strengthening Policy Responses and Ensuring Inclusivity.” The event was attended by
over 300 policy makers, academics, civil society leaders and advocates. These
participants made a number of policy recommendations that we strongly encourage
partners to integrate into preparations for upcoming high level ministerial
deliverables around women peace and security and countering violent
extremism.
These recommendations include:
● Recommendations that UN member states should explore
how a concerted effort can integrate women’s perspectives in their CT and CVE
strategy making;
● Recommendations that the international community
consider enabling and supporting networks among women and youth working to
counter violent extremism;
● Recommendations that the international community
expand the research base as a means for identifying promising engagement and
protection strategies; and
● Recommendations that UN member states consider integrating
women into the security sector through international security partnerships.
The United
States remains a staunch supporter of dialogues and efforts to include women’s
perspectives in developing multi-sectoral approaches to CVE. This includes our work with partners to
develop, promote and help advance implementation of good practices such as
those developed by the Global Counterterrorism Forum on issues ranging from
foreign terrorist fighters to the role of women in countering violent
extremism.
These efforts
are anchored in a simple yet powerful concept, that we are all safer, our
societies stronger, our efforts to resolve conflict and gain justice for human
rights abuses more successful, when women have a say in efforts to promote
peace and security.
In fact, these
stories are not new, there were similar stories and recognition that led to the
creation of UN Security Council
Resolution 1325, a landmark
international legal framework that addresses not only the inordinate impact of
war on women, but also the pivotal role women should and do play in conflict
management, conflict resolution and sustainable peace. A narrative we examined closely when creating
the U.S. National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security,- the U.S. Government’s implementation
blueprint for the global policy.
Additional
Security Council resolutions have strengthened these tools, including
Resolution 2178, which focuses on the emerging threat posed by foreign
terrorist fighters and calls directly for the need to empower women as a
prevention response to the spread of violent conflict.
So with all of
these critical resolutions, why are there still gaps? One of the biggest
challenges we face today are the silos that we have created around different
women, peace and security related activities. US Government staff in one area
focus on humanitarian assistance to address the immediate crisis, while others
focus on short or medium-term security sector interventions, and still others
work on political transition, governance, and the longer-term development needs
we hope will help build resilience to fragility, conflict, and extremism in the
future. While these silos are clear,
how to move beyond them is not always obvious.
The U.S. NAP and
the subsequent USAID Implementation Plan (2012) are an integral part of the
Agency’s architecture for advancing gender equality and female empowerment.
They both serve as USAID’s roadmap for advancing the empowerment and protection
of women and girls in crisis and conflict situations, including the full
spectrum of its prevention, response, recovery, and transition efforts. USAID
is one of three USG leading agencies responsible for the implementation of the
NAP along with our colleagues at the Department of State, Department of
Defense, and with close collaboration with external stakeholders and civil
society, who share our commitment in implementing the core 1325 objectives.
2015 marks the
first review and update to the U.S. National Action Plan for Women, Peace and
Security and the 15th Anniversary of 1325.
It presents a unique opportunity to evaluate and build on our progress
in integrating WPS objectives across the full spectrum of crisis and conflict
prevention, response, recovery, and transition efforts. The U.S. NAP review
process is a chance to learn collectively from our successes and challenges,
and to address key global developments that have evolved since the NAP’s
adoption in 2011. In our initial
consultations with the international community, civil society, and government
officials on the review process, as one can imagine, the intersection of CVE
and WPS has been front and center in everyone’s mind. While these conversations
have provoked more questions than answers in some cases, they have also challenged
us to devote some serious energy to elevating CVE and WPS and the active
research and learning necessary to address the intersection.
What we do know
is that across religions and regions a common thread shared across extremist
groups is that in, almost every incident, their advances have been coupled
with attacks on the rights of women and
girls. Despite the strategic engagement -- the international community
continues to grapple with a thoughtful response to the gendered dimensions of
CVE. It is crucial that we cultivate a
response that demonstrates our steadfast support for the promotion of gender
equality and women’s rights, the protection of vulnerable populations targeted
by extremist actors, and a better understanding of women’s diverse roles and
agency in violent extremism--both in supporting it and in helping to combat it.
We acknowledge
that violent extremist movements can often offer a sense of belonging and
perception of community, introduce a new set of values, economic support and services,
that are attractive– especially to the young, marginalized and disenfranchised.
This population is already vulnerable in the face of persistent socio-economic
problems, corruption and, in some cases, poor governance. These are the groups
that USAID is most familiar with and works closely with around the world
through our development projects, including those focused on creating
inclusive, democratic governance.
For example, in
Africa and the Middle East we are examining how our targeted investments in WPS
can address CVE objectives by strengthening the role of women and youth in
political and peace processes and enabling them to engage on priority
development and reconciliation needs; advocate for equitable access to justice,
productive resources, and peace dividends; and help reduce vulnerability to
violence, trafficking, and recruitment by armed groups.
We can no longer
ignore the gendered impacts of violent extremism. Women and girls and men and
boys are impacted differently by this issue and success depends on thoughtfully
addressing these issues in our diplomatic engagements, development activities,
and security responses. This is why bridging the gap between the landmark
Security Council Resolution 1325 and CVE agenda is not just critical to our
collective understanding of the issues but it is urgent for the lives of women
and girls and entire communities impacted by extremist violence.
While our
efforts are in their early stages, we know that successful interventions will
have to grapple with the intersection of CVE and gender issues; based on the
global community’s experience and our own experience of implementing 1325 and
the U.S. NAP, we believe that a WPS lens will help us tackle some of the
persistent challenges and new opportunities--especially for enhanced
cooperation between diplomatic, defense/security, and development actors--in
this space.
We know that
through partnership with the international community, together, we can work
towards a safer world for all of us. Thank you again for joining me today and
to dive deep into an issue that runs cross-cuts work and, unfortunately,
creates devastating international headlines every day.
******************************************************************************** Addressing of the President of Montenegro Filip Vujanovi4 at the Summit olÿ post 2015 Development Agenda ÿll New Yet-k, September 27 2015
Mr President,
Secretary- Geÿerat,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is my great honour to address you at the Summit that represents a historical milestone in the work of the United Nations..At the begirming, allow me to express gratitude to the co-facilitators of the negotiations process, the Permanent Representatives of' Ireland and Renya that: ÿ'esulted in the harmonization of the 2030 Devdopment Agenda, whose adoptiotÿl will take pIace today. We beheve that the
Development Agenda for the next fifteen years wilt fulfil the projected vision in ensuring sustainable development and human dignity foÿÿ all.
2015 is a crucial 3.,ear felt the future work of the World organization. This is also the year in which we mark 70 years of founding of the UN. l believu, there is no better time to consider achieved so far in all of activiW a.Teas of the UN. Moreover, we can be satisfied with achieved progress in the implem, etÿtation of the Millennium Agenda, and also with harmonisation of the ambitious and coÿprehensive, but also l'ealistic 2030 Development Agenda.
Mr. President
Montenegro strong][y supports the adoption of' the Development Agenda for the period after 2015. It confirms its commitment to implement it completely.
An extremely demanding task of implementation.,, monitoring and review of achieved progress is placed before us. We believe that in fulfilling this task, vve need to follow." the basic principles of hÿclusiveness., empowerment, transparency and respect of human rights. Advocating the creation of transformative agenda which will be based on the principle of respect of hun,an rights, we bel'ieve that universÿ,t respect of human rights is the measure of success of implementatieÿÿ of the 2030 Development Agenda.
We commend the central role of the High- teve[ Political foÿ'um that follows up and reviews the implementation of Agenda at the global level.
Defined sustainable developmelÿt goals deliver a wide iange of intert'elated issues aÿd challenges. We share opinion that each country is responsible for its own social aÿÿd economic development, natÿoÿml .stÿ'ategies fl-ÿ sustainable development should be based on the approach that productkm of goods and serwices is crucial to improving the materia! and spiritual well-being of the population that ÿ'equire sustainabh:, management of the four basic necessaÿ)ÿ gÿoups of national ÿ'esouÿces: human, social,
natural and economic, Capacities of the national Fesom'ces must remain viabb, keeping for each next geneÿadon, The right to development
should be seen in relation to man, family and t:amily vakms, and relevant social groups at
the national level and at ttÿe level of local communities, The essence of sustainabi, lity
should make consistent potidcal action focused on the development of human resources,
stimulating investments from s{ÿch set objectives and preventing decisions that reduce
our ÿationa[ resources,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is my great honour to address you at the Summit that represents a historical milestone in the work of the United Nations..At the begirming, allow me to express gratitude to the co-facilitators of the negotiations process, the Permanent Representatives of' Ireland and Renya that: ÿ'esulted in the harmonization of the 2030 Devdopment Agenda, whose adoptiotÿl will take pIace today. We beheve that the
Development Agenda for the next fifteen years wilt fulfil the projected vision in ensuring sustainable development and human dignity foÿÿ all.
2015 is a crucial 3.,ear felt the future work of the World organization. This is also the year in which we mark 70 years of founding of the UN. l believu, there is no better time to consider achieved so far in all of activiW a.Teas of the UN. Moreover, we can be satisfied with achieved progress in the implem, etÿtation of the Millennium Agenda, and also with harmonisation of the ambitious and coÿprehensive, but also l'ealistic 2030 Development Agenda.
Mr. President
Montenegro strong][y supports the adoption of' the Development Agenda for the period after 2015. It confirms its commitment to implement it completely.
An extremely demanding task of implementation.,, monitoring and review of achieved progress is placed before us. We believe that in fulfilling this task, vve need to follow." the basic principles of hÿclusiveness., empowerment, transparency and respect of human rights. Advocating the creation of transformative agenda which will be based on the principle of respect of hun,an rights, we bel'ieve that universÿ,t respect of human rights is the measure of success of implementatieÿÿ of the 2030 Development Agenda.
We commend the central role of the High- teve[ Political foÿ'um that follows up and reviews the implementation of Agenda at the global level.
Defined sustainable developmelÿt goals deliver a wide iange of intert'elated issues aÿd challenges. We share opinion that each country is responsible for its own social aÿÿd economic development, natÿoÿml .stÿ'ategies fl-ÿ sustainable development should be based on the approach that productkm of goods and serwices is crucial to improving the materia! and spiritual well-being of the population that ÿ'equire sustainabh:, management of the four basic necessaÿ)ÿ gÿoups of national ÿ'esouÿces: human, social,
natural and economic, Capacities of the national Fesom'ces must remain viabb, keeping
National strategies for sustainable development, supported by integrated national
financial frameworks for sustainable development, musf: be stt'engthened by effective
mechmÿisms of international economic Also in the process of their
development and implementation, and in the establishnÿent of a framework for
monitoring and accountability, close cooperation with all stakeholders is necessaw at all .
levels, including parliaments, civil and business sector, and academe. Inclusive approach
is a prerequisite for the success of implementation of its future Development Agenda.
We believe that the implementation of po.ÿt o2015 Development Agenda and objectives of sustainable deve!opment must be achieved, as reflected in the final document of the Summit, in the framework of a revitalized global partnership [or sustainable development and supported by concrete policies and actions identified in the Action agenda from Addis Ababa, which makes an integÿa.l part of comprehensive 2030 Development Agenda.
Mr. President,
Commitment of Montenegro to the policy of sustainable development is unquestionable. It presents its strategic developmen.t policy and guideline in a!) dimensions of socio- economic development, In the pÿ-evious two-decade period, constitutional decision of Montenegro, as an ecological state, in addition to the political wilt, required dedication, persistence, courageous decisions and substantial financial investment, Such appÿ'oach was particularly significant in over-.passhÿg negative trends that were generated in the period of transition., and later under the intluence of the gtoba! economic crisis. Although
faced with numerous challenges, we in Montenegro pursue to make socio-economic development more sustainable and preserve natural resources foÿ" generations to come, Mmÿtenegro was among the first couno'ies of Southeast Europe, which established a strategic and institutional framework foÿ" sustainable development in accordance with the standards of developed countries of the European Union.
Guided By its own experience h°, the impl,ementatioÿ policy of sustainable dewdopmeÿt, membership in the Open for and participation intergovemmental negotiatioÿs, we a sigÿificant contribution to harmonization of transformative, universai atÿd comprehensive agenda,, which inl'egrates social, economic and environmental dimeÿsions of sustainable deve!opment We are satisfied with the itÿclusion of a large numb,eÿ- of our Iÿriodties, making us additionally obliged to make substantial effo/ÿts hÿ fulfilling the visioÿ of the 2030 Development
Agenda in terms of dealing with the ehmination of poverq¢ and inequality and the creating a peacefffl, justify aml iÿÿdmÿive socieW based on the rule of law and good governance at all levels.
is a prerequisite for the success of implementation of its future Development Agenda.
We believe that the implementation of po.ÿt o2015 Development Agenda and objectives of sustainable deve!opment must be achieved, as reflected in the final document of the Summit, in the framework of a revitalized global partnership [or sustainable development and supported by concrete policies and actions identified in the Action agenda from Addis Ababa, which makes an integÿa.l part of comprehensive 2030 Development Agenda.
Mr. President,
Commitment of Montenegro to the policy of sustainable development is unquestionable. It presents its strategic developmen.t policy and guideline in a!) dimensions of socio- economic development, In the pÿ-evious two-decade period, constitutional decision of Montenegro, as an ecological state, in addition to the political wilt, required dedication, persistence, courageous decisions and substantial financial investment, Such appÿ'oach was particularly significant in over-.passhÿg negative trends that were generated in the period of transition., and later under the intluence of the gtoba! economic crisis. Although
faced with numerous challenges, we in Montenegro pursue to make socio-economic development more sustainable and preserve natural resources foÿ" generations to come, Mmÿtenegro was among the first couno'ies of Southeast Europe, which established a strategic and institutional framework foÿ" sustainable development in accordance with the standards of developed countries of the European Union.
Guided By its own experience h°, the impl,ementatioÿ policy of sustainable dewdopmeÿt, membership in the Open for and participation intergovemmental negotiatioÿs, we a sigÿificant contribution to harmonization of transformative, universai atÿd comprehensive agenda,, which inl'egrates social, economic and environmental dimeÿsions of sustainable deve!opment We are satisfied with the itÿclusion of a large numb,eÿ- of our Iÿriodties, making us additionally obliged to make substantial effo/ÿts hÿ fulfilling the visioÿ of the 2030 Development
Agenda in terms of dealing with the ehmination of poverq¢ and inequality and the creating a peacefffl, justify aml iÿÿdmÿive socieW based on the rule of law and good governance at all levels.
Being aware of the importance of the appticalioÿl of the 2030 Development Agenda, the
process of drafting a new nationaÿ sustairmbt.e development strategy is current for the
peÿ'iod after 2015 m which we will incorporate goals of sustainable development through
their harmonisation with the national fiamewock. Through the policy of sustahmble
development goals of Montenegro for the period after 2015, we seek to allow the
participation of individuals, families mÿd social groups, but also to ensure sustainable and
mutually related valorisation o.f the human.< social, natural and economic resources. Mr. President,
Successful Summit on post-2015 to which preceded the Conference on Financing for Development in Addis Ababa, where the financial fi'amework for sustainable development was adopted, ÿ'epresents a strong impetus for intensifying efforts for adoption of comprehelÿsive, ambitious and legally binding agreement on climate at the end of 20!.. 5, which was app[icable for all countries. We believe that by the year-end, we will have harmonized climate agreement that would also he another
acknowledgment of responsibility and ['he willingness of all countries and stakeholders to implement the obligations of a new chapter in the development histow. In this context, Montenegro is ready to support a global c!imate agreement by national reducing emissions of greenhouse gases by 30% until 2030 compÿ.ÿced to the reference level in
1990,
Development Agenda for the period after 2015, giving hope to build a peaceful and prosperous world.
*************************************************
mutually related valorisation o.f the human.< social, natural and economic resources. Mr. President,
Successful Summit on post-2015 to which preceded the Conference on Financing for Development in Addis Ababa, where the financial fi'amework for sustainable development was adopted, ÿ'epresents a strong impetus for intensifying efforts for adoption of comprehelÿsive, ambitious and legally binding agreement on climate at the end of 20!.. 5, which was app[icable for all countries. We believe that by the year-end, we will have harmonized climate agreement that would also he another
acknowledgment of responsibility and ['he willingness of all countries and stakeholders to implement the obligations of a new chapter in the development histow. In this context, Montenegro is ready to support a global c!imate agreement by national reducing emissions of greenhouse gases by 30% until 2030 compÿ.ÿced to the reference level in
1990,
Development Agenda for the period after 2015, giving hope to build a peaceful and prosperous world.
*************************************************
Peru Announces its Intended Nationally Determined Contribution
(INDC) in the United Nations General Assembly in New York
New York, September 25. Today, Peru announced its Intended Nationally Determined
Contribution (INDC) to the Secretariat of the UN Framework Convention on Climate
Change (UNFCCC) in the context of the UN Sustainable Development Summit taking
place in New York.
Peru, a developing country, is committed to deliver its highest efforts to progressively implement the necessary measures to achieve a 30% reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030 compared to the current pace and trend of national emissions and to |
strengthen its policies to adapt to the impacts of climate change.
Six sectors are involved in achieving this proposal: industry, energy, forests, agriculture, transport and waste. Specific actions in projects or activities will be developed in those sectors to meet Peru’s goal in 2030. The presented INDC is the result of an intense participatory process that included a public consultation process. The implementation of the INDC in Peru will allow for further advancing the promotion, development and implementation of complementary and synergistic mitigation and adaptation actions, both to comply with ethical responsibilities at national and international level, and to maintain a highly competitive economy, according to emerging global trends. Likewise, the contributions maximize the societal and environmental benefits of efficient and inclusive productive sectors, through sustainable use of natural resources. This national contribution proposal shows the high level of ambition of the country and its commitment to ensure that future development is sustainable by a means of a transition towards a low-carbon economy and a resilient society to the effects of climate change. |
POPE FRANCIS'S SPEECH
US - New York - 25.09.2015 - 08.30
Headquarters of the United Nations
Address to the United Nations General Assembly
Thank you for your kind words. Once again, following a tradition by which I feel honored, the
Secretary General of the United Nations has invited the Pope to address this distinguished assembly of
nations. In my own name, and that of the entire Catholic community, I wish to express to you, Mr Ban
Ki-moon, my heartfelt gratitude. I greet the Heads of State and Heads of Government present, as well as
the ambassadors, diplomats and political and technical officials accompanying them, the personnel of the
Uiiited Nations engaged in this 70t! Session of the General Assembly, the personnel of the various
programs and agencies of the United Nations family, and all those who, in one way or another, take part
in this ÿnceting. Through you, I also greet the citizens ofalI the nations represented in this hail. I thank
you, each and all, for your efforts in the service of mankind.
gills is the fifth time that a Pope has visited the United Nations. I follow in the footsteps of my predecessors Paul VI, in1965, John Paul II, in 1979 and 1995, and my most recent predecessor, now Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, in 2008. All of them expressed their great esteem for the Organization, whic!n they considered the appropriate juridical and political response to this present moment of history, marked by our technical ability to overcome distances and frontiers and, apparently, to overcome all natural limits to the exercise of power. An essential response, inasmuch as technological power, in tlne hands of nationalistic or falsely universalist ideologies, is capable of perpetrating tremendous atrocities. I can only reiterate the appreciation expressed by my predecessors, in Feaffirming the importance which the Catholic Church attaches to this Institution and the hope which sine places in its activities.
The United Nations is p!esently celebrating its seventieth anniversary. The history of this organized community of states is one of important common achievements over a period of unusually fast- paced changes. Without claiming to be exhaustive, we can mention the codification and development of international law, the establishment of international norms regarding human rights, advances in humanitarian law, tlne resolution of numerous conflicts, operations of peace-keeping and reconciliation, and any number of other accomplishments in every area of international activity and endeavour. All these achievements are lights which help to dispel the darkness of the disorder caused by unrestrained ambitions and collective forms of selfishness. Certainly, many grave problems remain to be resolved, yet it is clear that, without all those interventions on the international level, mankind would not have been able to survive the uncheclrealization.
For this reason I pay homage to all those men and women whose loyalty and self-sacrifice have benefitted humanity as a whole in these past seventy years. In particular, I would recall today those who gave their lives for peace and reconciliation among peoples, from Dag Hammarsl@ld to the many United Nations officials at every level who have been killed in the course of humanitarian missions, and missions of peace and reconciliation.
gills is the fifth time that a Pope has visited the United Nations. I follow in the footsteps of my predecessors Paul VI, in1965, John Paul II, in 1979 and 1995, and my most recent predecessor, now Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, in 2008. All of them expressed their great esteem for the Organization, whic!n they considered the appropriate juridical and political response to this present moment of history, marked by our technical ability to overcome distances and frontiers and, apparently, to overcome all natural limits to the exercise of power. An essential response, inasmuch as technological power, in tlne hands of nationalistic or falsely universalist ideologies, is capable of perpetrating tremendous atrocities. I can only reiterate the appreciation expressed by my predecessors, in Feaffirming the importance which the Catholic Church attaches to this Institution and the hope which sine places in its activities.
The United Nations is p!esently celebrating its seventieth anniversary. The history of this organized community of states is one of important common achievements over a period of unusually fast- paced changes. Without claiming to be exhaustive, we can mention the codification and development of international law, the establishment of international norms regarding human rights, advances in humanitarian law, tlne resolution of numerous conflicts, operations of peace-keeping and reconciliation, and any number of other accomplishments in every area of international activity and endeavour. All these achievements are lights which help to dispel the darkness of the disorder caused by unrestrained ambitions and collective forms of selfishness. Certainly, many grave problems remain to be resolved, yet it is clear that, without all those interventions on the international level, mankind would not have been able to survive the unchecl
For this reason I pay homage to all those men and women whose loyalty and self-sacrifice have benefitted humanity as a whole in these past seventy years. In particular, I would recall today those who gave their lives for peace and reconciliation among peoples, from Dag Hammarsl@ld to the many United Nations officials at every level who have been killed in the course of humanitarian missions, and missions of peace and reconciliation.
HOLY SEE PRESS OFFICE 14b/2
Beyond these achievements, tlne experience of'the past seventy years has made it clear that reform
and adaptation to the times is always necessary in the pursuit oftlne ultimate goal of granting al! countries,
without exception, a share in, and a genuine and equitable influence on, decision-making processes. Tlne
need for greater equity is especially true in tile case of those bodies with ei:'f'ective executive capability,
such as the Security Council, the Financial Agencies and tile groups or mechanisnÿs specific!lly created to
deal with economic crises. Tlnis will help limit every lexclusion and dependence.
The work of the United Nations, according to the principles set forth in the Preamble-and the first Articles of its founding Charter, can be seen as the development and promotion of the rule of law, based on the realization that justice is an essential condition for achieving the ideal of universal fraterniW. In this context, it is helpful to recall that the limitation of power is an idea implicit in the concept of law itself'. To give to each his own, to cite the classic definition of justice, means that no human individual or group can consider itself absolute, permitted to bypass the dignity and the rights of other individuals or their social groupings. The effective distribution of power (political, economic, defense-related, technological, etc.) among a plurality of subjects, and the creation of a juridical system for regulating claims and interests, are one concrete way of limiting power. Yet today's world presents us with many false rights and - at the same time - broad sectors which are wflnerable, victims of power badly exercised: for example, the natural environment and the vast ranks of the excluded. These sectors are closely interconnected and made increasingly fragile by dominant political and economic relationships. That is why their rights must be forcefully affirmed, by working to protect the environment and by putting an end to exclusion.
First, it must be stated that a true "right of the environment" does exist, for two reasons. First, because we human beings are part of the environment. We live in communion with it, since the environment itself entails ethical limits which human activity must acknowledge and respect. Man, for all his remarkable gifts, which "are signs of a uniqueness which transcends the spheres of physics and biology" (Laudato Si', 81), is at the same time a part of these spheres. He possesses a body shaped by physical, chemical and biological elements, and can only survive and develop if the ecological environment is favourable. Any harm done to the environment, therefore, is harm done to humanity. Second, because every creature, particularly a living creature, has an intrinsic value, in its existence, its life, its beauty and its interdependence with other creatures. We Christians, together with the other monotheistic religions, believe that the universe is the fruit of a loving decision by the Creator, who permits man respectfully to use creation for the good of his fellow men and for the glory of tlne Creator; he is not authorized to abuse it, much less to destroy it. In all religions, the environment is a fundamental good (cf. ibid.).
The misuse and destruction of the environment are also accompanied by a relentless process of exclusion. In effect, a selfish and boundless thirst for power and material prosperity leads both to tlne misuse of available natural resources and to the exclusion of the weal< and disadvantaged, either because they are differently abled (handicapped), or because they lack adequate information and technical expel-rise, or are incapable of decisive political action. Economic and social exclusion is a complete denial of human fraternity and a grave offense against human rights and the environment. The poorest are those who suffer most from such offenses, for three serious reasons: they are cast off by society, forced to live offwhat is discarded and suffer unjustly from the abuse of the environment. They are part of today's widespread and quietly growing %ulture of waste".
The dramatic reality this whole situation of exclusion and inequality, with its evident effects, has led me, in union with the entire Christian people and many others, to take stock of my grave responsibility in this regard and to speak out, together with all those who are seeking urgently-needed and effective solutions. The adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at the World Summit, which opens today, is an important sign of hope. I am similarly confident that the Paris Conference on Climatic Change will secure fundamental and effective agreements.
The work of the United Nations, according to the principles set forth in the Preamble-and the first Articles of its founding Charter, can be seen as the development and promotion of the rule of law, based on the realization that justice is an essential condition for achieving the ideal of universal fraterniW. In this context, it is helpful to recall that the limitation of power is an idea implicit in the concept of law itself'. To give to each his own, to cite the classic definition of justice, means that no human individual or group can consider itself absolute, permitted to bypass the dignity and the rights of other individuals or their social groupings. The effective distribution of power (political, economic, defense-related, technological, etc.) among a plurality of subjects, and the creation of a juridical system for regulating claims and interests, are one concrete way of limiting power. Yet today's world presents us with many false rights and - at the same time - broad sectors which are wflnerable, victims of power badly exercised: for example, the natural environment and the vast ranks of the excluded. These sectors are closely interconnected and made increasingly fragile by dominant political and economic relationships. That is why their rights must be forcefully affirmed, by working to protect the environment and by putting an end to exclusion.
First, it must be stated that a true "right of the environment" does exist, for two reasons. First, because we human beings are part of the environment. We live in communion with it, since the environment itself entails ethical limits which human activity must acknowledge and respect. Man, for all his remarkable gifts, which "are signs of a uniqueness which transcends the spheres of physics and biology" (Laudato Si', 81), is at the same time a part of these spheres. He possesses a body shaped by physical, chemical and biological elements, and can only survive and develop if the ecological environment is favourable. Any harm done to the environment, therefore, is harm done to humanity. Second, because every creature, particularly a living creature, has an intrinsic value, in its existence, its life, its beauty and its interdependence with other creatures. We Christians, together with the other monotheistic religions, believe that the universe is the fruit of a loving decision by the Creator, who permits man respectfully to use creation for the good of his fellow men and for the glory of tlne Creator; he is not authorized to abuse it, much less to destroy it. In all religions, the environment is a fundamental good (cf. ibid.).
The misuse and destruction of the environment are also accompanied by a relentless process of exclusion. In effect, a selfish and boundless thirst for power and material prosperity leads both to tlne misuse of available natural resources and to the exclusion of the weal< and disadvantaged, either because they are differently abled (handicapped), or because they lack adequate information and technical expel-rise, or are incapable of decisive political action. Economic and social exclusion is a complete denial of human fraternity and a grave offense against human rights and the environment. The poorest are those who suffer most from such offenses, for three serious reasons: they are cast off by society, forced to live offwhat is discarded and suffer unjustly from the abuse of the environment. They are part of today's widespread and quietly growing %ulture of waste".
The dramatic reality this whole situation of exclusion and inequality, with its evident effects, has led me, in union with the entire Christian people and many others, to take stock of my grave responsibility in this regard and to speak out, together with all those who are seeking urgently-needed and effective solutions. The adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at the World Summit, which opens today, is an important sign of hope. I am similarly confident that the Paris Conference on Climatic Change will secure fundamental and effective agreements.
Solemn commitments, however, are not enougbÿ even though they are a necessary step toward
solutions. The classic definition of justice which I mentioned earlier contains as one of" its essential
elements a constant and perpetual will: Imlstitia eat coÿstoJvs et perpelzta vo/mmtag iz,zs' smHv2 cuiqtÿe
tribaÿetvdi. Our world demands of all government leaders a will which is effective, practical and constant,
concrete steps and immediate measures for preserving and improving the natural environment and thus
putting an end as quickly as possible to the phenomenon of social and economic exclusion, with its
baneful consequences: human trafficlscourges.
The number and complexity of the problems require that we possess technical instruments of verification. But this involves two risks. We can rest content with the bureaucratic exercise of drawing up long lists of good proposals- goals, objectives and statistical indicators- or we can think that a single theoretical and aprioristic solution will provide an answer to all the challenges. It must never be forgotten that political and econornic activity is only effective when it is understood as a prudential activity, guided by a perennial concept of justice and constantly conscious of the fact that, above and beyond our plans and programmes, we are dealing with real men and women who live, struggle and suffer, and are often forced to live in great poverty, deprived of all rights.
To enable these real men and women to escape fi-om extreme poverty, we must allow them to be dignified agents of their own destiny. Integral human development and the full exercise of human dignity cannot be imposed. They must be built up and allowed to unfold for each individual, for every family, in communion with others, and in a right relationship with all those areas in which human social life develops - friends, communities, towns and cities, schools, businesses and unions, provinces, nations, etc. This presupposes and requires the right to education - also for girls (excluded in certain places) - which is ensured first and foremost by respecting and reinforcing tlne primary right of the family to educate its children, as well as the right of churches and social groups to support and assist families in the education of their children. Education conceived in this way is the basis for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and for reclaiming tlne environment.
At the same time, government leaders must do everything possible to ensure that all can have the minimum spiritual and material means needed to live in dignity and to create and support a family, which is the primary cell of any social development. In practical terms, this absolute minimum has three names: lodging, labour, and land; and one spiritual name: spiritual #eedom, which includes religious freedom, the right to education and other civil rights.
For all this, the simplest and best measure and indicator of the implementation of the new dgevda for development will be effective, practical and immediate access, on the part of all, to essential material and spiritual goods: housing, dignified and properly remunerated employment, adequate food and drinking water; religious freedom and, more generally, spMtual freedom and education. These pillars of integral hunnan development have a common foundation, which is the right to life and, more generally, what we could call the right to existence of human nature itself.
The ecological crisis, and the large-scale destruction of biodiversity, can threaten the very existence of the human species. The baneful consequences of an irresponsible mismanagement of the global economy, guided only by ambition for wealth and power, must serve as a summons to a forthright reflection on man: "man is not only a freedom which he creates for himself. Man does not create himself. He is spirit and will, but also nature" (BENEDICT XVI, Address to the Bundestag, 22 September 2011, cited in Laudato Si ', 6). Creation is compromised "where we ourselves have the final word... The misuse of creation begins when we no longer recognize any instance above ourselves, when we see nothing else but ourselves" (ID. Addÿ'ess to the Clergy of the Diocese of Bolzano-Bressanone, 6 August 2008, cited ibid.). Consequently, the defence of the environment and the fight against exclusion demand that we .recognize a moral law written into human nature itself, one which includes the natural difference between man and woman (cf. Laÿldato Si', 155), and absolute respect for life in all its stages and dimensions (of. ibid., 123,136).
The number and complexity of the problems require that we possess technical instruments of verification. But this involves two risks. We can rest content with the bureaucratic exercise of drawing up long lists of good proposals- goals, objectives and statistical indicators- or we can think that a single theoretical and aprioristic solution will provide an answer to all the challenges. It must never be forgotten that political and econornic activity is only effective when it is understood as a prudential activity, guided by a perennial concept of justice and constantly conscious of the fact that, above and beyond our plans and programmes, we are dealing with real men and women who live, struggle and suffer, and are often forced to live in great poverty, deprived of all rights.
To enable these real men and women to escape fi-om extreme poverty, we must allow them to be dignified agents of their own destiny. Integral human development and the full exercise of human dignity cannot be imposed. They must be built up and allowed to unfold for each individual, for every family, in communion with others, and in a right relationship with all those areas in which human social life develops - friends, communities, towns and cities, schools, businesses and unions, provinces, nations, etc. This presupposes and requires the right to education - also for girls (excluded in certain places) - which is ensured first and foremost by respecting and reinforcing tlne primary right of the family to educate its children, as well as the right of churches and social groups to support and assist families in the education of their children. Education conceived in this way is the basis for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and for reclaiming tlne environment.
At the same time, government leaders must do everything possible to ensure that all can have the minimum spiritual and material means needed to live in dignity and to create and support a family, which is the primary cell of any social development. In practical terms, this absolute minimum has three names: lodging, labour, and land; and one spiritual name: spiritual #eedom, which includes religious freedom, the right to education and other civil rights.
For all this, the simplest and best measure and indicator of the implementation of the new dgevda for development will be effective, practical and immediate access, on the part of all, to essential material and spiritual goods: housing, dignified and properly remunerated employment, adequate food and drinking water; religious freedom and, more generally, spMtual freedom and education. These pillars of integral hunnan development have a common foundation, which is the right to life and, more generally, what we could call the right to existence of human nature itself.
The ecological crisis, and the large-scale destruction of biodiversity, can threaten the very existence of the human species. The baneful consequences of an irresponsible mismanagement of the global economy, guided only by ambition for wealth and power, must serve as a summons to a forthright reflection on man: "man is not only a freedom which he creates for himself. Man does not create himself. He is spirit and will, but also nature" (BENEDICT XVI, Address to the Bundestag, 22 September 2011, cited in Laudato Si ', 6). Creation is compromised "where we ourselves have the final word... The misuse of creation begins when we no longer recognize any instance above ourselves, when we see nothing else but ourselves" (ID. Addÿ'ess to the Clergy of the Diocese of Bolzano-Bressanone, 6 August 2008, cited ibid.). Consequently, the defence of the environment and the fight against exclusion demand that we .recognize a moral law written into human nature itself, one which includes the natural difference between man and woman (cf. Laÿldato Si', 155), and absolute respect for life in all its stages and dimensions (of. ibid., 123,136).
HOLY SEE PRESS OFFICE 14b/4
Without tlne recognition of certain incontestable natural etlnical limits and witlnout the immediate
implenqelntation of" those pillars of integral human development, the ideal of %aving succeeding
generations ÿ'rom tlne scourge of war" (C/Tarter oft/re United.Ncltions, Preamble), and "promoting social
progress and better standards of life in larger freedom" (ibid.), risks becoming an unattainable illusion, or,
even worse, idle chatter whicln serves as a cover for al! kinds of abuse and corruption, or for carrying out
an ideological colonization by the imposition of anomalous models and lifestyles which are alien to
people's identity and, in the end, irresponsible.
War is tlne negation of all rights and a dramatic assault on the environment. If we want true integral human development for all, we must work tirelessly to avoid war between nations and between peoples.
To this end, there is a need to ensure the uncontested rule of law and tireless recourse to negotiation, mediation and arbitration, as proposed by the Charter of the United Nations, which constitutes truly a fundamental juridical norm. The experience of these seventy years since tlne founding of tlne United Nations in general, and in particular the experience of these first fifteen years of tlne third millennium, reveal both the effectiveness of the full application of international norms and the ineffectiveness of their lack of enforcement. When the Ckarter of the United Nations is respected and applied witln transparency and sincerity, and without ulterior motives, as an obligatory reference point of
justice and not as a means of masking spurious intentions, peaceAH results will be obtained. When, on the other hand, the norm is considered simply as an instrument to be used whenever it proves favourable, and to be avoided when it is not, a true Pandora's box is opened, releasing uncontrollable forces which gravely harm defenseless populations, the cultural milieu and even the biological environment.
The Preamble and the first Article of the Ckarter of the United Nations set forth the foundations of the international juridical framework: peace, the pacific solution of disputes and the development of friendly relations between tlne nations. Strongly opposed to such staternents, and in practice denying them, is the constant tendency to the proliferation of arms, especially weapons of mass distraction, such as nuclear weapons. An ethics and a law based on the threat of mutual destruction - and possibly the destruction of all mankind - are self-contradictory and an affront to the entire framework of the United Nations, which would end up as "nations united by fear and distrust". There is urgent need to work for a world free of nuclear weapons, in full application of the non-proliferation Treaty, in letter and spirit, with the goal of a complete prohibition of these weapons.
The recent agreernent reached on the nuclear question in a sensitive region of Asia and the Middle East is proof of the potential of political good will and of law, exercised with sincerity, patience and constancy, I express my hope that this agreement will be lasting and efficacious, and bring forth the desired fruits with the cooperation of all the parties involved.
In this sense, hard evidence is not lacking of the negative effects of military and political interventions which are not coordinated between members of the international community. For this reason, while regretting to have to do so, I must renew rny repeated appeals regarding to the painful situation of the entire Middle East, North Africa and other African countries, where Christians, together with other cultural or ethnic groups, and even melnbers of the majority religion who have no desire to be caught up in hatred and folly, have been forced to witness the destruction of their places of worship, their cultural and religious heritage, their houses and property, and have faced the alternative either of fleeing or of paying for their adhesion to good and to peace by their own lives, or by enslavement.
These realities should serve as a grave summons to an examination of conscience on the part of those charged with tlne conduct of international affairs. Not only in cases of religious or cultural" persecution, but in every situation of conflict, as in Ukraine, Syria, Iraq, Libya, South Sudan and the Great Lakes region, real human beings take precedence over partisan interests, however legitimate the latter may be. In wars and conflicts there are individual persons, our brothers and sisters, men and women, young and old, boys and girls who weep, suffer and die. Human beings who are easily discarded when our only response is to draw up lists of problems, strategies and disagreements.
As I wrote in my letter to the Secretary-General of the United Nations on 9 August 2014, "the most basic understanding of human dignity compels the international community, particularly through the norms and mechanisms of international law, to do all that it can to stop and to prevent further systematic violence against ethnic and religious minorities" and to protect innocent peoples.
War is tlne negation of all rights and a dramatic assault on the environment. If we want true integral human development for all, we must work tirelessly to avoid war between nations and between peoples.
To this end, there is a need to ensure the uncontested rule of law and tireless recourse to negotiation, mediation and arbitration, as proposed by the Charter of the United Nations, which constitutes truly a fundamental juridical norm. The experience of these seventy years since tlne founding of tlne United Nations in general, and in particular the experience of these first fifteen years of tlne third millennium, reveal both the effectiveness of the full application of international norms and the ineffectiveness of their lack of enforcement. When the Ckarter of the United Nations is respected and applied witln transparency and sincerity, and without ulterior motives, as an obligatory reference point of
justice and not as a means of masking spurious intentions, peaceAH results will be obtained. When, on the other hand, the norm is considered simply as an instrument to be used whenever it proves favourable, and to be avoided when it is not, a true Pandora's box is opened, releasing uncontrollable forces which gravely harm defenseless populations, the cultural milieu and even the biological environment.
The Preamble and the first Article of the Ckarter of the United Nations set forth the foundations of the international juridical framework: peace, the pacific solution of disputes and the development of friendly relations between tlne nations. Strongly opposed to such staternents, and in practice denying them, is the constant tendency to the proliferation of arms, especially weapons of mass distraction, such as nuclear weapons. An ethics and a law based on the threat of mutual destruction - and possibly the destruction of all mankind - are self-contradictory and an affront to the entire framework of the United Nations, which would end up as "nations united by fear and distrust". There is urgent need to work for a world free of nuclear weapons, in full application of the non-proliferation Treaty, in letter and spirit, with the goal of a complete prohibition of these weapons.
The recent agreernent reached on the nuclear question in a sensitive region of Asia and the Middle East is proof of the potential of political good will and of law, exercised with sincerity, patience and constancy, I express my hope that this agreement will be lasting and efficacious, and bring forth the desired fruits with the cooperation of all the parties involved.
In this sense, hard evidence is not lacking of the negative effects of military and political interventions which are not coordinated between members of the international community. For this reason, while regretting to have to do so, I must renew rny repeated appeals regarding to the painful situation of the entire Middle East, North Africa and other African countries, where Christians, together with other cultural or ethnic groups, and even melnbers of the majority religion who have no desire to be caught up in hatred and folly, have been forced to witness the destruction of their places of worship, their cultural and religious heritage, their houses and property, and have faced the alternative either of fleeing or of paying for their adhesion to good and to peace by their own lives, or by enslavement.
These realities should serve as a grave summons to an examination of conscience on the part of those charged with tlne conduct of international affairs. Not only in cases of religious or cultural" persecution, but in every situation of conflict, as in Ukraine, Syria, Iraq, Libya, South Sudan and the Great Lakes region, real human beings take precedence over partisan interests, however legitimate the latter may be. In wars and conflicts there are individual persons, our brothers and sisters, men and women, young and old, boys and girls who weep, suffer and die. Human beings who are easily discarded when our only response is to draw up lists of problems, strategies and disagreements.
As I wrote in my letter to the Secretary-General of the United Nations on 9 August 2014, "the most basic understanding of human dignity compels the international community, particularly through the norms and mechanisms of international law, to do all that it can to stop and to prevent further systematic violence against ethnic and religious minorities" and to protect innocent peoples.
HOLY SEE PRESS OFFICE 14b/5
Along the same lines i would mention anotlner l
l began this speech recalling the visits of my predecessors, i would hope that my words wil! be taken above all as a continuation of the final words of the address of Pope Paul VI; although spoken almost exactly Fifty years ago, they remain ever timely. ÿThe hour has come when a pause, a moment of recollection, reflection, even of prayer, is absolutely needed so tlnat we may think back over our common origin, our history, our cornmon destiny. The appeal to the moral conscience of man lnas never been as necessary as'it is today... For the danger comes neither from progress nor from science; if these are used wel!, they can help to solve a great number of the serious problems besetting mankind (Address to the UJÿited Nations Organizafion, 4 October 1965). Among other things, human genius, well applied, will surely help to meet tlne grave challenges of ecological deterioration and of exclusion. As Paul VI said: ¢ÿThe real danger comes from man, wlno has at his disposal ever more powerful instruments that are as well fitted to bring about ruin as they are to achieve lofty conquests" (ibid.).
The common home of all men and women must continue to rise on tlne foundations of a riglnt understanding of universal fraternity and respect for tlne sacredness of evelT human life, of every man and every woman, fine poor, the elderly, children, the infirm, the unborn, the unemployed, the abandoned, those considered disposable because they are only considered as part of a statistic. This common home of all men and women must also be built on the understanding of a certain sacredness of created nature.
Such understanding and respect call for a higher degree of wisdom, one wlnich accepts transcendence, rejects the creation of an all-powerful 41ite, and recognizes that the full meaning of individual and collective life is found ill selfless service to others and in the sage and respectful use of creation for the common good. To repeat the words of Paul VI, ÿthe edifice of modern civilization has to be built on spiritual principles, for they are the only ones capable not only of supporting it, but of shedding Iiglnt on it" (ibid.).
El Gaÿcho ÿ/faJ'tin Fierl'o, a classic of literature in my native land, says: ÿBrothers should stand by each other, because this is tlne first law; keep a true bond between you always, at every time - because if you fight among yourselves, you'll be devoured by those outside".
The contemporary world, so apparently connected, is experiencing a growing and steady social fragmentation, which places at risk "the foundations of social life" and consequently leads to ÿbattles over conflicting interests" (]iaudato Si ', 229).
The present time invites us to give priority to actions which generate new processes in society, so as to bear fruit in significant and positive historical events (cf. Evarlgelii Gaÿtdium, 223). We cannot permit ourselves to postpone "certain agendas" for the future. The future demands of us criti.cal and global decisions in the face of world-wide conflicts which increase the number of the excluded and those in need.
The praiseworthy international juridical framework of the United Nations Organization and of all its activities, like any other human endeavour, can be improved, yet it remains necessary; at the same time it can be the pledge of a secure and happy future for future generations. And so it will, if the representatives of the States can set aside partisan and ideological interests, and sincerely strive to serve tlne common good. I pray to Ahnighty God that this will be the case, and I assure you of my support and my prayers, and the support and prayers of all the faithful of the Catholic Church, that this Institution, all its member States, and each of its officials, will always render an effective service to mankind, a service respectful of diversity and capable of bringing out, for sake of the common good, the best in each people and in every individual.
Upon all of you, and the peoples you represent, I invoke the blessing of the Most High, and all peace and prosperity. Thank you.
l began this speech recalling the visits of my predecessors, i would hope that my words wil! be taken above all as a continuation of the final words of the address of Pope Paul VI; although spoken almost exactly Fifty years ago, they remain ever timely. ÿThe hour has come when a pause, a moment of recollection, reflection, even of prayer, is absolutely needed so tlnat we may think back over our common origin, our history, our cornmon destiny. The appeal to the moral conscience of man lnas never been as necessary as'it is today... For the danger comes neither from progress nor from science; if these are used wel!, they can help to solve a great number of the serious problems besetting mankind (Address to the UJÿited Nations Organizafion, 4 October 1965). Among other things, human genius, well applied, will surely help to meet tlne grave challenges of ecological deterioration and of exclusion. As Paul VI said: ¢ÿThe real danger comes from man, wlno has at his disposal ever more powerful instruments that are as well fitted to bring about ruin as they are to achieve lofty conquests" (ibid.).
The common home of all men and women must continue to rise on tlne foundations of a riglnt understanding of universal fraternity and respect for tlne sacredness of evelT human life, of every man and every woman, fine poor, the elderly, children, the infirm, the unborn, the unemployed, the abandoned, those considered disposable because they are only considered as part of a statistic. This common home of all men and women must also be built on the understanding of a certain sacredness of created nature.
Such understanding and respect call for a higher degree of wisdom, one wlnich accepts transcendence, rejects the creation of an all-powerful 41ite, and recognizes that the full meaning of individual and collective life is found ill selfless service to others and in the sage and respectful use of creation for the common good. To repeat the words of Paul VI, ÿthe edifice of modern civilization has to be built on spiritual principles, for they are the only ones capable not only of supporting it, but of shedding Iiglnt on it" (ibid.).
El Gaÿcho ÿ/faJ'tin Fierl'o, a classic of literature in my native land, says: ÿBrothers should stand by each other, because this is tlne first law; keep a true bond between you always, at every time - because if you fight among yourselves, you'll be devoured by those outside".
The contemporary world, so apparently connected, is experiencing a growing and steady social fragmentation, which places at risk "the foundations of social life" and consequently leads to ÿbattles over conflicting interests" (]iaudato Si ', 229).
The present time invites us to give priority to actions which generate new processes in society, so as to bear fruit in significant and positive historical events (cf. Evarlgelii Gaÿtdium, 223). We cannot permit ourselves to postpone "certain agendas" for the future. The future demands of us criti.cal and global decisions in the face of world-wide conflicts which increase the number of the excluded and those in need.
The praiseworthy international juridical framework of the United Nations Organization and of all its activities, like any other human endeavour, can be improved, yet it remains necessary; at the same time it can be the pledge of a secure and happy future for future generations. And so it will, if the representatives of the States can set aside partisan and ideological interests, and sincerely strive to serve tlne common good. I pray to Ahnighty God that this will be the case, and I assure you of my support and my prayers, and the support and prayers of all the faithful of the Catholic Church, that this Institution, all its member States, and each of its officials, will always render an effective service to mankind, a service respectful of diversity and capable of bringing out, for sake of the common good, the best in each people and in every individual.
Upon all of you, and the peoples you represent, I invoke the blessing of the Most High, and all peace and prosperity. Thank you.
No comments:
Post a Comment