Davos: The Church as 'global actor of solidarity'

By Mario Galgano - Vatican City

The participation of religious communities at the World Economic Forum in Davos was a first.

As part of the so-called "Sisters Project", in which religious women participated, religious sisters spent several days in discussions with economists and politicians.

Marta Guglielmetti, executive director of the 'Global Solidarity Fund' solidarity alliance, was among those promoting the participation of religious women in the World Economic Forum.

Business representatives expressed much appreciation for the Catholic Church's commitment as a "global actor of solidarity."

The CEO of the multinational company Unilever, Alan Jope, stressed this during the "Goal 17" Forum, promising greater commitment to global solidarity.

Mr. Jope underscored the importance of multinationals and large corporations taking their share of responsibility and committing themselves to a better world. 

Religious sisters and clergy committed to the weakest worldwide

In collaboration with the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, a panel discussion on how "courageous" leaders should help the marginalized was held on Tuesday at the conclusion of the Goal 17 Forum. 

Guglielmetti pointed out that there are about one million nuns, religious, and priests who are committed to the weakest around the world, especially migrants, refugees, and internally displaced persons.

Assisting them, Guglielmetti said, means "embodying courageous leadership, which we need for the global recovery after the pandemic.".

In the meantime, the nuns of the Sisters Project have left Davos, while the Forum will continue until Thursday.