Holy See at UN: Promoting a culture of peace in digital era

By Francesca Merlo

Addressing the UN High-Level Forum on the Culture of Peace on 31 August 2023, Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, the Holy See's Permanent Observer to the UN, took the stage to address the delegates and attendees. His remarks revolved around the central theme of the event, "Promoting a Culture of Peace in the Digital Era."

Archbishop Caccia began by acknowledging the significance of convening this forum, stating, "My Delegation welcomes the convening of this year’s High-Level Forum on the theme 'Promoting a Culture of Peace in the Digital Era.'" This opened a discourse that went on to address the complexities and opportunities presented by the digital age in the context of peace-building.

The Archbishop's address touched upon two crucial aspects, offering his insights with clarity and wisdom.

Impact of digital technologies on education

Firstly, Archbishop Caccia emphasized the pivotal role of digital technologies in education. He noted first that "digital technologies have an enormous impact on education."

While recognizing their potential to foster peace-oriented values, he warned against an excessive reliance on technology, which might reduce education to a mere tool for transmitting technical knowledge.

Quoting from the Declaration on a Culture of Peace, he highlighted the shared responsibility of various stakeholders, including parents, teachers, politicians, journalists, religious bodies, and other groups in shaping a culture of peace.

Digital technologies and responsible expression

The second key focus of Archbishop Caccia's address was the role of digital technologies in promoting dialogue and responsible expression. He stressed, "Second, digital technologies play a crucial role in spreading 'a culture of encounter, a culture of dialogue, a culture of listening to the other and his or her reasons.'"

Acknowledging the power of these innovations to facilitate freedom of expression, he underscored the need for responsible use. The Archbishop also cited Pope Francis's recent words urging society to prioritize the "principle of reality" and prevent the digital age from becoming an era of disinformation.

Bringing his address to a close, Archbishop Caccia said, "The promotion of a culture of peace and a better world is possible thanks to technological progress if this is accompanied by an ethic inspired by a vision of the common good, an ethic of freedom, responsibility, and fraternity." His words resonated as a call to action, reminding us all that technology can be a force for good when guided by a moral compass."