Holy See: Supporting developing countries is a 'moral imperative'

By Lisa Zengarini

The Holy See has again called on affluent nations for a renewed effort to assist countries in special situations in achieving sustainable development amid multifaceted crises. Ensuring that their specific development needs and priorities are properly addressed “is not a choice, but a moral imperative,” said Archbishop Gabriele Caccia.

The Vatican's Permanent Observer to the United Nations was speaking at the 2024 High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) taking place from 8-17 July in New York to reassess the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda which has the eradication of poverty and hunger as it key goals (SDG).

Climate change, Covid 29 and new conflicts further hinder development

Addressing the topic of building resilience and capacity of African nations, Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) in times of crises and transition, Archbishop Caccia recalled that these countries are confronted with several persistent challenges, which continue to hinder the achievement of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

These include substantial debt burdens, limited economic growth, persistent food insecurity and malnutrition.

The Vatican Observer highlighted that in recent years, the detrimental effects of climate change, such as prolonged droughts and extreme flooding, the economic and social upheaval caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the emergence of new conflicts have further compounded this situation.

Supporting resilience to new crises

He remarked that in order for countries in special situations to achieve resilience in the face of these vulnerabilities, it is necessary to implement measures to strengthen healthcare systems, improve and expand access to education, foster economic diversification, and ensure sustainable agricultural practices.

Also important is capacity building, which involves primarily developing their education and vocational training systems.

“By investing in human capital, we not only empower individuals, but also enable these nations to contribute meaningfully to global development,” he said.

Need for solidarity

However, LDCs, and LLDC, cannot act alone to do this. This is why, Archbishop Caccia insisted that it is  “incumbent upon the wealthiest nations to provide the necessary resources, knowledge, and technologies in a tangible demonstration of global solidarity.”

Concluding, the Vatican diplomat reiterated the Holy See’s call for a renewed shared commitment to the sustainable development of countries in special situations “through tangible action and enhanced cooperation.”

Debt relief to eradicate poverty 

The theme of the 2024 High Level Political Forum is “Reinforcing the 2030 Agenda and eradicating poverty in times of multiple crisis: the effective delivery of sustainable, resilient and innovative solutions”.

Discussions are focused on reviewing SDG 1 on No Poverty, SDG 2 on Zero Hunger, SDG 13 on Climate Action, SDG 16 on Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, and SDG 17 on Partnerships for the Goals. The Forum is considering effective and inclusive recovery measures to address the impacts of COVID-19 and multiple recent crises across all Sustainable Development Goals and the integrated, indivisible, and interlinked nature of the Goals.

Speaking on 9 July on the topic of the No poverty SDG and its interlinkages with other SDGs, Archbishop Caccia once again reiterated Pope Francis’ repeated appeals on affluent nations to forgive the debts of countries who will never be able to repay them.

Recalling that many developing countries are forced to divert precious resources which could be used for essential services towards repayments on unsustainable debts, he urged the international community to take a “radical and transformative action on debt in order to achieve the goal of a world without poverty by 2030.”

Sustainable production and fair distribution of food to eradicate hunger

In a separate statement on the same day regarding the No Hunger Goal (SDG2), Archbishop Caccia  called for effective steps to ensure the sustainable production and fair distribution of food, remarking hunger and malnutrition perpetuate even greater levels of poverty.