28 September 2015
Pope Francis Addresses UNGA, Urging Action on Environment, Poverty
Photo by IISD/ENB | Angeles Estrada
story highlights

“Any harm done to the environment…is harm done to humanity,” declared Pope Francis in an address to the UN General Assembly (UNGA), ahead of the UN Sustainable Development Summit.

He urged global action to protect the environment and end the suffering of the excluded, calling the expected adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development “an important sign of hope.”

pope_posr2015summit25 September 2015: “Any harm done to the environment…is harm done to humanity,” declared Pope Francis in an address to the UN General Assembly (UNGA), ahead of the UN Sustainable Development Summit. He urged global action to protect the environment and end the suffering of the excluded, calling the expected adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development “an important sign of hope.”

To end extreme poverty, Pope Francis said individuals must be allowed to “be dignified agents of their own destiny.” He also highlighted the importance of the right to education, including by the family, churches and social groups, as the basis for implementing the 2030 Agenda and reclaiming the environment. On climate change, Pope Francis expressed confidence that the Paris Climate Change Conference “will secure fundamental and effective agreements.”

“The simplest and best measure and indicator of the implementation of the new agenda for development will be effective, practical and immediate access, on the part of all, to essential material and spiritual goods,” Pope Francis said. He highlighted housing, dignified and properly remunerated employment, adequate food and drinking water, religious freedom and education.

“The history of this organized community of States is one of important common achievements over a period of unusually fast-paced changes,” observed the Pope. He reflected on the UN’s achievements on the occasion of its 70th anniversary, including its role in the establishment of international norms on human rights and the codification and development of international law. He also noted the need for adaptation and reform, such as the need for greater equity in financial agencies, which he said should care for countries’ sustainable development, and ensure that they do not promote lending systems that generate greater poverty, exclusion and dependence.

Introducing Pope Francis, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said “His Holiness is a resounding voice of conscience” across the global agenda. He observed that the recent Papal Encyclical defines climate change as a principle challenge facing humanity, as well as a moral issue. He highlighted Pope Francis’ recognition of an “integral ecology” that encompasses environment, economic growth, human well-being and social justice.

President of the 70th UNGA Mogens Lykketoft observed that the message of Pope Francis’ address is “at the heart of the new and very ambitious 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development.”

Pope Francis delivered his address to the UNGA in advance of the UN Sustainable Development Summit, on 25 September 2015, during his visit to the US. He is the fifth Pope to address the UNGA and the first to address the opening of the UNGA. He also addressed UN staff. [UN Press Release] [Permanent Mission of the Holy See to the UN] [Pope Francis Address to UNGA] [UN Secretary-General Statement] [IISD RS Coverage of UN Sustainable Development Summit] [IISD RS Story on the Papal Encyclical] [Holy See Press Office]


related events


related posts