13 October 2025
Mr. Chair,
The Holy See is a staunch promoter of integral human development, with a vision, that encompasses the full development of every person. At this critical juncture, marked by overlapping crises of poverty, climate change and conflict, a commitment to integral human development is more vital than ever.
This year marks the tenth anniversary of Pope Francis's encyclical Laudato Si’. The text remains prophetic in its highlighting of the interconnectedness of people and the planet.
Pope Leo XIV observes that “we seem incapable of recognizing that the destruction of nature does not affect everyone in the same way.”[1] It is evident that those who have contributed least to climate change and environmental degradation, including the poor and indigenous communities, are often those who suffer its most severe and devasting consequences.
At the same time, “nature itself is reduced at times to a bargaining chip, a commodity to be bartered for economic or political gain.”[2] This approach distorts the true meaning of sustainable development by subordinating human dignity and the integrity of creation to short-term interests and gains.
Therefore, a renewed and courageous call to action is required. In this regard, my Delegation would like to propose three concrete approaches.
Firstly, the “ecological debt” owed to developing countries must be rectified. The Holy See has consistently emphasised the moral and ethical dimensions of this “ecological debt”, which is described as “commercial imbalances with effects on the environment, and the disproportionate use of natural resources by certain countries over long periods of time.”[3] The nations and sectors that have disproportionately contributed to environmental degradation and climate change bear the responsibility to support those most affected by its consequences.
Rectifying ecological debt begins with developed countries “significantly limiting their consumption of non-renewable energy and by assisting poorer countries to support policies and programmes of sustainable development”.[4] This support can take many forms, including adequate financing, debt relief in times of crisis, the sharing of appropriate technologies, and capacity building. Such measures would help to repay the ecological debt owed to developing countries whilst supporting them on their path to sustainable development.
Secondly, concerted action is required to protect biodiversity. While each community can take what it needs from the earth, it also “has the duty to protect the earth and to ensure its fruitfulness for coming generations.”[5] Ambitious action to preserve biodiversity is therefore not optional, but a moral duty of stewardship. Protecting our forests, oceans and ecosystems is essential, both as a sign of their intrinsic value and for the survival of the countless communities whose livelihoods depend on them. The rapid loss of species, the destruction of habitats and the pollution of air and water are not just ecological concerns; they affect people’s lives profoundly.
Thirdly, the promotion of education for integral ecology. Lasting change cannot be achieved through policies alone. It also requires a conversion of hearts and minds. The change of lifestyle should be fostered through education that informs choices, inspires solidarity and equips young people to build a culture of sustainability. Educational initiatives should not be limited to technical solutions; they must also include ethical formation to cultivate the collective responsibility for safeguarding creation. By promoting ecological education, we can nurture a new way of living, one that respects both the dignity of the human person and the integrity of creation.
Thank you.
_________________________________________
[1] Pope Leo XIV, Message for the 10th World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, 2025.
[2] Ibid.
[3] Pope Francis, Laudato Si’, 51.
[4] Ibid, 52.
[5] Ibid., 67.
