New York, 2 August 2024

Mr. President,

My Delegation welcomes the convening of this High-Level Forum on the Culture of Peace, twenty-five years after the adoption of the Declaration and Programme of Action.

This is an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to cultivate and nurture a culture of peace, building on the action areas outlined in the Declaration as a robust foundation for fostering a culture of peace at all levels of society.

Mr. President,

Over 60 years ago, Pope John XXIII devoted an Encyclical Letter to advancing the cause of peace: Pacem in Terris. It was, and remains to this day, a compelling plea to establish peace. This concept of a peace succinctly captures in four words: truth, justice, charity and liberty.

Peace in truth. In the pursuit of the culture of peace, it is imperative to acknowledge the inherent dignity of each individual. The Holy See reiterates that it is within the family, particularly in the process of education, that children gain an understanding of the common inherent God given human dignity, cultivate their capabilities, and prepare to navigate their distinct and individual vocation.[1]

Peace in justice. The pursuit of peace is contingent upon the establishment of justice.[2] It is therefore imperative to promote social and economic justice by addressing the issues of poverty, hunger, and inequality.

Peace in charity. Globalization has brought about a number of positive developments. However, it is evident that these gains have not been evenly distributed both within and among countries. In the era of globalization, some have become ‘citizens of the world’, while many others have become ‘citizens of nowhere’, as evidenced by the phenomenon of migration. In order to achieve a peaceful globalized world, it is necessary to foster globalized solidarity.

Peace in liberty. Freedom is a fundamental prerequisite for the development of the human person. It is imperative that individuals are able to express their religion or beliefs freely, pursue their aspirations, and participate in society in order to establish a culture of peace. Nevertheless, this freedom must not be construed as an individualistic pursuit of self-referential interests. Rather, it is the freedom to love and to give oneself to others in the service of the common good.[3]

As Pope Francis observed, “peace is the fruit of relationships that recognize and welcome others in their inalienable dignity, and of cooperation and commitment in seeking the integral development of all individuals and peoples.” [4]

Thank you.

[1] Cfr. Pope John Paul II, Encyclical Letter Centesimus Annus, 39.

[2] Cfr. Pope Paul VI, Message for the celebration of the Day of Peace, 1 January 1972.

[3] Cfr. Pope John Paul II, Encyclical Letter Veritatis Splendor, 87.

[4] Pope Francis, Message for the 57th World Day of Peace, 1 January 2024.