New York, 12 February 2025

Theme: Strengthening solidarity, social inclusion and social cohesion to accelerate the delivery of the commitments of the Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development and Programme of Action of the World Summit for Social Development as well as the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

Mr. Chair,

My Delegation welcomes the opportunity to reflect on the importance of solidarity, social inclusion, and social cohesion in achieving social development and, indeed, sustainable development.

Solidarity

Solidarity is pivotal to the pursuit of social development and, indeed, sustainable development. Solidary is much more than a feeling or expression of sympathy for others. It is an active commitment to the common good, based on the intrinsic social nature of the human person and the equal God given dignity of all. The truth is that we are all interconnected and each of us owes a debt to the society of which we are a part. Strengthening solidarity thus requires a renewed commitment to the common good at both individual and societal levels. This includes examining and, where necessary, changing structures and institutions to ensure that they serve the good of all and of each individual.

Social inclusion

Solidarity is only realized to the extent that it encompasses all members of the human family. Those living in poverty struggle to meet their basic needs, which in turn hinders their integral human development. Those unable to find decent work may feel alienated, whether from the crushing burden of endless toil or from the discouragement and loss of purpose that results from a lack of opportunity to contribute to and participate in the building of society. Moreover, those who are in vulnerable situations, such as the elderly, the unborn and persons with disabilities, are sometimes deliberately excluded in a “throwaway culture” that sees some people as disposable.[1]

Often expressed as the commitment to leave no one behind, social inclusion requires investment in the integral development of all human beings so that everyone can flourish. Effective policies to eradicate poverty are key, as are ensuring quality education for all and promoting a sense of shared responsibility for each other and for the community. All efforts throughout must have a special concern for the poor and vulnerable, in line with the commitment to “endeavor to reach the furthest behind first.”[2]

Social cohesion

While we are more interconnected than ever, our world is increasingly fragmented, due to polarization and loss of trust in both institutions and fellow citizens. Responding to these challenges requires a renewed commitment to work together for the common good.

In this context, broad participation is essential to strengthen social cohesion. People must be able to participate in all spheres of society, as holders of both rights and duties. Leaders and policymakers at all levels should actively involve civil society, academia, the private sector, and faith-based organizations in identifying and responding to problems, taking due account of historical and cultural contexts.

This is best achieved by adhering to the principle of subsidiarity, which recognizes and values the role of each level of society. Subsidiarity “protects people from abuses by higher-level social authority and calls on these same authorities to help individuals and intermediate groups to fulfil their duties. This principle is imperative because every person, family and intermediate group has something original to offer to the community. Experience shows that the denial of subsidiarity, or its limitation in the name of an alleged democratization or equality of all members of society, limits and sometimes even destroys the spirit of freedom and initiative.”[3]

The family

Mr. Chair,

At the heart of each of these themes is the family. The family is a “school of deeper humanity”[4] and, as Pope Francis underscores, “the first place where the values of love and fraternity, togetherness and sharing, concern and care for others are lived out and handed on.”[5] Families are often the strongest advocates for their members who might otherwise be ignored or considered as a burden by society, a living expression of solidarity and inclusion. As the fundamental group unit of society, the family is entitled to appropriate respect in its role from the community and the State. The Holy See urges States to promote and respect family life and to foster better conditions for family formation.  

The Holy See remains firmly committed to strengthening solidarity, social inclusion and social cohesion in the service of the common good and the integral human development of every human person.

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

[1] Cf. Pope Francis, Fratelli Tutti, No. 18.

[2] A/Res/70/1 Annex: The World We Want, No. 4.

[3] Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, No. 187.

[4] Second Vatican Council, Gaudium et Spes, No. 52.

[5] Pope Francis, Fratelli Tutti, No. 114.