Archbishop Gallagher issued Statement at the High-Level Meeting on the “World Programme of Action for Youth at 30: Accelerating Global Progress Through Intergenerational Collaboration”

By H.E. Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher,Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations of the Holy See

New York, 25 September 2025

Mr. President,

The thirtieth anniversary of the adoption of the World Programme of Action for Youth (WPAY) provides an opportunity to reaffirm the commitment to supporting young people in becoming architects of peace, good stewards of creation and contributors to a more just society.

Young people are the vital protagonists through whom “the future enters into the world.”[1] They are called upon to champion the common good and to strive to build societies characterized by justice and fraternity. However, today’s youth face significant challenges that hinder their development and diminish their awareness of their inherent God-given dignity. These challenges include war, social injustice, inequality, hunger and the exploitation of human beings and the environment.

Of particular concern is the ongoing exclusion of a large numbers of young people, especially women, from educational and employment opportunities. Globally, more than twenty percent of young people are not engaged in education, employment, or training.[2] This exclusion increases the risk of mental health issues and isolation.

Addressing these challenges necessitates a sustained collective commitment from the international community. Central to this effort is the promotion of integral human development through accessible quality education that takes into account the cultural, economic, political, social, and spiritual perspectives. This means also that young people must be enabled to enjoy fully their fundamental human rights, in particular their right to freedom of religion and belief.

Additionally, the Holy See wishes to emphasize the irreplaceable role of the family in the formation of young generations. Parents have the fundamental right and duty to educate their children and guide them towards responsible adulthood. It is within the family that young men and women experience intergenerational dialogue, the fruits of which are evident at every stage of their life.

Mr. President,

Allow me to conclude with the appeal of Pope Leo XIV to young people: “The world looks to you […] we need you, we want you to come together to share with us in this common mission […] of announcing a message of true hope and promoting peace, promoting harmony, among all peoples.”[3]

Thank you.

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[1] Pope Francis, Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Christus vivit, 174.

[2] Cf. ILO, Global Employment Trends for Youth 2024, Executive Summary, p. 2.

[3] Pope Leo XIV, Video Message to the young people of Chicago and the entire world, 14 June 2025.