New York, 4th February 2026
 

Madam Chair,

My Delegation welcomes the theme of “Advancing social development and social justice through coordinated, equitable and inclusive policies”. This is particularly relevant given the Second World Summit for Social Development, which took place in Doha last November and offered an opportunity to renew and recommit to social justice and the social development agenda.

In order to achieve social justice and social development, it is vital to place the good of the human person and respect for his or her dignity at the center of efforts. Human flourishing requires meeting basic needs such as food, water, shelter, together with quality healthcare and education, and also freedom. This calls for effective coordination within and between governments, as well as with stakeholders, including faith-based organizations. Such coordination must respect the principle of subsidiarity, promoting collaboration with affected communities to ensure that policies reflect the needs and priorities of those they aim to serve.

As the “natural and fundamental group unit of society,”[1] the family is primarily responsible for the well-being of its members, particularly children. It also fosters values that encourage inclusion, solidarity and social integration. Governments should respect and support the family, and provide appropriate assistance when necessary.   
 
Social development, together with social justice, must aim towards achieving the common good. The responsibility for achieving the common good belongs to both individuals and the state. The state must guarantee the cohesion, unity and organization of society to enable the common good to be achieved with the contribution of every citizen. Individuals, the family and intermediate groups cannot achieve their full development alone. Political institutions exist to provide people with the material resources and freedoms required to achieve cultural, moral and spiritual goals.
 
Madam Chair,

Pope Leo XIV insists that it is imperative to commit to “resolving the structural causes of poverty. This is a pressing need that cannot be delayed, not only for the pragmatic reason of its urgency for the good order of society, but because society needs to be cured of a sickness which is weakening and frustrating it, and which can only lead to new crises.” [2] The deprivations of poverty, unemployment and social exclusion are not only material, but also spiritual and moral in nature, leading to discouragement, despair and loneliness. This spiritual dimension was recognized in Copenhagen and reaffirmed in Doha, and it must be taken into consideration if coordinated, inclusive, and equitable social development policies are to be effective. In this regard, my Delegation commends to all States the work of faith-based organizations, which, animated by their values, offer reassurance, hope, and support to those most in need.

The Holy See remains firmly committed to social justice and social development and will continue to support all efforts which promote the common good and the integral development of each person.

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[1] Universal Declaration of Human Rights, art. 16.3; International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, art. 10.1.

[2] Pope Leo XIV, Dilexi te, 94.