Statement of the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See at the 2026 High-Level Segment of the Economic and Social Council Under the Theme “Delivering Better: Accelerating Urgent and Transformative Action to Achieve the SDGs by 2030.”

By Msgr. Marco FormicaChargé d'Affaires, a.i. of the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations

New York, 13 July 2026

Mr. President,

The advancement of human development depends on the political will of States to advance it. Indeed as Pope Leo XIV recently affirmed, history can be changed for the better “when individuals truly take the dignity of everyone seriously.” [1]

Development first of all is the comprehensive rescue of peoples from hunger, disease, illiteracy, and deprivation. Economically, it means equal participation in global processes; socially, the building of educated, solidarity-based societies; and politically, the strengthening of democratic institutions guaranteeing freedom and peace. [2]

However, while economic growth has been real and has lifted billions out of extreme poverty, enabling many countries to become significant global players, it is marred by serious dysfunctions such as increasing inequalities (both between and within countries) and new forms of poverty. [3]

For the international community to deliver on the sustainable development, it must combat these disfunctions. In this regard, my Delegation wishes to reiterate that “every truly just society is built upon the recognition of the inviolable dignity of the human person.

Such dignity precedes any concession by the State and cannot be subordinated to shifting social consensus.”[4] This conviction must underpin every urgent and transformative action.

Mr. President,

The international community is at point where discussions about transformation are becoming more and more intertwined with those concerning artificial intelligence. AI has the potential to accelerate progress on the SDGs, including those under review this year.

At the same time, any transformation that undermines the God-given dignity of the human person, however efficient, profitable, or innovative it may appear, cannot be described as “delivering better.” Instead, it would undermine the very vision of sustainable development set out in the 2030 Agenda, which places the human person at the heart of all development efforts.

Indeed, the true measure of improvement will not lie in the sophistication of emerging technologies, but in whether or not they are put at the service of the human person and the common good.

Mr. President,

Allow me to conclude with words of Pope Leo XIV: “Lasting peace and integral, sustainable human development are possible only through the participation of all, fostered by genuine international dialogue and cooperation oriented toward the common good.” [5]

Thank you.

_________________

[1] Pope Leo XIV, Magnificat Humanitas, 124.
[2] Cf. Pope Benedict XVI, Caritas in Veritate, 21.
[3] Cf. Ibid.
[4] Pope Leo XIV, Meeting with Members of the Spanish Parliament, 8 June 2026.
[5] Pope Leo XIV, Address to the Executive Board of the United Nations World Food Programme, 22 June 2026