Statement by H.E. Archbishop Bernardito Auza
Apostolic Nuncio and Permanent Observer of the Holy See United Nations
Second Committee of the 70th Session of the General Assembly
Agenda Item 22: Globalization and Interdependence
New York, 15 October 2015
Mr. Chair,
My delegation welcomes the recent Report of the Secretary General on Globalization and Interdependence. The Report highlights both the lights and shadows of globalization on the world as a whole and on individual lives. While globalization has significantly contributed to lifting large numbers of people out of poverty, it has also provoked widening inequalities, both within and among countries. For this reason, the Holy See particularly welcomes the Report’s focus on specific policy and institutional steps needed to help ensure that the benefits of globalization are spread more evenly across all peoples and all nations.
As with many human endeavors, globalization can work for good or for ill, depending on the underlying ethic and policies driving the process. In his address to the General Assembly on September 25, Pope Francis described the moral dimensions of exclusion in stark terms: “Economic and social exclusion is a complete denial of human fraternity […] a selfish and boundless thirst for power and material prosperity […] leads to the exclusion of the weak and disadvantaged, either because they are incapable, lack adequate information and technical expertise, or are incapable of decisive political action. The poorest are those who suffer most.”
Pope Francis has warned forcefully and repeatedly against a globalization of indifference that could result when our interrelationships are not inspired by a globalization of solidarity. Economic and social exclusion results when globalization is detached from fair and inclusive national and international policies. We see persistent poverty and ever widening inequalities when globalization reinforces the disadvantages that prevent the poorest populations and countries from benefitting from the globalizing world economy. My delegation is convinced that a globalization of solidarity is not only an ethical imperative; it also makes economic and political sense.
For this reason, at the Third International Conference on Financing for Development in July in Addis Ababa, the Holy See drew attention to the fact that while more and more countries benefit from greater participation in the global economy, large portions of their populations continue to be excluded from the benefits of such progress. At the same time, many countries are still facing enormous challenges in order fully to participate in the global economy. Indeed, some have fallen further behind and may continue to do so unless the international community help them find solutions for what is constraining them.
In this regard, special attention must be given to the particular needs of the least developed countries (LDCs). More effective ways to support them must be found as we move forward with the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Addis Ababa Action Agenda.
Mr. Chair,
Allow me to highlight one particular economic and social challenge identified in the Secretary General’s Report, namely, the critical need to create employment, especially for the youth, and the associated phenomenon of labor migration. The search for work and better economic opportunities is one of the main drivers of increasing migration flows, as millions of people from poor countries migrate to the developed world. The pressure will only increase, as over the next 15 years the number of young people from the least developed countries seeking employment opportunities abroad will continue to grow, and as conflicts will continue to fuel mass movements.
We, therefore, must address this critical need for generating new employment opportunities.[1] This is something that governments cannot do alone. Economic policy instruments should encourage the private sector to invest in activities that generate employment.
The complex phenomenon of migration continues to expand and put strong pressures on borders and systems like rushing floods on dykes and dams, requiring a systematic and common response from States and international organizations. It has sadly provided cover for heinous crimes like the narcotics trade and trafficking in persons and modern forms of slavery, like sexual exploitation and the harvesting of organs.
My delegation is fully aware of the complexities of migration, in particular in its legal aspects, or in cases of massive forced migration or displacements due to conflicts or catastrophes. However, over and above all other considerations, it is necessary never to lose sight of the human face of migration, to regard the migrant as a fellow human being endowed with the same human dignity and rights as we are, and even as an economic resource instead of just one more hungry mouth to feed. It is only through keeping before us this human face that we can respond to the globalization of migration with a globalization of solidarity and cooperation.
Mr. Chair,
For the international community to deal effectively with the multifaceted and complex phenomenon of globalization and interdependence, we need to revitalize global partnerships for development and the maintenance of peace and security. In this context, the United Nations should strengthen its role as a global forum where the voices of even the poorest countries and peoples can be heard on all matters affecting their wellbeing.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
[1] The ILO has estimated a need to create 600 million new jobs by 2030.