Holy See: Dialogue necessary to help environment
(Vatican Radio) The Holy See’s Permanent Observer of the
Holy See to the United Nations, Archbishop Bernardito Auza, spoke on Wednesday
to the Preparatory meeting for the United Nations Conference to Support the
Implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use
the oceans, seas and marine resources.
“Pope Francis urged dialogue at all levels and among the
various fields of expertise to deal effectively with the challenges facing our
environment,” – Archbishop Auza said – “In particular, His Holiness suggests
dialogue about a common approach and common action in the international
community, in national and local policies, in decision-making, in politics and
the economy, as well as a dialogue between religions and the sciences.”
The full text of the Archbishop’s speech is below
Intervention of H.E. Archbishop Bernardito Auza
Apostolic Nuncio and Permanent Observer of the Holy See
to the United Nations
Preparatory meeting for the United Nations Conference to
Support the Implementation
of Sustainable Development Goal 14: Conserve and
sustainably use the oceans, seas and
marine resources. Discussion on “Themes for Partnership
Dialogues”
New York, February 15-16, 2017
Distinguished Co-facilitators,
My delegation wishes to congratulate you on your appointment
as co-facilitators of this preparatory process leading to the High-level
Conference to support the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14. My
delegation welcomes the opportunity to share its view on the proposed “themes
for partnership dialogues.”
In 2015, Pope Francis issued an Encyclical Letter entitled
“Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home,” regarding the urgent need to
protect our planet and to develop a more integral ecology. He considered
various aspects of the present ecological crisis, including marine pollution,
ocean acidification, declining fish stocks, biodiversity loss, and degradation
of marine and coastal ecosystems.
These same environmental challenges and calls to action form
part of the proposed seven “themes for partnership dialogues.” At the core of
these themes are the principles of respect for creation, the common good, the
dignity of every human being and the justice due to all.
Pope Francis urged dialogue at all levels and among the
various fields of expertise to deal effectively with the challenges facing our
environment. In particular, His Holiness suggests dialogue about a common
approach and common action in the international community, in national and
local policies, in decision-making, in politics and the economy, as well as a
dialogue between religions and the sciences. It is for this reason that he
addresses the Encyclical to “all people” and not only to Catholics. This
dialogue should engender a transformative action that goes beyond business as
usual, bringing together science and religion, technology and philosophy,
culture, economics and politics, individuals and groups.
My delegation therefore would urge the preparatory committee
not only to consider partnerships involving science, law or business – which
are all very necessary – but also to consider those with institutions of an
ethical and religious character, because the fight against ecological problems
has moral and spiritual dimensions. As Pope Francis affirms, environmental
degradation and human and ethical degradation go hand in hand. It is impossible
to address adequately the negative impact of human behavior
on the environment without considering the causes and effects of this behavior.
In this respect, my delegation would urge the
preparatory committee to consider partnerships with faith-based communities and
other civic organizations, because on the ground and in international advocacy
they reliably foster better care of and greater respect for our oceans, seas
and marine resources.
My delegation supports the active consideration of
partnerships at all levels. This will necessarily involve all sectors that seek
the reduction of pollution and ocean acidity, sustainable fisheries, the
promotion of the livelihood of small-scale fishermen, the recognition of
the special circumstances of the poor — especially those living in the least
developed countries and small island developing States — and the implementation
of international, regional and local laws and policies in furtherance of these
goals. No valid partner should be excluded from such dialogue.
Thank you, Co-facilitators.
Không có nhận xét nào:
Đăng nhận xét