Visualizzazione post con etichetta solidarity. Mostra tutti i post
Visualizzazione post con etichetta solidarity. Mostra tutti i post
mercoledì 11 marzo 2026
giovedì 1 giugno 2023
MEETING WITH CARDINAL TAGLE
MEETING WITH
CARDINAL TAGLE
Today, 1 June, His Most Reverend Eminence
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelisation,
received the Secretary General of the UMEC-WUCT, Giuseppe Desideri, and
Giovanni Perrone s.a., to discuss issues related to the support of educational
projects presented by realities with special economic needs. His Eminence was
shown the aims of the Union and given documentation on the activities
implemented thanks to the contribution of the Papal Foundation and institutions
that are part of the Union.
Desideri and Perrone had previously met with
Monsignor Roberto Campisi, Councillor of the Secretariat of State, for the same
reasons. With the new provisions of the Papal Foundation, requests for new
contributions will have to be sent by the Apostolic Nuncios of the various
nations.
His Eminence expressed appreciation for the
activities carried out by the Union and assured that he would do his utmost to
make the valuable solidarity work carried out by the Union over the past decade
possible. Unfortunately, in recent years the Dicastery and the Pontifical
Mission Societies have received fewer and fewer resources: on the one hand,
world poverty has increased and on the other, people's generosity has
decreased, also because of the pandemic and wars. A lot of money is spent on
making weapons and less and less money on helping the needy, His Eminence said,
with deep regret.
The serious precariousness in which many
peoples live was discussed, due to educational poverty, food shortages and
serious health situations that mainly affect children.
The Cardinal hoped that in schools in affluent
countries, but also in church communities, education for solidarity and peace
and constant attention - not only in words - for those who suffer would be
renewed and strengthened.
The UMEC-WUCT representatives assured that
they would urge the members of the Union to do more and better.
His Eminence warmly welcomed the invitation to
address the next Council of the Union.
For this year, requests for support and
related projects can be sent to the Union Secretariat for submission to the
Dicastery. For this purpose, the Secretary General will send a letter
specifying the modalities of the planning and submission. Given the economic
difficulties of the Dicastery, the projects will have to be submitted
concerning real needs and not very expensive.
A summary of the projects submitted will be
circulated so that associations, schools and private individuals can also
generously contribute to their implementation.
RENCONTRE AVEC LE CARDINAL TAGLE
Desideri et Perrone avaient déjà rencontré Monseigneur Roberto Campisi, Conseiller de la Secrétairerie d'Etat, pour les mêmes raisons. Avec les nouvelles dispositions de la Fondation pontificale, les demandes de nouvelles contributions devront être envoyées par les nonces apostoliques des différentes nations. Son Éminence a exprimé son appréciation pour les activités menées par l'Union et a assuré qu'il ferait tout son possible pour rendre possible le précieux travail de solidarité mené par l'Union au cours de la dernière décennie. Malheureusement, ces dernières années, le Dicastère et les Œuvres Pontificales Missionnaires ont reçu de moins en moins de ressources : d'une part, la pauvreté mondiale a augmenté et, d'autre part, la générosité des gens a diminué, notamment à cause des pandémies et des guerres. Beaucoup d'argent est dépensé pour fabriquer des armes et de moins en moins pour aider les nécessiteux, a déclaré Son Éminence, avec un profond regret.
La grande précarité dans laquelle vivent de nombreuses
personnes a été évoquée, notamment en raison de la pauvreté éducative, des
pénuries alimentaires et des graves problèmes de santé qui touchent principalement
les enfants.
Le Cardinal a souhaité que dans les écoles des pays
riches, mais aussi dans les communautés ecclésiales, l'éducation à la
solidarité et à la paix et l'attention constante - pas seulement en paroles - à
ceux qui souffrent soient renouvelées et renforcées.
Les représentants de l'UMEC-WUCT ont assuré qu'ils
encourageraient les membres de l'Union à faire plus et mieux.
Son Éminence a accueilli chaleureusement l'invitation à
s'adresser au prochain Conseil de l'Union.
Pour cette année, les demandes de soutien et les projets
y afférents peuvent être envoyés au Secrétariat de l'Union pour être soumis au
Dicastère. A cet effet, le Secrétaire général enverra une lettre précisant les
modalités de planification et de soumission. Compte tenu des difficultés
économiques du Dicastère, il est évident que les projets présentés devront
correspondre à des besoins réels et ne pas être très onéreux.
Un résumé des projets soumis sera diffusé afin que les
associations, les écoles et les particuliers puissent également contribuer
généreusement à leur réalisation.
Precedentemente Desideri e Perrone avevano incontrato, per gli stessi motivi, Monsignor Roberto Campisi, Assessore della Segreteria di Stato. Con le nuove disposizioni della Papal Foundation le richieste di nuovi contributi dovranno essere inviate dai Nunzi Apostolici delle varie nazioni. Sua Eminenza ha espresso apprezzamento per le attività svolte dall'Unione e ha assicurato che farà il possibile per rendere possibile la pregevole attività di solidarietà svolta dall'Unione in quest'ultimo decennio. Purtoppo, negli ultimi anni il Dicastero e le Pontificie Opere Missionarie hanno ricevuto sempre minori risorse: da un lato è aumentata la povertà nel mondo e dall'altro è diminuita la generosità delle persone, anche a causa della Pandemia e delle guerre. Si spendono molti soldi per fabbricare armi e sempre meno soldi per aiutare i bisognosi, ha detto, con vivo rammarico, Sua Eminenza.
Si è
discusso sulla grave precarietà in cui vivono molti popoli, a causa in particolare della povertà
educativa, della carenza alimentare, dei conflitti e delle gravi situazioni sanitarie che
colpiscono principalmente i bambini.
Il
Cardinale auspica che nelle scuole dei Paesi benestanti, ma anche nelle
comunità ecclesiali, si rinnovi e si rinforzi l'educazione alla solidarietà e
alla pace e la costante attenzione - non solo a parole - per coloro che soffrono.
I
rappresentati dell'UMEC-WUCT hanno assicurato che solleciteranno i membri
dell'Unione a fare di più e meglio.
Sua
Eminenza ha accolto con vivo piacere l'invito ad intervenire al prossimo
Consiglio dell'Unione.
Per
quest'anno la richiesta di sostegno e i relativi progetti potranno pervenire
alla Segreteria dell'Unione per essere presentati al Dicastero. A tal fine il
Segretario Generale invierà una lettera per specificare le modalità della
progettazione e dell'invio. Date le difficoltà economiche del Dicastero, è
chiaro che bisognerà presentare progetti riguardanti effettive necessità e non
molto costosi.
Una sintesi
dei progetti presentati sarà diffusa affinché anche associazioni, scuole e
privati possano generosamente contribuire alla loro realizzazione.
domenica 5 dicembre 2021
INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEER DAY 2021
We aim to inspire people, whether they are decision makers or citizens of this world, to take action NOW for people and the planet.
The United Nations Volunteers Programme (UNV) coordinates International Volunteer Day on 5 December every year to recognize and promote the tireless work, not just of UN Volunteers, but of volunteers across the globe. Every day, volunteers dedicate time and effort to ensure the inclusion of those often left behind, drive climate action and advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
When people are encouraged to get involved in solving problems, the solutions are more likely to be feasible and lasting. Volunteers engage communities and build a people-centric movement to help build a better and safer future for us all.
For the generations of TOMORROW, we must take responsibility for the changes needed to build a better future NOW. Encouraging, recognizing and promoting volunteerism is an important part of creating a more equal and inclusive future for communities and worldwide.
In the lead-up to #IVD2021, let us celebrate the contributions of the millions who #volunteernow.
UN Volunteers, making a difference to the lives of many
giovedì 19 novembre 2020
EU - BISHOPS CALL FOR SOLIDARITY AND HOPE ON PATH TOWARDS BETTER FUTURE
In a message released on Wednesday under their umbrella body, COMECE, they
reiterated their commitment to the construction of Europe and to its founding
values of “solidarity, freedom, inviolability of the human dignity, democracy,
rule of law, equality and defence and promotion of human rights.”
Inspired by Christian faith, which “is the ultimate foundation of our hope
and universal brotherhood,” the Bishops also reaffirm their will to strive,
together with other sister Churches and ecclesial communities, to “build a
universal fraternity that leaves no one out.”
The Covid-19 pandemic
Highlighting some of the wide-ranging effects of the Covid-19 health
crisis, they noted that the pandemic has shaken many “previous securities and
has revealed our vulnerability and our interconnectedness.”
Many, the Bishops noted, were worried that the EU itself “as an economic,
political, social and cultural project, was at risk.”
However, propelled by the realization that everyone is in the same boat and
we can only save ourselves by staying together, the EU is demonstrating its
capacity to rediscover the spirit of the Founding Fathers and is beginning to
respond in a united manner. This spirit, the Bishops hope, will be reflected in
the Covid-19 recovery instrument and the reinforced EU budget for 2021 – 2027.
A new mindset
The future of the European Union does not depend only on economy and
finance, but also on a common spirit and a new mindset, the Bishops stressed.
In this regard, efforts should not be simply devoted to returning to the
“old normal.” Instead, the continent must take advantage of the crisis to bring
about a “radical change for the better” by rethinking the present models of
globalization, guaranteeing respect for the environment, openness to life,
social equality, protecting the dignity of workers and the rights of future
generations.
The Bishops also pointed out that Pope Francis’ Encyclicals Laudato
sí and Fratelli tutti can be a source of inspiration
for shaping a new civilization. In Fratelli tutti, the Bishops
note, Pope Francis “calls on the whole of humanity to universal brotherhood and
social friendship, not forgetting those on the margins, wounded and suffering”.
At the same time, the principles of Catholic Social Teaching, with their
emphasis on human dignity, solidarity, preferential option for the poor and
sustainability, can guide the path to building a different economic model in a
post-pandemic society.
Solidarity
COMECE stressed the importance of solidarity as a fundamental principle of
the Social Doctrine of the Church as well as being at the core of the European
Integration process.
Solidarity, the Bishops said, “is to be understood in terms of ‘doing
together’ and as ‘being open to integrate everyone’,” including those on the
margins.
In this light, the Bishops appealed for the Covid-19 vaccine, when it
becomes available, to be accessible to all, especially to the poor. They also
called for increased humanitarian aid and development cooperation, and for
military spending to the redirected towards health and social services.
Care for Migrants and refugees
The European Bishops noted that solidarity towards refugees should not only
involve funding but extended to include “opening up the borders of the European
Union proportionally by each Member State.”
They proposed that the Pact on Migration and Asylum presented by the EU can
be a step toward establishing a common and just policy on migration. However,
they said, it must also be carefully evaluated. Besides, certain principles and
international legal obligations have to be respected “regardless of the persons
involved.”
On this issue, the Bishops recommend collaboration with Church institutions
and private associations already working in this field.
They further stressed the respect for the freedom of religion of believers,
in particular, “the freedom to gather together to exercise their freedom of
worship, in full respect of sanitary requirements” during the pandemic.
Post-pandemic society
During these months of pandemic, the Bishops note that they have witnessed
“so many signs that open us up to hope,” from the work of health personnel, to
caregivers for the elderly and the gestures of ecclesial communities -
notwithstanding the difficult moments, including times of suffering, loneliness
and sometimes, death.
The Bishops recalled Pope Francis’ Urbi et Orbi message on
Easter Sunday when he noted that Europe was able to rise again and overcome the
rivalries of the past after the Second World War. For the Pope, they noted, it
is important that “these rivalries do not regain force, but that all recognize
themselves as part of a single family and support one another.”
Therefore, whether the world will be better or worse after the crisis, or
whether we will come out strengthened in solidarity or not, the depends on us,
the Bishops stressed.
Concluding, the European Bishops expressed their hope that Europe can come
out from this crisis “stronger, wiser, more united, exercising more solidarity,
caring more for our common home, being a continent that pushes the whole world
forward towards greater fraternity, justice, peace and equality.”
Download the statement in EN - FR - DE - IT - ES
martedì 27 ottobre 2020
EUROPE, FIND YOURSELF! - EUROPE, TROUVE-TOI ! - EUROPA, ¡ENCUÉNTRATE A TI MISMO! - EUROPA, FINDE DICH SELBST!
DE - EN - ES - FR - IT - PL - PT
In a letter to the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin,
Pope Francis retraces the history and values of the European continent and
expresses his desire for fraternity and solidarity among nations amid a period
marked by individualistic tendencies.
By Vatican News staff writer
Pope Francis, in a letter to Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, shares his visions of a Europe of the future, marked with solidarity, friendship and unity, and true to the spirit of the continent’s founding fathers. The Pope’s letter comes as the Holy See and the Church in Europe celebrate three anniversaries this year. First, the fiftieth anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the then-European Community and the Holy See, by its presence as an Observer at the Council of Europe. Second, the founding of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Communities (COMECE), forty years ago. Third, this year also marks the seventieth anniversary of the Schuman Declaration which inspired the continent’s gradual process of reintegration after the two world wars. In light of these notable occasions, Cardinal Parolin is to make significant visits to EU authorities, the Plenary Assembly of the COMECE and the authorities of the Council of Europe in the near future.
The European Project
In his letter released on Tuesday, Pope Francis highlighted that the European project, born of the realization that “unity is greater than conflict” and solidarity can be “a way of making history”, has began to “show signs of a certain regression” in our days. The Covid-19 pandemic, the Pope noted, “has emerged as a kind of watershed, forcing us to take a stand.” We can continue to go at it alone, “seeking unilateral solutions to a problem that transcends state borders” or rediscover the path of fraternity that inspired and guided the founders of modern Europe, beginning with Robert Schuman.
Europe, find yourself!
Pointing out that an age of rapid change can bring with it “a loss of identity, especially when there is a lack of shared values,” Pope Francis urged the continent, re-echoing the words of Pope Saint John Paul II in the Santiago de Compostela, saying: “find yourself, be yourself.” He called on the continent not to look back at its past “as an album of memories”, but rather to rediscover its “most deeply-rooted ideals.” “Be yourself! Do not be afraid of your millenary history, which is a window open to the future more than the past. Do not be afraid of that thirst of yours for truth, which, from the days of ancient Greece, has spread throughout the world and brought to light the deepest questions of every human being. Do not be afraid of the thirst for justice that developed from Roman law and in time became respect for all human beings and their rights. Do not be afraid of your thirst for eternity, enriched by the encounter with the Judeo-Christian tradition reflected in your patrimony of faith, art and culture,” the Pope said.
Europe of the future
Reflecting on the kind of Europe we envision for the future and its distinctive contribution to the world, Pope Francis laid out four images. First, a “Europe that is a friend to each and all.” Pope Francis said he envisions a land “respectful of everyone’s dignity, in which each person is appreciated for his or her intrinsic worth” – not from an economic standpoint or as a mere consumer. A continent that protects life at every stage, from conception until its natural end, as well as a land that promotes work as a means of personal growth and the creation of employment opportunities. Pope Francis’ second dream is of a “Europe that is a family and a community.” The Pope said he aspires for a land respectful of the “distinctiveness of each individual and every people”, which becomes a “genuine family of peoples, all different yet linked by a common history and destiny.” The Pope also dreams of an “inclusive and generous” Europe which is “welcoming and hospitable,” and where charity – the highest Christian virtue - overcomes every form of selfishness and indifference. Here, solidarity, which demands that we care for one another, will lead us towards “guiding those most vulnerable towards personal and social growth.”
As solidarity also involves “being a neighbor to others,” it will mean for Europe to be willing, “through international cooperation to offer generous assistance to other continents” including Africa where “there is a need to resolve conflicts and to pursue a sustainable human development.” The Pope also urged Europe to meet the present challenge of migrants, enabling them “to learn, respect and assimilate the culture and traditions of the nations that welcome them.” Pope Francis’ fourth dream is of a Europe marked by a healthy secularism “where God and Caesar remain distinct but not opposed.” The Holy Father said he thinks of a land where believers are free to profess their faith in public and to put forward their points of view in society.
Christians have a task
“Christians today have a great responsibility,” said Pope Francis. “They are called to serve as a leaven in reviving Europe’s conscience and help generate processes capable of awakening new energies in society.” The Holy Father, therefore, enjoined all believers to “contribute with commitment, courage and determination to every sector in which they live and work.” Concluding, Pope Francis entrusted Europe to the protection of her patrons: Saints Benedict, Cyril and Methodius, Bridget, Catherine, and Teresa Benedicta of the Cross.
mercoledì 12 agosto 2020
THE DIGNITY OF EVERY HUMAN - LA DIGNITE' DE L'HOMME - LA DIGNIDAD HUMANA
The pandemic has highlighted how vulnerable and interconnected everyone is. If we do not take care of one another, starting with the least, with those who are most impacted, including creation, we cannot heal the world.
Commendable is the effort of so many
people who have been offering evidence of human and Christian love for
neighbour, dedicating themselves to the sick even at the risk of their own
health. They are heroes! However, the coronavirus is not the only disease to be
fought, but rather, the pandemic has shed light on broader social ills. One of
these is a distorted view of the person, a perspective that ignores the dignity
and relational of the person. (la sua refers to person, not his or her) At
times we look at others as objects, to be used and discarded. In reality this
type of perspective blinds and fosters an individualistic and aggressive
throw-away culture, which transforms the human being into a consumer good (cf.
Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, 53; Encyclical Laudato Si’, [LS], 22).
In the light of faith we know, instead,
that God looks at a man and a woman in another manner. He created us not as
objects but as people loved and capable of loving; He has created us in His
image and likeness (see Gen 1:27). In this way He has given us
a unique dignity, calling us to live in communion with Him, in communion with
our sisters and our brothers, with respect for all creation. In communion, in harmony, we might say. Creation is the
harmony in which we are called to live. And in this communion, in this harmony
that is communion, God gives us the ability to procreate and safeguard life (see Gen 1:28-29),
to till and keep the land (see Gen 2:15; LS,
67). It is clear that one cannot procreate and safeguard life without harmony;
it will be destroyed.
We have an example of that
individualistic perspective, that which is not harmony, in the Gospels, in the
request made to Jesus by the mother of the disciples James and John (cf. Mt
20:20-38). She wanted her sons to sit at the right and the left of the new
king. But Jesus proposes another type of vision: that of service and of giving
one’s life for others, and He confirms it by immediately restoring sight to two
blind men and making them His disciples (see Mt 20:29-34). Seeking to climb in life, to be superior to others, destroys
harmony. It
is the logic of dominion, of dominating others. Harmony is something else: it
is service.
Therefore, let us ask the Lord to give
us eyes attentive to our brothers and sisters, especially those who are
suffering. As Jesus’s disciples we do not want to be indifferent or
individualistic. These are the two unpleasant attitudes that run counter to
harmony. Indifferent: I look the other way. Individualist: looking out only for
one’s own interest. The harmony created by God asks that we look at others, the
needs of others, the problems of others, in communion. We want to recognise the
human dignity in every person, whatever his or her race, language or condition
might be. Harmony leads you to recognise human dignity, that harmony created by
God, with humanity at the centre.
The Second Vatican Council emphasises
that this dignity is inalienable, because it “was created ‘to the image of
God’” (Pastoral Constitution Gaudium et Spes, 12). It lies at the foundation of all
social life and determines its operative principles. In modern culture, the
closest reference to the principle of the inalienable dignity of the person is
the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which Saint John Paul II defined as
a “milestone on the long and difficult path of the human race”, [1] and as “one of the highest expressions of the human
conscience”. [2] Rights are not only individual, but also social; they
are of peoples, nations. [3] The human being, indeed, in his or her personal
dignity, is a social being, created in the image of God, One and Triune. We are
social beings; we need to live in this social harmony, but when there is
selfishness, our outlook does not reach others, the community, but focuses on
ourselves, and this makes us ugly, nasty and selfish, destroying harmony.
This renewed awareness of the dignity of
every human being has serious social, economic and political implications.
Looking at our brother and sister and the whole of creation as a gift received
from the love of the Father inspires attentive behaviour, care and wonder. In
this way the believer, contemplating his or her neighbour as a brother or
sister, and not as a stranger, looks at him or her compassionately and
empathetically, not contemptuously or with hostility. Contemplating the world
in the light of faith, with the help of grace, we strive to develop our
creativity and enthusiasm in order to resolve the ordeals of the past. We
understand and develop our abilities as responsibilities that arise from this
faith,[4] as gifts from God to be placed at the service of
humanity and of creation.
While we all work for a cure for a virus
that strikes everyone without distinction, faith exhorts us to commit ourselves
seriously and actively to combat indifference in the face of violations of human
dignity. This culture of indifference that accompanies the throwaway culture:
things that do not affect me, do not interest me. Faith always requires that we
let ourselves be healed and converted from our individualism, whether personal
or collective; party individualism, for example.
May the Lord “restore our sight” so as
to rediscover what it means to be members of the human family. And may this
sight be translated into concrete actions of compassion and respect for every
person and of care and safeguarding of our common home.
[1] Address to the General Assembly of the United
Nations (2 October 1979).
[2] Address to the General Assembly of the
United Nations (5 October 1995).
[3] Cf. Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the
Church, 157.
GENERAL AUDIENCE AR - DE - EN - ES - FR - IT - PL - PT
martedì 26 maggio 2020
UN-ONU - NEW GLOBAL THREATS REQUIRE NEW FORMS OF UNITY AND SOLIDARITY
In
an interview with Vatican Media, António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United
Nations speaks among other things of his gratitude to Pope Francis for
supporting his appeal for a global cease fire.
By
Andrea Monda
"The
pandemic should be a wake-up call. Deadly global threats require a new unity
and solidarity," António Guterres, Secretary-General of the
United Nations emphasizes in an exclusive interview with Vatican Media.
Recently
you made an appeal for peace in the world, a world affected by the pandemic.
This initiative links up once again with those taken by Pope Francis – whom you
have met at the end of last year, when you delivered a video message together –
who keeps asking to cease all wars. You said: The fury of the virus illustrates
the folly of war.. Why, do you think, is it so difficult to get this message
through?
First,
I would like to renew my deep appreciation to Pope Francis for his support for
my global ceasefire appeal and the work of the United Nations. His global
engagement, compassion and calls for unity reaffirm the core values that guide
our work: to reduce human suffering and promote human dignity.
When
I launched the ceasefire appeal, my message to parties to conflict around the
world was simple: fighting needs to stop so that we can focus on our shared
enemy – COVID-19.
So
far, the call has been endorsed by 115 Governments, regional organizations,
more than 200 civil society groups as well as other religious leaders. Sixteen
armed groups have pledged to end violence. Millions of people have also signed
an on-line call for support.
But
mistrust remains high, and it is difficult to turn these commitments into
actions that make a difference in the lives of those impacted by conflict.
My
special representatives and envoys are working tirelessly around the world,
with my own direct involvement when necessary, to turn expressed intentions
into effective cease-fires.
I
continue to call on parties to conflict and on all those who can have influence
on them, to place the health and safety of people first.
I
would also like to mention another appeal I have made that I consider
essential: an appeal for peace in the home. Across the globe, as the pandemic
spreads, we are also witnessing an alarming increase in violence against women
and girls.
I
have asked Governments, civil society and all those who can help around the
world to mobilize to better protect women. I have also appealed to religious
leaders of every faith to unequivocally condemn all acts of violence against
women and girls and to uphold the bedrock principles of equality.
A few
months ago, before the pandemic broke out, you said that fear is the
best-selling brand. This is something which now, in these weeks, could be even
more amplified. How, do you think, is it possible to fight the feelings of fear
spreading among people, especially in these difficult times?
The
COVID-19 pandemic is not just a global health emergency.
In
recent weeks, there has been a surge of conspiracy theories and anti-foreigner
sentiment. In some cases, journalists, health professionals, or human rights
defenders have been targeted simply for doing their jobs.
From
the very beginning of this crisis, I have been advocating for solidarity within
societies and among countries. Our response must be based on human rights and
human dignity.
I
have also called on educational institutions to focus on digital literacy, and
I have urged media, especially social media companies, to do much more to flag
and remove racist, misogynist and other harmful content, in line with
international human rights law.
Religious
leaders have a crucial role to play to promote mutual respect in their
communities and beyond. They are well-positioned to challenge inaccurate and
harmful messages, and encourage all communities to promote non-violence and
reject xenophobia, racism and all forms of intolerance.
Fear is
certainly fostered by fake news, which, as you recently denounced, are
spreading more and more. How is it possible to fight misinformation without
risking to blot out fundamental freedoms and rights in the name of this battle
People
around the world want to know what to do and where to turn for advice. Instead,
they have to navigate an epidemic of misinformation that, at its worst, can put
lives at risk.
I
salute the journalists and others who are fact-checking the mountain of
misleading stories and social media posts.
In
support of these efforts, I have launched a UN Communications Response
initiative, under the name Verified, aimed at getting accurate, factual
information to people while encouraging solutions and solidarity as we move
from crisis to recovery.
Religious
leaders also have a role to play to leverage their networks and communication
capacities to support governments in promoting public health measures
recommended by the World Health Organization— from physical distancing to good
hygiene – and to dispel false information and rumors.
Among
the groundless news that daily assail public opinion, currently there is a lot
of criticism of UN agencies, as for example the World Health Organization
(WHO). What is your opinion with regard to this?
As we
mourn the lives lost to the virus, we despair that many more will follow,
particularly in places least able to cope with a pandemic.
Looking
back at how the pandemic unfolded, and at the international response, will be
crucial. But, right now, the World Health Organization and the entire UN system
are in a race against the clock to save lives.
I am
particularly worried about the lack of adequate solidarity with developing
countries -- both in equipping them to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and to
address the dramatic economic and social impacts on the world’s poorest.
The
World Health Organization, and the entire United Nations system have mobilized
fully to save lives, stave off famine, ease the pain and plan for recovery.
We
set out a U.S.$7.6 billion Global Humanitarian Response Plan for the most
vulnerable populations, including refugees and internally displaced persons.
Donors have generously pledged close to $1 billion so far and I continue my
advocacy to ensure that this plan is fully funded.
Our
country teams are working in coordination with Governments to mobilize funding,
to assist health ministries on preparedness, and to support economic and social
measures, from food security and home schooling to cash transfers and many
others.
Our
peace operations continue to carry out their important protection mandates, and
to support peace and political processes.
The
UN system network of supply chains has been placed at the disposal of
developing countries, with millions of test kits, respirators and surgical
masks having now reached more than 100 countries. We have set up solidarity
flights to bring more supplies and workers to dozens of countries in Africa,
Asia and Latin America.
And
since the beginning, I have mobilized the expertise within the entire UN family
to produce a series of reports and policy briefs to provide analysis and advice
for an effective, coordinated response by the international community.
(https://www.un.org/en/coronavirus/un-secretary-general)
We are
living in a time where attacks against multilateralism are multiplying. Do you
think there is a need to strengthen people’s trust in international
institutions? And how could this be done?
The
collaboration and contribution of all States - including the most powerful- is
essential to not only fight COVID‑19 but also to address the peace and security
challenges we are facing. It is also essential to help create conditions for an
effective recovery in the developed and developing world.
The
virus has demonstrated our global fragility. And this fragility is not limited
to our health systems. It affects all areas of our world and our institutions.
The
fragility of coordinated global efforts is highlighted by our failed response
to the climate crisis, by the ever-increasing risk of nuclear proliferation, by
our inability to come together to better regulate the web.
The
pandemic should be a wake-up call. Deadly global threats require a new unity
and solidarity.
You have openly commended the European initiative aimed at developing a vaccine for Covid-19. However, finding a vaccine might tempt someone to take up a dominant position within the international community. How can we avoid this risk? And even before finding a vaccine, what can be done in order to test the treatments that have proven to be of some efficacy?
In
an interconnected world, none of us is safe until all of us are safe.
This
was, in a few words, the essence of my message at the launch of “ACT
Accelerator” – the global collaboration to speed up the development, production
and equitable access to new COVID-19 diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines.
This
must be seen as a global public good. Not a vaccine or treatments for one
country or one region or one-half of the world — but a vaccine and treatment
that are affordable, safe, effective, easily-administered and universally
available — for everyone, everywhere. This vaccine needs to be the people’s
vaccine.
How can
we avoid having first rank and second rank countries in this fight against the
virus? At any rate, there is a danger that the pandemic will widen the gap
between rich and poor. How can we avoid this happening?
The
pandemic is exposing inequalities everywhere. Economic inequalities,
disparities in access to health services and so much more.
Poverty
could rise by 500 million people – the first increase in three decades.
We
cannot allow this to happen and this is why I continue to advocate for a global
relief package
amounting
to at least 10 per cent of the global economy.
The
most developed countries can do this with their own resources, and some have
already begun to put in place such measures. But developing countries need massive and urgent support.
The
International Monetary Fund has already approved emergency financing to a first
group of developing countries. The World Bank has indicated that with new and
existing resources, it can provide $160 billion of financing over the next 15
months. The G20 has endorsed the suspension of debt service payments for the
poorest countries.
I
fully appreciate these steps, which can protect people, jobs and development
gains. But even this will not be sufficient and it will be important to
consider additional measures, including debt relief, to avoid prolonged
financial and economic crises.
Some say
that after this pandemic the world will never be the same again. What could the
future of the United Nations be in tomorrow’s world?
The
pandemic recovery brings opportunities to steer the world onto a safer,
healthier, more sustainable and inclusive path.
The
inequalities and gaps in social protection that have been so painfully exposed
will need to be addressed. We will also have an opportunity to place women and
gender equality at the forefront to help build resilience to future shocks.
Recovery
also needs to go hand-in-hand with climate action.
I
have been calling on Governments to ensure that spending to revitalize
economies should be used to invest in the future, not the past.
Taxpayers’
money should be used to accelerate the decarbonization of all aspects of our
economy and privilege the creation of green jobs. Now is the time to put a
price on carbon and for polluters to pay for their pollution. Financial
institutions and investors must take climate risks fully into account.
Our
template remains the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement on
climate change.
Now
is the time to be determined. Determined to defeat COVID-19 and to emerge from
the crisis by building a better world for all.
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