Vatican’s Permanent Observer to UN urges renewed commitment to global crises

(Oct.07,2009): The economic crises that has hit the world, leading to unprecedented numbers of people losing their jobs, security and the ability to provide even the basic necessities for their families, has raised a number of questions, as to what the future will hold, Archbishop Celestino Migliore - Holy See’s Permanent Observer to the United Nations said in New York on Tuesday. “As we begin this 64^th session of the UN General Assembly, one year after the deepening of the financial crises, we do so with a new sense of purpose to learn from the mistakes and renew our commitment to the need for cooperation,” he said. Archbishop Migliore welcomed the UN Secretary General’s recognition of the moral grounds, which underlie the need to give priority to the most poor. He also welcomed the UN Secretary General’s efforts, to call for an increased commitment to peace building and peacekeeping, saying these are the vital cornerstones upon which the UN was created. Referring to the upcoming Copenhagen Conference on Climate Change, the prelate said
“ At the heart of the climate change debate is the moral and ethical need for individuals, companies and States to recognize their responsibility, to use the world’s resources in a sustainable manner. Noting the recent consensus by major nuclear powers to reduce nuclear stockpiles, Archbishop Migliore said the desire of some States to continue to spend disproportionate amounts of money on weapons, suggest that further efforts are needed,
if we are to make serious progress in controlling these weapons of destruction. In conclusion, Archbishop Migliore said it is imperative that the UN and other international organisations make the necessary reforms to urgently respond to the challenges of this interconnected world.