Holy See at UN on 30th Anniversary of Conference on Population and Development

On 29 April 2024, the following statement of Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, was uploaded to the UN website on the Commemoration of the thirtieth anniversary of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD). Due to a shortage of time, a number of delegations were unable to deliver their statements in the General Assembly Hall.

In the statement, Archbishop Caccia emphasized that people are "at the centre of concerns for sustainable development" and should not be considered as an obstacle to development. He promoted integral human development and the role of the family in pursuing the common good.

However, he noted with regret that the dialogue surrounding the ICPD Programme of Action has taken an increasingly narrow focus, viewing the population as a problem to be solved, most notably through the promotion of abortion. He rejected the use of population control as a means to achieve sustainable development and advocated for opportunities that allow all men, women and children "to actualize their full potential."

The text of the statement follows.

Statement by Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, Permanent Observer of the Holy See, on the 30th Anniversary of the International Conference on Population and Development
New York, 29 April 2024

Mr President,

On the thirtieth anniversary of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), the Holy See welcomes the opportunity to reflect on the implementation of the Programme of Action (PoA) and its relevance in today's world.

Thirty years ago, the Cairo Conference sought to address pressing population and development issues, recognising the critical importance of ensuring the well-being of individuals and families. It was an important milestone in understanding the relationship between population and development. My Delegation recalls that it presented people, not as a hindrance to development, but rather "at the centre of concerns for sustainable development."[1] The Holy See continues to align with this principle of ICPD as it promotes integral human development, which "can only flourish when all members of the human family are included in, and contribute to, pursuing the common good."[2]

Since the ICPD, there have been significant advancements in development. Most notably, the International Community adopted a shared vision in the 2030 Agenda. However, it is evident that numerous challenges persist, especially in the pursuit of the eradication of poverty.

It is regrettable, therefore, that over the past three decades, the implementation of the ICPD PoA has become increasingly narrow in focus, with a consequent shift away from addressing development issues.

The discussions have regressed with many attempting to frame population as an issue to be "solved". This is clear in the push for abortion under the guise of politically correct language, making it the focus of ICPD and the implementation of its PoA. This is not just a harmful misunderstanding of the PoA, but of development in a wider sense. It also leads to the erosion of respect for the sanctity of human life and the inalienable dignity of the human person.

Mr. President,

The ICPD PoA affirms that people are "the most important and valuable resource of any nation."[3] On this thirtieth anniversary, it is pivotal to reject the notion that population control is the key to sustainable development. Instead, it is essential to guarantee that all men, women and children are afforded the opportunity to actualize their full potential.

Thank you.

[1] Programme of Action adopted at the International Conference on Population and Development, Cairo, 5-13 September 1994. Principle 2.
[2] Pope Francis, Message to Professor Klaus Schwab, Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum, 15 January 2020.
[3] Programme of Action adopted at the International Conference on Population and Development, Cairo, 5-13 September 1994. Principle 2.