Holy See Calls for People-Centred Development at UNCTAD Conference

Vatican City, October 23, 2025 — The Holy See has urged the global community to place human dignity at the heart of development, warning that neglecting the human person in favour of economic or technological priorities risks deepening global crises.

Speaking at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in Geneva, the Permanent Observer of the Holy See, Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, emphasised that “development without people becomes a crisis of humanity.” Representing the Vatican, he underscored that the current global challenges — including climate change, rising debt, and economic inequality — are all interlinked and must be addressed through an integral approach that prioritises both people and the planet.

Archbishop Caccia noted that unsustainable debt levels, particularly in developing nations, continue to hinder progress and stability. He reiterated the Holy See’s long-standing call for debt relief and reform of international financial systems to ensure a fairer global economy. He further highlighted the moral responsibility of wealthy nations to act with solidarity towards the poor, ensuring that no one is excluded from the benefits of growth.

On the issue of ecology, the Archbishop drew attention to Pope Leo’s message on integral ecology, affirming that true development cannot come at the cost of the environment. “When development loses sight of the human person, it ceases to be progress,” he said, stressing the need for an economy that respects both creation and human dignity.

The Holy See’s address at UNCTAD reflected the Church’s continuing commitment to global dialogue on peace, justice, and sustainable development — calling all nations to build a future where progress serves people, not the other way around.

Holy See Calls for People-Centred Development at UNCTAD Conference

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