Avoid controversial issues in drafting development goals, Holy See tells UN
July 30, 2015
As representatives of different governments negotiate the final draft of the United Nations' post-2015 development agenda, the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See issued a statement expressing support for the sustainable development goals (SDGs) and cautioning against the insertion of controversial language.
"It is my delegation’s strong conviction that we have a unique opportunity to adopt an unprecedented agenda that may not only eradicate extreme poverty and achieve sustainable development but that will do so without leaving anyone behind," the Holy See Mission, led by Archbishop Bernardito Auza, said in its statement.
"For this reason, we must avoid controversial language that does not enjoy international consensus and that directly contradicts the national legislation, policies, priorities, and the cultural and religious values of member states," the statement continued. "While this agenda is meant to be universal, some of the recent suggestions, particularly during the discussion of the declaration, would unfortunately make it divisive, in the process discouraging or keeping away many stakeholders from active participation towards the achievement of the SDGs."
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