REVELATION 10:5-6And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven, And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, THAT THERE SHOULD BE TIME NO LONGER:

Jeremiah 30:7 Alas! for THAT DAY IS GREAT, SO THAT NONE IS LIKE IT: IT IS EVEN THE TIME OF JACOB’S TROUBLE, but he [Israel’s Believing Remnant at the end of the seven year tribulation} shall be saved out of it.

Revelation 3:10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from THE HOUR OF TEMPTATION, WHICH SHALL COME UPON ALL THE WORLD, TO TRY THEM THAT DWELL UPON THE EARTH.

11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

12 Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! FOR THE DEVIL IS COME DOWN UNTO YOU, HAVING GREAT WRATH, BECAUSE HE KNOWETH THAT HE HATH BUT A SHORT TIME.

Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of THE FATHER, AND OF THE SON, AND OF THE HOLY GHOST:

Revelation 19:11

And I saw heaven opened, and BEHOLD A WHITE HORSE; AND HE THAT SAT UPON HIM WAS CALLED FAITHFUL AND TRUE, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.

Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and UNDERSTAND THAT I AM HE: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.

Isaiah 52:6 Therefore my people shall know my name: therefore THEY SHALL KNOW IN THAT DAY THAT I AM HE THAT DOTH SPEAK: BEHOLD, IT IS I.

Luke 21:28 And WHEN THESE THINGS BEGIN TO COME TO PASS, THEN LOOK UP, AND LIFT UP YOUR HEADS; FOR YOUR REDEMPTION DRAWETH NIGH.

In His Service,

Night Watchman

Paul Rolland

Night Watchman Ministries

www.nightwatchman.blog

Make Your (7) Decision for Christ NOW!!!!!!! Time is Up!!!!!!!

Jesus Christ’s Offer of Salvation:

The ABCs (7) of Salvation through Jesus Christ (the Lamb)

1. (7) Admit/Acknowledge/Accept that you are sinner. Ask (7) God’s forgiveness and repent of your sins.

. . . “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23).

. . . “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one.” (Romans 3:10).

. . . “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” (1 John 1:8).

B. Believe Jesus is Lord. Believe that (7) Jesus Christ is who He claimed to (7) be; that He was both fully God (7) and fully man and that we are (7) saved through His death, burial, and resurrection. (7) Put your trust in Him as your (7) only hope of salvation. Become a son (7) or daughter of God by receiving Christ. (7777777) 7×7

. . . “That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his son into the world to condemn the world; but have everlasting life. For God sent not his son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. (John 3:15-17). For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13).

C. Call upon His name, Confess (7) with your heart and with your lips (7) that Jesus is your Lord and Savior.

. . . “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” (Romans 10:9-10).

Q: WHAT EXACTLY IS THE GREEN DRAGON? IT IS NOT REFERENCED IN SCRIPTURE, OR IS IT? A: ‘DOCTRINES’ OF DEVILS.

HRH CROWN PRINCE ANNOUNCES: “THE SAUDI GREEN INITIATIVE AND THE MIDDLE EAST GREEN INITIATIVE”

Riyadh,SPA:
“THE SAUDI GREEN INITIATIVE AND THE MIDDLE EAST GREEN INITIATIVE:“, THE TWO INITIATIVES THAT ARE TO BE LAUNCHED SOON, AIM TO CHART A PATH FOR THE KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA AND THE REGION IN PROTECTING THE PLANET, BY CLEARLY DEFINING AN AMBITIOUS ROAD MAP THAT RALLIES THE REGION AND SIGNIFICANTLY CONTRIBUTES TO ACHIEVING GLOBAL TARGETS IN CONFRONTING CLIMATE CHANGE.

HRH THE CROWN PRINCE NOTED, AS A LEADING GLOBAL OIL PRODUCER, THE KINGDOM FULLY RECOGNIZES ITS SHARE OF RESPONSIBILITY IN ADVANCING THE FIGHT AGAINST THE CLIMATE CRISIS. Just as the Kingdom underpinned energy markets during the oil and gas era, IT IS GOING TO BECOME A GLOBAL LEADER IN FORGING A GREENER WORLD.

HRH the Crown Prince added, The Kingdom and the region face significant climate challenges, such as desertification, an immediate economic risk to the Kingdom and the region (USD 13Bn is currently lost due to dust storms in the region every year), Air pollution from greenhouse gases also is estimated to have shortened average Saudi life expectancy by 1.5 years. WE WILL WORK THROUGH THE SAUDI GREEN INITIATIVE TO RAISE VEGETATION COVER, REDUCE CARBON EMISSIONS, COMBAT POLLUTION & LAND DEGRADATION, AND PRESERVE MARINE LIFE, THIS INITIATIVE WILL INCLUDE A NUMBER OF AMBITIOUS INITIATIVES; MOST NOTABLY THE PLANTING OF (10 BILLION) TREES WITHIN THE KINGDOM IN THE UPCOMING DECADES, the equivalent to rehabilitating roughly (40 million) hectares of degraded lands, translating to a 12-fold increase from current tree covers, this represents the Kingdom‘s contribution of more than (4%) in achieving the goals of the global initiative to limit the degradation of lands and fungal habitats, and (1%) of the global target to plant (1 trillion) trees.

The Kingdom will also work to raise the percentage of protected areas to more than (30%) of its total land area, representing roughly (600,000) square kilometers, exceeding the current global target of (17%), in addition to launching a number of ambitious initiatives to protect Marine and Coastal Environments.

HRH THE CROWN PRINCE FURTHER ADDED, THE SAUDI GREEN INITIATIVE WILL ALSO WORK TO REDUCE CARBON EMISSIONS BY MORE THAN (4%) OF GLOBAL CONTRIBUTIONS, THROUGH AN AMBITIOUS RENEWABLE ENERGY PROGRAM THAT WILL GENERATE (50%) OF THE KINGDOM’S ENERGY FROM RENEWABLES BY 2030, and several other projects in the fields of clean hydrocarbon technologies, estimated to eliminate more than (130 MT) of carbon emissions, alongside raising the rate of waste diversion from landfills to reach 94% in the Kingdom.

HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman further announced, whilst there is still a lot more to be done, THE KINGDOM IS DETERMINED TO MAKE A LASTING GLOBAL IMPACT, WE WILL START WORKING ON THE MIDDLE EAST GREEN INITIATIVE IN COORDINATION WITH NEIGHBORING AND SISTER COUNTRIES OF THE GULF COOPERATION COUNCIL (GCC) STATES AND MIDDLE EASTERN COUNTRIES TO PLANT AN ADDITIONAL (40 BILLION) TREES IN THE MIDDLE EAST, This overall regional (50 billion) tree planting program is the largest reforestation program in the world, twice the size of the Great Green Wall in the Sahel (the second largest such regional initiative). This project, will restore an area equivalent to (200 million) hectares of degraded land, representing (5%) of the global target of planting (1 Trillion) trees and reducing (2.5%) of global carbon levels.

HRH further added, today the share of clean energy production in the Middle East doesn’t exceed 7%, and technologies used in hydrocarbon production in the region are not efficient, therefore the Kingdom will work with regional partners to transfer our knowledge and share our experiences, which will CONTRIBUTE TO REDUCING CARBON EMISSIONS RESULTING FROM HYDROCARBON PRODUCTION IN THE REGION BY MORE THAN (60%), ADDING THAT THESE JOINT EFFORTS AND VARIOUS OTHER INITIATIVES, WILL ACHIEVE A REDUCTION IN CARBON EMISSIONS BY MORE THAN (10%) OF GLOBAL CONTRIBUTIONS.

HRH the Crown Prince further highlighted that these two initiatives are a continuation of the environmental efforts in the Kingdom over the past few years IN LINE WITH OUR VISION 2030, these two initiatives are a testimony of the Kingdom’s serious desire to address the environmental challenges it has faced, from increase in temperatures and dust waves to low levels of rain and desertification, in this regard the Kingdom has carried out a comprehensive restructuring of the environmental sector, established The Environmental Special Forces in 2019, raised the percentage of natural reserves from (4%) to more than (14%) and increased vegetation cover by (40%) in the past 4 years, the kingdom was also able to achieve the most efficient levels of carbon emission of hydrocarbon producing countries, alongside other initiatives that have already started on the ground and resulted in tangible positive results for the environment. This is all part of the Kingdom’s efforts to promote public health and raise quality of life for its citizens and residents.

HRH THE CROWN PRINCE NOTED, AT A GLOBAL LEVEL, THESE INITIATIVES EMANATE FROM THE KINGDOM‘S LEADERSHIP ROLE TOWARDS COMMON INTERNATIONAL ISSUES, AND A CONTINUATION OF KINGDOM’S EFFORTS TO PROTECT THE PLANET DURING ITS PRESIDENCY OF THE G20 SUMMIT LAST YEAR, IN WHICH A DEDICATED ENVIRONMENTAL DECLARATION WAS ISSUED, CONCEPT OF CIRCULAR CARBON ECONOMY were adopted, and the first environmental taskforce was established, alongside the launching of two global initiatives to reduce land degradation and protection of coral reefs.

HRH Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman concluded his statement by saying: “I AM PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THE SAUDI AND MIDDLE EAST GREEN INITIATIVES, BUT THIS IS ONLY A START.

THE KINGDOM, THE REGION AND THE WORLD NEEDS TO GO MUCH FURTHER AND FASTER IN COMBATTING CLIMATE CHANGE. Given our starting point, beginning this journey to a greener future has not been easy.

But in line with our overall modernization philosophy, we are not avoiding tough choices. We reject the false choice between preserving the economy and protecting the environment. Climate action will enhance competitiveness, spark innovation, and create millions of high-quality jobs. Young people, both in the Kingdom and the world, are demanding a cleaner, greener and more inclusive future, and we owe it to them to deliver on this.

AND THE KINGDOM WILL WORK WITH ALL INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS TO FURTHER DEVELOP THESE TWO INITIATIVES AND THE VARIOUS PROGRAMS AND TIMELINES ENTAILED IN THEM.”, noting that details of the Saudi Green Initiative are going to be announced in following next few months, and a global forum with international partners for the Middle East Green Initiative will be launched and held in the second quarter of next year.

Last Modified Date: 28/03/2021 – 7:22 AM Saudi Arabia Time

THE GREEN ENVIRONMENTAL DRAGON OF THE BEAST’S KINGDOM. MOHAMMED BIN SALMAN

SECOND NOBEL PRIZE WINNER SIGNS LETTER WITH 1,600 SCIENTISTS DECLARING CLIMATE ‘EMERGENCY’ A MYTH

By: Tristan Justice September 01, 2023 THE FEDERALIST

A coalition of more than 1,600 SCIENTISTS CRITICAL OF THEIR PEERS’ HYPERBOLIC CLAIMS ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE DREW A PROMINENT RECRUIT TO SIGN THEIR 2019 DECLARATION THAT THE CLIMATE “EMERGENCY” IS A MYTH.

JOHN CLAUSER, WHO WON LAST YEAR’S NOBEL PRIZE IN PHYSICS, BECAME THE SECOND NOBEL LAUREATE LAST MONTH TO SIGN THE DOCUMENT WITH 1,607 OTHER SCIENTISTS REBUKING THE IDEA OF A CLIMATE CRISIS.

“CLIMATE SCIENCE SHOULD BE LESS POLITICAL, WHILE CLIMATE POLICIES SHOULD BE MORE SCIENTIFIC,” THE DECLARATION ORGANIZED BY THE CLIMATE INTELLIGENCE FOUNDATION (CLINTEL) READS. “SCIENTISTS SHOULD OPENLY ADDRESS UNCERTAINTIES AND EXAGGERATIONS IN THEIR PREDICTIONS OF GLOBAL WARMING, WHILE POLITICIANS SHOULD DISPASSIONATELY COUNT THE REAL COSTS AS WELL AS THE IMAGINED BENEFITS OF THEIR POLICY MEASURES.”

Last year, the INTERNATIONAL ENERGY AGENCY (IEA) DEBUTED A ROADMAP TO NET-ZERO EMISSIONS THAT BECAME THE MODEL FOR CORPORATE BISHOPS OF ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL, AND GOVERNANCE (ESG) STANDARDS. A June report from the Energy Policy Research Foundation CRITICIZED THE INITIATIVES OUTLINED AS A “GREEN MIRAGE.” The IEA roadmap, researchers wrote, “WILL DRAMATICALLY INCREASE ENERGY COSTS, DEVASTATE WESTERN ECONOMIES, AND INCREASE HUMAN SUFFERING.”

“The aim of global policy should be ‘prosperity for all’ by providing reliable and affordable energy at all times,” reads CLINTEL’s World Climate Declaration. “THERE IS NO CLIMATE EMERGENCY. THEREFORE, THERE IS NO CAUSE FOR PANIC AND ALARM.”

Norwegian-American engineer Ivan Giaever, who won the Nobel Prize in physics in 1973, is also a signatory to the declaration.

“THE POPULAR NARRATIVE ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE REFLECTS A DANGEROUS CORRUPTION OF SCIENCE THAT THREATENS THE WORLD’S ECONOMY AND THE WELL-BEING OF BILLIONS OF PEOPLE. MISGUIDED CLIMATE SCIENCE HAS METASTASIZED INTO MASSIVE SHOCK-JOURNALISTIC PSEUDOSCIENCE,” Clauser said. “In turn, the pseudoscience has become a scapegoat for a wide variety of other unrelated ills. IT HAS BEEN PROMOTED AND EXTENDED BY SIMILARLY MISGUIDED BUSINESS MARKETING AGENTS, POLITICIANS, JOURNALISTS, GOVERNMENT AGENCIES, AND ENVIRONMENTALISTS.”

The document makes several claims that contradict popular narratives peddled by climate hysterics. For example, the planet is warming slower than predicted and has not driven a spike in natural disasters.

Mega-disasters are actually on the decline, while the destruction from natural events such as hurricanes and wildfires is on the rise. The increase in billion-dollar disasters, however, is a result of there being more to destroy. But that hasn’t stopped legacy outlets from blaming every natural event on the “climate crisis.” Two years ago, The New York Times published “Postcards From A World On Fire” despite natural disaster deaths declining by 90 percent.

THE WORLD CLIMATE DECLARATION ALSO NOTES THAT CARBON DIOXIDE IS PLANT FOOD, “NOT A POLLUTANT.” “IT IS ESSENTIAL TO ALL LIFE ON EARTH,” THE DOCUMENT READS. IN FACT, REFORESTATION IS ON THE RISE, PROMOTED BY A GLOBAL “GREENING” EFFECT PROLIFERATING PLANT GROWTH.

https://twitter.com/i/status/1697274339781997043

FIRST MINISTERIAL COUNCIL OF MIDDLE EAST GREEN INITIATIVE SESSION ADOPTS KEY DECISIONS TO LAUNCH IMPLEMENTATION PHASE

16 October 2024

Jeddah, October 16, 2024: THE KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA HAS REITERATED THE IMPORTANCE OF STRENGTHENED REGIONAL COLLABORATION TO PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT AND ENHANCE VEGETATION COVER TO BOOST FOOD AND WATER SECURITY, SAFEGUARD BIODIVERSITY, PRESERVE ECOSYSTEMS, AND PROMOTE CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION.

The Kingdom also noted that the MIDDLE EAST GREEN INITIATIVE (MGI) IS A SIGNIFICANT STEP TOWARD IMPROVING REGIONAL GOVERNANCE IN FIGHTING DESERTIFICATION, DROUGHT, AND CLIMATE CHANGE CHALLENGES.

This statement was made by Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Alfadley during the FIRST SESSION OF THE MINISTERIAL COUNCIL OF THE MIDDLE EAST GREEN INITIATIVE IN JEDDAH HELD TODAY WITH THE PARTICIPATION OF 29 COUNTRIES AND INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS.

Alfadley confirmed that THE INITIATIVE, LAUNCHED BY THE HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS PRINCE MOHAMMED BIN SALMAN BIN ABDULAZIZ AL SAUD, CROWN PRINCE AND PRIME MINISTER IN 2021, MARKS THE FIRST REGIONAL ALLIANCE OF ITS KIND, DESIGNED TO REDUCE THE IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ACROSS THE MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA.

He noted that the final version of the initiative’s charter was agreed upon during the founding countries’ ministerial meeting in October 2022. Alfadley stressed that the Middle East, one of the regions hardest hit by desertification and drought, REQUIRES INTENSIFIED COLLECTIVE EFFORTS TO ADDRESS ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES.

The final ministerial communiqué for the first session of the Ministerial Council of the Middle East Green Initiative was issued. The ministerial council approved the MGI secretariat’s organizational structure and its internal policies, appointed the MGI Secretary General, appointed the MGI Fund Trustee, and took several other key decisions to enable the launch of MGI’s implementation phase.

The MGI Ministerial Council extends its deepest gratitude and sincere thanks to the CUSTODIAN OF THE TWO HOLY MOSQUES KING SALMAN BIN ABDULAZIZ AL SAUD, AND TO HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS PRINCE MOHAMMED BIN SALMAN BIN ABDULAZIZ AL SAUD, CROWN PRINCE AND PRIME MINISTER, FOR LAUNCHING THE INITIATIVE DURING THE INAUGURAL SUMMIT HELD IN RIYADH ON OCTOBER 25, 2021.

The Ministerial Council reaffirms its commitment to strengthening regional collaboration to combat land degradation, desertification, and drought while mitigating their significant environmental and socio-economic impacts.

The council also welcomes the accession of 11 countries as regional members of the MGI and emphasizes the important role they will play in attaining the initiative’s ambitious objectives. It also invites regional countries to join the MGI.

Additionally, the council welcomes the United Kingdom’s accession to the MGI as a non-regional contributor with observer status. The council encourages other non-regional countries to participate and underscores their vital role in providing technical and financial support to help achieve regional objectives and address global environmental challenges.

The Ministerial Council highlights the importance of continued efforts by regional member countries to set ambitious future goals and develop policies and national strategies for land rehabilitation and vegetation cover development, ALIGNED WITH RELEVANT MULTILATERAL ENVIRONMENTAL AGREEMENTS AND CONVENTIONS. The council urges member countries to incorporate these national targets into the MGI’s regional framework.

Moreover, the council points out the SIGNIFICANCE OF ENHANCING INTERNATIONAL MULTILATERAL EFFORTS and the vital role of the private sector, financial institutions, and civil society in addressing the global challenges of land degradation, desertification, and drought while supporting regional initiatives.

The council also commends the landmark resolution adopted during the SIXTH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS ENVIRONMENT ASSEMBLY (UNEA-6) IN FEBRUARY 2024, which focused on strengthening international efforts to combat land degradation and desertification while enhancing resilience to drought.

In addition, THE COUNCIL PRAISES THE KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA FOR HOSTING THE LAST WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY CELEBRATION ON JUNE 5, 2024, IN RIYADH AND ALSO VALUES THE UNITED NATIONS ENVIRONMENT PROGRAM FOR DESIGNATING “OUR LAND, OUR FUTURE” AS THE THEME FOR WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY 2024, WHICH SIGNIFICANTLY CONTRIBUTES TO RAISING GLOBAL AWARENESS about the vital ecosystem services offered through the different land types and the impacts of land degradation and drought.

Furthermore, the Ministerial Council looks forward to the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) to be held in Riyadh next December. The council also calls on UNCCD parties and representatives from all relevant stakeholders to actively participate in COP16 as the foremost global platform for addressing land degradation and drought challenges.

The council advocates for support of the COP16 outcomes, planning to make it a historic turning point in strengthening global efforts to combat land degradation, halt desertification, accelerate land restoration, and enhance drought resilience.

The council commends as well the efforts of the Kingdom, in collaboration with regional founding member countries and their representatives in the Executive Committee and ad-hoc Founding Task Force, for achieving significant milestones. THE PROGRESS MADE THUS FAR HAS PROVIDED THE ESSENTIAL COMPONENTS AND ENABLERS FOR LAUNCHING THE INITIATIVE’S IMPLEMENTATION PHASE. THE MINISTERIAL COUNCIL REVIEWED THE ACHIEVEMENTS THAT INTRODUCED THE MGI’S FOUNDATIONAL PHASE, INCLUDING PREPARATIONS FOR ESTABLISHING ITS SECRETARIAT GENERAL AND LAUNCHING LAND REHABILITATION PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES.

Lastly, the Ministerial Council expresses its gratitude to the Kingdom for its hospitality and excellent organization of the first MGI Ministerial Council meeting, marking a major milestone toward carrying out the initiative and achieving its goals. The council also thanks the Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Abdulrahman Alfadley, for his leadership as Chairman of the MGI Ministerial Council, along with the honorable members of the council representing the regional member countries for their valuable contributions to the success of the meeting.

COP29 PRESIDENT CALLS FOR UNITED ACTION ON CLIMATE FINANCE GOALS

Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman meeting with COP 29 president and Azerbaijan’s Minister of Environment and Natural Resources, Mukhtar Babayev, earlier this year

Updated 14 September 2024 Haifa Alshammari

Mukhtar Babayev, president of COP29, has CALLED FOR GLOBAL UNITY AS THE WORLD APPROACHES A CRITICAL TURNING POINT IN CLIMATE CHANGE NEGOTIATIONS.

Speaking during discussions in the Azerbaijan capital Baku, Babayev said that TALKS ARE NOW APPROACHING A “MORE FOCUSED DIALOGUE” ON COLLECTIVE CLIMATE FINANCE.

“The conclusion of the final meeting of the ad hoc work program marks THE BEGINNING OF THE END,” Babayev said, indicating a shift toward a framework that will guide discussions leading up to COP29. 

In addition, the president also EXPRESSED HIS BELIEF THAT A COMPREHENSIVE DRAFT NEGOTIATING TEXT COULD BE DEVELOPED AS THE FOUNDATION FOR THE COP29 PRESIDENCY’S FINAL PHASE.

This preparation is crucial, as NATIONS STRIVE TO ACHIEVE A NEW GOAL IN CLIMATE FINANCE THAT ALIGNS WITH THE URGENT DEMANDS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL CRISIS, he said. 

“We have full confidence in the co-chairs of the ad hoc work program as they now develop a substantive framework for a draft negotiating text. This substantive framework will serve as the basis for the COP29 PRESIDENCY’S FINAL PERIOD OF INTENSIVE POLITICAL AND TECHNICAL ENGAGEMENTS AS WE PREPARE TO NAIL DOWN A DEAL ON A NEW CLIMATE FINANCE GOAL AT COP29,” Babayev said.

However, the president also warned that the road ahead would be full of challenges that WILL REQUIRE PERSISTENCE AND COOPERATION FROM ALL COUNTRIES INVOLVED.

“We are on the right track and have come a long way, but we still risk falling short. Determination and leadership is needed from all parties to bridge the gaps that still divide us in this critical final phase. Everyone now needs to take ownership of finding an agreement.

“Sticking to set positions and failing to move toward each other will leave too much ground to be covered at COP29,” he said, adding that THE STAKES HAVE NEVER BEEN HIGHER.

BABAYEV SAID THAT BILLIONS OF PEOPLE WORLDWIDE ARE COUNTING ON LEADERS TO DELIVER CLIMATE FINANCE ON A SCALE THAT IS EQUAL TO THE URGENCY OF THE CLIMATE CHANGE CRISIS.

“We will spare no effort to deliver a fair and ambitious new goal in Baku at COP29,” he said.

As the COP29 presidency prepares for THE FINAL NEGOTIATIONS IN NOVEMBER, THE WORLD IS WATCHING AS LEADERS DISCUSS OBLIGATORY FINANCE TO COMBAT CLIMATE CHANGE, AND REDUCE ITS EFFECTS ON VULNERABLE COUNTRIES.

SAUDI ARABIA GOES AHEAD WITH ‘GREEN MOSQUE’ INITIATIVE. IN 2021, SAUDI CROWN PRINCE LAUNCHED SGI AIMED TO ACCELERATE GREEN TRANSITION

Published:  October 12, 2024 14:07

Ramadan Al Sherbini, Correspondent

SAUDI ARABIA IS EXPANDING THE CULTIVATION OF TREES AROUND MOSQUES AS PART OF AN AMBITIOUS PRO-ENVIRONMENT INITIATIVE LAUNCHED THREE YEARS AGO.

As part of these efforts, SAUDI MINISTER OF ISLAMIC AFFAIRS Abdullatif Al Sheikh has launched the ‘Our Mosques are Green’ initiative in the Al Bahah region, aimed at planting 50,000 (5) TREES AROUND MOSQUES IN THE SOUTHWESTERN REGION.

The official said the implementation of the initiative in Al Baha is an extension of the ministry’s EFFORTS TO KEEP PACE WITH THE SAUDI GREEN INITIATIVE (SGI).

“Through its branches in the regions of the kingdom, the ministry continues to implement this DISTINCTIVE INITIATIVE TO INCREASE VEGETATION COVER AROUND MOSQUES,” he added in media remarks. In recent years, SAUDI ARABIA HAS UNVEILED A SERIES OF PRO-ENVIRONMENT MEASURES AIMED AT ADDRESSING CLIMATE CHANGE.

IN 2021, CROWN PRINCE MOHAMMED BIN SALMAN LAUNCHED SGI, A PLAN WITH THREE OVERARCHING TARGETS: EMISSION REDUCTION, AFFORESTATION, AND LAND REGENERATION, AS WELL AS LAND AND SEA PROTECTION.

ENVISAGED AS A WHOLE-OF-SOCIETY ACTION, SGI STRIVES TO UNITE ALL OF THE KINGDOM’S EFFORTS TO COMBAT CLIMATE CHANGE UNDER ONE UMBRELLA, WITH CLEAR OBJECTIVES, INCLUDING ACCELERATING THE GREEN TRANSITION.

The initiative envisages reducing carbon emissions by more than 4% of global contributions, through renewable energy projects to provide 50% of electricity production in the kingdom by 2030, and projects in the field of clean hydrocarbon technologies. THE SAUDI GOVERNMENT HAS DESIGNATED MARCH 27 AS AN OFFICIAL DAY TO CELEBRATE THE SGI ANNIVERSARY EACH YEAR.

STUDY: MOST ‘CLIMATE’ POLICIES DON’T HELP REDUCE EMISSIONS

By Nick Pope, Daily Caller News Foundation September 2, 2024

ONLY A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF CLIMATE POLICIES INSTITUTED GLOBALLY HAVE ACTUALLY RESULTED IN ANY SIGNIFICANT EMISSIONS REDUCTIONS, according to a study published earlier in August in Science, a respected scientific publication.

The new study, titled “Climate policies that achieved major emission reductions: Global evidence from two decades,” used artificial intelligence to assess 1,500 different climate policies pursued across 41 nations between 1998 and 2022, aiming to determine which types of policies have prompted significant emissions cuts. The study’s analysis found that only 63 of these policies constituted “successful policy interventions,” meaning that just 4% of the measures evaluated in the study’s sample effectively reduced emissions.

Dems’ Massive Green Energy Agenda Is Walking America Right Into China’s Hands, Analysis Claims https://t.co/YHH5A3e0fy

— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) August 27, 2024

“Across four sectors, 41 countries, and 2 decades, we found 63 successful policy interventions with large effects that reduced total emissions between 0.6 and 1.8 [billion metric tons] of [carbon dioxide],” the study states. Moreover, most of the emissions cuts observed in the study were the result of two or more policies having a combined effect.

“WE HAVE A LOT OF POLICIES OUT THERE THAT HAVE NOT LED TO LARGE EMISSION REDUCTIONS, AND MORE POLICIES DO NOT NECESSARILY EQUATE TO BETTER OUTCOMES,” Nicholas Koch, the head of the policy evaluation lab at Germany’s Mercator Research Institute and one of the study’s authors, told NewScientist. “What we observe is that the most frequently used policy tools, which are subsidies and regulations, alone are insufficient. Only in combination with price-based instruments – such as carbon prices, energy taxes – can they deliver substantial emission reductions.”

IN OTHER WORDS, SUBSIDIES AND REGULATIONS GENERALLY WILL NOT COMPEL ECONOMIES TO BRING DOWN EMISSIONS WITHOUT COMPLEMENTARY POLICIES THAT DIRECTLY TAX ENERGY USE OR IMPOSE OUTRIGHT BANS ON CERTAIN PRACTICES LIKE BURNING COAL TO PRODUCE ELECTRICITY, according to Koch.

Richard Tol, an economics professor at England’s University of Sussex with expertise in the economics of climate policies, told the Daily Caller News Foundation that the study’s results are indicative of fundamental issues with green subsidies.

“If you estimate the impact of 1,500 policies, you would expect 75 of those to be statistically significant as a statistical fluke. They found only 63,” Tol told the DCNF. “Anyways, subsidies can be effective in the short run, less so in the long run as they make the offending activity more profitable. For example, a subsidy on energy saving (say, home insulation) makes energy cheaper so that people use more. Besides, MANY ‘GREEN’ SUBSIDIES ARE DESIGNED TO REWARD POLITICAL ALLIES RATHER THAN REDUCE EMISSIONS.”

Other critics of the West’s climate policies have pointed out that continued use of fossil fuels, and especially coal, by populous countries like China and India will blunt global emissions reductions while Western countries saddle themselves with the high costs of an energy transition.

CHINA IS BY FAR THE WORLD’S LEADING EMITTER, MORE THAN DOUBLING AMERICAN EMISSIONS, WHILE INDIA IS THE WORLD’S THIRD-LARGEST SOURCE AND EMITS MORE THAN ALL 27 COUNTRIES IN THE EUROPEAN UNION PUT TOGETHER, ACCORDING TO THE WORLD RESOURCES INSTITUTE.

LEADERS OF CLIMATE SCIENCE SOCIETIES ARE SUFFERING FROM MASS DELUSION

By Rhoda Wilson on September 5, 2024 THE EXPOSE

Renowned American physicist, member of the CO2 Coalition, and a life fellow of both the American Physical Society (“APS”) and the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (“IEEE”) Wallace Manheimer has expressed concerns about THE CLIMATE CRISIS NARRATIVE AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR MODERN CIVILISATION.

WALLACE MANHEIMER ARGUES THAT THERE IS NO SCIENTIFIC BASIS FOR EXPECTING A CLIMATE CRISIS FROM INCREASED CARBON DIOXIDE LEVELS IN THE ATMOSPHERE WITHIN THE NEXT CENTURY AND THE EMPHASIS ON A FALSE CLIMATE CRISIS IS BECOMING A TRAGEDY FOR MODERN CIVILISATION.

HIS RESEARCH DEBUNKS MANY FASHIONABLE CLAIMS SURROUNDING POLITICISED “SETTLED” CLIMATE SCIENCE. AND HE ARGUES THAT “NET ZERO”

POLICIES WOULD BE DISASTROUS, UNRELIABLE AND EXPENSIVE, BOTH IN THE UNITED STATES AND GLOBALLY.  HE HAS ALSO EXPRESSED DISMAY AT LEARNED SOCIETIES MAKING DEFINITIVE CLAIMS DESPITE THE AVAILABILITY OF CONTRARY INFORMATION.

Last year, Manheimer published a book titled ‘MASS DELUSIONS: How they harm sustainable energy, climate policy, fusion and fusion breeding’.

In June 2024, a paper authored by Manheimer titled ‘Science Societies’ Climate Statements: Some Concerns’ was published in the Open Journal of Applied Sciences. A summary of which, authored by Manheimer, was published last year in The Washington Times.

In The Washington Times’ article, MANHEIMER DESCRIBED HOW STATEMENTS BY SCIENTIFIC SOCIETIES, SUCH AS APS, ARE OFTEN USED TO JUSTIFY EXTREME MEASURES FOR ADDRESSING A SUPPOSED CLIMATE EMERGENCY. HOWEVER, THESE PROCLAMATIONS ARE FREQUENTLY ALMOST UNIVERSALLY FALSE AND DO REAL HARM.

Manheimer highlighted APS’s statement on climate change, which asserts that anthropogenic greenhouse gases have become the dominant driver of global warming. However, he disputes this claim, citing a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (“NOAA”) graph of world temperature from 1880 to 2022 showing that temperature increases before and after carbon dioxide’s rise in the atmosphere were similar. Additionally, he references historical and archaeological evidence of warmer periods, including the Holocene optimum, Roman optimum and medieval optimum, which contradict the notion of a catastrophic, human-induced climate crisis.

Manheimer suggests that APS may have been SWAYED BY THE “CLIMATE INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX” OR PRIORITISED GRANT FUNDING OVER SCIENTIFIC INTEGRITY:

This author cannot read the minds of APS leadership. However, two possibilities are hard to dismiss: (1) The organisation was so completely taken in by what renowned physicist Richard Lindzen has called a “mass delusion” that carbon dioxide threatens climate doom that APS did not even perform minimal due diligence or (2) even worse, APS knows that there are big-dollar grants for alarmists, but none for sceptics. It may have sold its soul to the devil.

Scientific societies risk reputations by endorsing climate scare: There is no unanimity among us, Wallace Manheimer, The Washington Post, 11 April 2023

On Wednesday, Manheimer joined the Tom Nelson Podcast to present and expand on his June 2024 paper.  His presentation covers an overview of climate crisis scepticism, arguments against net zero carbon emissions, historical climate data and misinterpretations, the impact of carbon dioxide on plant growth, an analysis of scientific societies’ climate statements and much more.

Speaking of the scientific society leaders he said, “How can people who are so smart do something that is so dumb?  I believe there’s no other explanation for it other than mass delusion, they’re suffering a mass delusion.”

COP 29 MUST BE A ‘STAND-AND-DELIVER’ MOMENT FOR CLIMATE CHANGE, SAYS UN EXPERT

Simon Stiell, the executive secretary of the UN FRAMEWORK CONVENTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE

Haifa Alshammari October 17, 202419:25 ARAB NEWS

RIYADH: As climate change increasingly adds to the strains on national finances and economies worldwide, it is essential that international climate financing be significantly enhanced, a leading UN expert on the subject said on Thursday.

Simon Stiell, the executive secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, added that increased access to affordable and reliable funding on a large scale is crucial for efforts to mitigate climate risks, encourage action and foster sustainable economic growth.

His comments came during a discussion about climate finance at a virtual event hosted by Brookings Institution’s Global Economy and Development program, as he highlighted opportunities to achieve meaningful progress in efforts to combat climate change and advance global development.

Highlighting the finance goals and plans he believes must be delivered next month at the UN Climate Change Conference, COP 29, in Azerbaijan, he said: “In the past decade, we have seen some real progress. Over a trillion dollars were invested in climate action last year, globally, up from a few hundred billion a decade ago.”

In 2022, developed countries provided more than $100 billion in climate financing to developing nations, Stiell said. However, even developed countries can struggle to properly address the effects of climate change, which are causing hundreds of billions of dollars of damage in rich and poor nations alike, he added.

“Under Brazil’s G20 leadership (this year), climate and finance ministers have finally been brought together,” Stiell said. “This essential collaboration must continue and be translated into clear outcomes.”

Discussions about financing for efforts to tackle climate change are critical to ensure all countries, in particular developing nations, small islands and the least-developed countries, receive the support they need to help reduce the effects of the environmental crisis and reduce emissions, he added.

“At COP 29 in Baku, all governments must agree to a new goal for international climate finance that truly responds to the needs of developing countries,” Stiell said.

“COP 29 must be the ‘stand-and-deliver’ COP, recognizing that climate finance is core business to save the global economy, and billions of lives and livelihoods, from rampaging climate impacts.”

This echoed a comment he posted on social media network X last week, in which he wrote: “The upcoming COP29 climate conference must be an enabling COP: Delivering concrete outcomes to start translating the climate pledges made by countries in last year’s COP28 UAE Consensus into real-world, real-economy results. It’s time to get the job done.”

The conference next month offers important opportunities to enhance climate financing, establish new global delivery objectives, and generate some much-needed momentum for existing commitments, Stiell said on Thursday.

“Ambitious outcomes at the annual meetings are vital to enable bolder climate actions that boost economies and strengthen societies everywhere,” he added.

GLOBAL LEADERS DRAFT AMBITIOUS CLIMATE FINANCE DEAL AHEAD OF COP29

MANAL AL-BARAKATI October 14, 202419:43 ARAB NEWS

RIYADH: Global leaders are drafting an ambitious climate finance deal to be finalized at the 29th Conference of the Parties, or COP29, as Azerbaijan’s presidency leads efforts to resolve critical gaps ahead of the November summit.

A draft negotiating text will be published “imminently,” following a series of high-level meetings in Baku last week, according to the COP29 presidency team.

It outlines a plan that could mobilize trillions of dollars in support for developing nations.

Central to the talks was the New Collective Quantified Goal, or NCQG, on climate finance, which aims to replace the existing $100 billion pledge that has long been deemed insufficient.

Azerbaijan’s Lead Negotiator Yalchin Rafiyev acknowledged the magnitude of the challenge, stating in a release that the funding needed to address climate change was “in the space of trillions” of dollars.

However, negotiations are steering towards a more realistic expectation of public sector contributions, which are likely to reach “hundreds of billions” annually.

The NCQG is critical in ensuring developing nations, particularly small island developing states and the least developed countries, receive the support they need to build resilience and reduce emissions.

President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan, addressing participants at the pre-COP conference, urged global leaders to move beyond blame and focus on collective action.

“As we are entering into the final stage of preparations for COP29, I call on you to engage constructively and in good faith for the sake of humanity,” Aliyev said.

“While states have common but differentiated responsibilities, they should put aside disagreements, stop blaming each other, and find common ground.

“We cannot afford to waste time on defining who is guilty for global warming, or who caused more environmental harm.”

These remarks reflect the urgency felt ahead of COP29, especially in light of the Paris Agreement’s goal to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

COP events have served as critical platforms for advancing this agenda since 2015, but the most recent Global Stocktake at COP28 revealed that the world is not on track to meet its targets.

Azerbaijan’s COP29 President-Designate, Mukhtar Babayev, highlighted the importance of addressing unresolved issues before November.

“We have done well to narrow down options, and the possible shapes of landing zones are coming into view. But we can clearly see the divides that the parties still need to bridge,” Babayev said.

He said that ministers must return to their capitals to secure the political mandates needed to push the negotiations forward.

“There is no excuse for anyone to arrive at COP29 without clear political support to make progress, as we urgently work to turn this draft into a deal,” he said.

The talks in Baku also explored the qualitative aspects of the NCQG, such as transparency, accessibility and accountability.

These elements are seen as vital to building trust among nations and ensuring the effective use of funds.

The pre-COP conference marked a crucial step in preparing a draft negotiating text for the new finance goal, which is expected to be published in the coming days.

This draft will set the stage for final negotiations at COP29, where a comprehensive climate finance package is anticipated.

In addition to finance, the discussions addressed broader initiatives such as climate transparency and energy resilience.

A new report, co-authored with the International Renewable Energy Agency, or IRENA, and other partners, was launched during the conference.

It tracks progress on energy goals set at COP28, particularly in relation to energy storage, with the COP29 Global Energy Storage and Grids Pledge aiming to boost installed capacity to 1,500 GW by 2030 — six times the level recorded in 2022.

As the countdown to COP29 continues, the Azerbaijani presidency is pushing for a balanced outcome that not only delivers on finance but also reinforces the commitments made under the Paris Agreement.

https://www.prageru.com/video/is-there-really-a-climate-emergency

THE OVERLOOKED ENVIRONMENTAL COST OF RENEWABLES

Khaled Abou Zahr October 04, 202422:15 ARAB NEWS

Renewables are widely recognized as an essential, non-polluting alternative energy source. But are they really as clean as they seem? When we examine solar, wind and other renewables, we tend to focus on the last mile while neglecting the full supply chain.

This is a dangerous oversimplification that ignores the hidden environmental and ethical costs associated with their production, transportation and disposal. To truly assess their efficiency and impact, this scrutiny must also be applied when comparing them with other energy sources.

Suppose we take solar energy, which has the lion’s share of global renewable energy capacity. Indeed according to the latest data, solar photovoltaic systems alone contributed to nearly 75 percent of the renewable capacity additions worldwide in 2023. In terms of electricity generation, solar PV accounted for about 4.5 percent of the global total.

This is clean energy but what about its full supply chain? 

The production of solar panels involves the use of hazardous materials like sodium hydroxide and hydrofluoric acid. Moreover, research indicates there is significant energy consumption leading to greenhouse gas emissions and potential water and land pollution from toxic waste such as cadmium and lead. 

The next step is transporting these panels. Most solar PV panels are produced in China, which dominates the global market. China and Taiwan together account for about 70 percent of the world’s solar cell and module production. Long distance freight adds to the carbon footprint. This adds approximately 0.02 to 0.05 pounds of CO2 per kilowatt-hour of electricity generated over the panel’s lifetime.

When we examine solar, wind, and other renewables, we tend to focus on the last mile while neglecting the full supply chain. This is a dangerous oversimplification.

Then, once solar panels reach the end of their lifespan, they ought to be recycled. However, the recycling process is close to nonexistent due to high costs and technical challenges. As such, many panels end up in landfill, contributing to soil and water pollution. It is estimated that by 2050, there could be around 6.5 million tonnes of solar panel waste.

This is why, when analyzing the benefits of a renewable source of energy, the entire scope and supply chain needs to be evaluated. And yet, to this day, we only focus on the last mile.

The same concept applies to electric cars. The entire supply chain must be analyzed — starting with the mines that extract the lithium, cobalt, nickel and graphite essential for making batteries, often under questionable ethical conditions.

I recently read the news of a fully electric building in the US, which was hailed as a great success. Yet its power sources were predominantly fossil fuels. And just how efficient are such structures, considering the loss of power in the grid and other factors such as the inherent inefficiency of electric heaters compared to gas-powered ones?

For all these reasons, it is important to pursue efforts to improve the sustainability of production, transportation, and recycling processes to mitigate these environmental impacts. It is even more important not to politicize the energy and environmental debate, as it will only lead to flawed decisions.

SAUDI MINISTER HIGHLIGHTS ‘UNPRECEDENTED’ ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRESS AT RIYADH FORUM

Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli

Updated 13 September 2024

Haifa Alshammari

RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli highlighted the KINGDOM’S UNPRECEDENTED ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRESS DURING THE 10TH REGIONAL FORUM OF THE INTERNATIONAL UNION FOR CONSERVATION OF NATURE FOR WEST ASIA, HELD IN RIYADH.

The event, hosted by Saudi Arabia through the National Center for Wildlife from Sept. 9-11, brought together more than 200 experts from West Asia and regional authorities.

During a panel discussion, Al-Fadhli highlighted THE KINGDOM’S ENVIRONMENTAL MILESTONES, BOTH LOCALLY AND GLOBALLY, DRIVEN BY A NATIONAL VISION THAT POSITIONS THE ENVIRONMENTAL SECTOR AS KEY TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT.

He noted the adoption of the National Environment Strategy as a guiding framework and highlighted various initiatives, including those launched during the G20 Riyadh Summit, aimed at conserving biodiversity, preventing land degradation and advancing global coral reef research.

The minister also spotlighted the SAUDI GREEN INITIATIVE, THE MIDDLE EAST GREEN Initiative and efforts to combat overgrazing, aiming to protect 30 percent of the Kingdom’s land and marine areas by 2030.

He emphasized the integrated institutional framework, which includes a national strategy, specialized centers for wildlife, meteorology, desertification control, waste management and vegetation cover, as well as an environmental fund.

Al-Fadhli concluded by underscoring the significance of hosting the IUCN forum and the UPCOMING COP16 IN DECEMBER, WHICH AIMS TO ENHANCE INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION to combat land degradation and drought, PROVIDING ENVIRONMENTAL, ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL BENEFITS WORLDWIDE.

In an interview with Arab News, Mohammad Qurban, CEO of the National Center for Wildlife, discussed THE SIGNIFICANT ROLE THE KINGDOM IS PLAYING IN ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND PIONEERING GREEN INITIATIVES THROUGH SUSTAINABLE STRATEGIES, BOTH REGIONALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY.

“The collaboration between NCW and IUCN was not spontaneous. We have been planning for this conference for a long time. This is one of the major initiatives with various objectives. It brings us closer to other entities, offers an exchange of information and builds partnerships.”

Qurban highlighted the IMPORTANCE OF GLOBAL COLLABORATIONS TO REACH A SHARED GOAL OF RESTORING AND PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT IN SAUDI ARABIA. “WE ARE WORKING TO ACHIEVE EQUILIBRIUM IN NATURE.”

One of the outcomes Qurban hopes to achieve through the conference is to succeed in joint efforts with IUCN to protect the environment.

Additionally, one of the panelists in the discussions was Razan Al-Mubarak, president of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, who explained one of IUCN’s strategies to address rising temperatures by transitioning from traditional to renewable energy.

From her perspective, the transition to renewable energy has been slower than expected. Therefore, to accelerate the process, officials in the UAE announced that 60 percent of their energy mix will come from renewable sources by 2025.

The forum, held every four years, promotes communication and collaboration among West Asia members, providing a platform for exchanging ideas, addressing environmental challenges and developing conservation strategies.

THE FORUM HOSTS WORKSHOPS AND SEMINARS TO ENHANCE ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS AND TRAIN INDIVIDUALS ON BEST PRACTICES, AIMING TO ESTABLISH EFFECTIVE ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES.

RIYADH NAMED ARAB ENVIRONMENT CAPITAL FOR THE NEXT TWO YEARS

Updated 17 October 2024 Arab News

JEDDAH: RIYADH HAS BEEN NAMED ARAB ENVIRONMENT CAPITAL FOR THE NEXT TWO YEARS, DURING A MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF ARAB MINISTERS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.

The city is making progress on its GREEN RIYADH INITIATIVE, part of VISION 2030, which aims to plant 7.5 million trees across the desert metropolis.

Some of the stated goals of the program include increasing the city’s level of green cover to 9 percent, up from 1.5 percent.

Green Riyadh also hopes to increase the area of green spaces per capita 16-fold, from 1.7 sq. meters to 28 sq. meters.

By 2030, the initiative also hopes to improve air quality in the capital, reducing carbon dioxide levels by 3-6 percent while increasing oxygen levels and reducing temperatures by 1.5C to 2C.

Another significant environmental initiative in the city is the under-construction King Salman Park, which is set to be the largest urban park in the world.

RIYADH TAKES ON THE MANTLE OF ARAB ENVIRONMENTAL CAPITAL from its previous holder, Abu Dhabi.

The announcement was made during the 35TH SESSION OF THE COUNCIL OF ARAB MINISTERS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, WHICH TOOK PLACE IN JEDDAH FROM OCT. 13 TO 17.

The event, organized by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture in collaboration with the Arab League, brought together ENVIRONMENT MINISTERS FROM ARAB COUNTRIES AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS TO DISCUSS PRESSING ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES FACING THE ARAB WORLD.

During his opening speech, Saudi Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli emphasized THE KINGDOM’S COMMITMENT TO ADVANCING ENVIRONMENTAL GOALS AS PART OF ITS VISION 2030.

He highlighted the significance of Saudi Arabia’s leadership in launching key initiatives such as the SAUDI GREEN INITIATIVE AND THE MIDDLE EAST GREEN INITIATIVE, WHICH AIM TO TACKLE MAJOR CHALLENGES SUCH AS DESERTIFICATION, BIODIVERSITY LOSS AND WATER SCARCITY.

“We are committed to combating environmental challenges and hope the outcomes of this session will help garner international support for restoring degraded lands and increasing resilience to drought,” Al-Fadhli said.

The minister further stressed the IMPORTANCE OF COLLABORATION AMONG ARAB NATIONS AND INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS IN ACHIEVING ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY.

This was particularly important, he said, in light of SAUDI ARABIA’S HOSTING OF THE 16TH SESSION OF THE CONFERENCE OF THE PARTIES (COP16) TO THE UN CONVENTION TO COMBAT DESERTIFICATION, WHICH WILL BE HELD IN RIYADH IN DECEMBER.

HE CALLED FOR ACTIVE PARTICIPATION FROM ALL SECTORS, INCLUDING GOVERNMENTS, PRIVATE COMPANIES AND CIVIL SOCIETY, TO ENSURE THE SUCCESS OF THE CONFERENCE.

Ibrahim Thiaw, executive secretary of the UN CONVENTION TO COMBAT DESERTIFICATION, HIGHLIGHTED THE WATER CRISIS IN THE ARAB REGION, pointing out that it holds just 2 percent of the world’s renewable water resources, making it one of the regions most affected by drought and desertification.

Thiaw urged the Arab world to invest in land restoration and build resilience against future droughts to meet the increasing food demand, which is expected to double in the coming decades.

The session concluded with a series of key resolutions including the RECOGNITION OF THE SAUDI GREEN INITIATIVE AS THE OUTSTANDING ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECT IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR.

THE COUNCIL ALSO URGED ARAB NATIONS TO JOIN THE MIDDLE EAST GREEN INITIATIVE AND TO PARTICIPATE ACTIVELY IN COP16.

Discussions covered a wide range of topics, INCLUDING CLIMATE CHANGE, BIODIVERSITY AND COOPERATION IN IMPLEMENTING INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL AGREEMENTS.

GLOBAL FUTURE COUNCILS MEETING FOCUSES ON AI, ENVIRONMENT AND GOVERNANCE ISSUES. 500 (5) DELEGATES TO DISCUSS FIVE (5) KEY AREAS

More than 500 delegates will engage in 30 councils to address opportunities and challenges in five key areas: technology and AI; environment and climate change; governance; economics and finance; and society

Updated 16 October 2024 Nadia Al Faour ARAB NEWS

DUBAI: The 2024 Annual Meeting of the Global Future Councils began in Dubai on Wednesday, bringing together 500 DELEGATES AND EXPERTS TO DISCUSS ISSUES RELATED TO ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, THE ENVIRONMENT AND GOVERNANCE.

Organized in partnership with the UAE government, the event was opened by KLAUS SCHWAB, CHAIRMAN OF THE WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM, WHO EMPHASIZED THE NEED FOR HUMANITY TO RETHINK ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH NATURE AND TO STAY HOPEFUL ABOUT THE FUTURE.

“We moved from an agricultural to an industrial world, and now we are at the intelligent age. TO HAVE A BETTER FUTURE WE MUST BELIEVE IN ONE AND WE MUST DESIGN IT,” SCHWAB SAID, ARGUING THAT THE ABANDONMENT OF HOPE FOR A BETTER WORLD IS ONE OF THE BIGGEST DANGERS TO MANKIND. 

Schwab said that technology is not inherently a threat but emphasized that global cooperation is essential in setting boundaries, particularly around AI, to address the challenges facing the world.

The meeting, which runs until Thursday, BRINGS TOGETHER GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, FUTURISTS AND EXPERTS FROM PUBLIC, PRIVATE, ACADEMIC AND INTERNATIONAL SECTORS IN 80 COUNTRIES. THE DISCUSSIONS AIM TO STRENGTHEN COOPERATION AND TACKLE SOCIETAL CHALLENGES.

More than 500 (5) DELEGATES WILL ENGAGE IN 30 COUNCILS TO ADDRESS OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES IN FIVE (5) KEY AREAS: TECHNOLOGY AND AI; ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE; GOVERNANCE; ECONOMICS AND FINANCE; AND SOCIETY.

Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, the UAE’s minister of cabinet affairs, echoed Schwab’s optimism, noting that a better future must be built on hope and an understanding of the past.

“We cannot have a better future without understanding the past,” Gergawi said. “We find ourselves surrounded by rapid changes today and some of our convictions under scrutiny.

“We thought as the world becomes more interconnected, conflicts and military confrontations would diminish. We also thought some global institutions were unshakable but they are also under scrutiny. Instead we have increased societal divisions.”

Gergawi stressed that adaptability is key for governments to navigate these shifts. 

“SUSTAINABILITY AND ECONOMY CAN THRIVE AND CAN BE LINKED TO ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION. THERE IS NO CONSTANT IN LIFE, GOVERNMENTS MUST REMAIN OPEN TO NEW IDEAS AT THE HEART OF THEIR STRATEGIES. THOSE WHO MASTER ADAPTABILITY WILL MASTER THE FUTURE,” he said.

THE WEF’S GLOBAL FUTURE COUNCILS is a network designed to address global challenges through transformative ideas. Its 30 councils, composed of experts from business, government, academia and civil society, aim to generate insights to help address critical global issues.

For the first time, the event features significant private sector participation, with 70 top CEOs from leading global companies offering insights on the future of their respective industries.

THE IDEAS GENERATED AT THIS YEAR’S MEETING WILL CONTRIBUTE TO THE WEF’S BROADER MISSION OF FOSTERING CROSS-SECTOR PARTNERSHIPS TO TACKLE COMPLEX GLOBAL CHALLENGES. THESE DISCUSSIONS WILL ALSO HELP SHAPE THE AGENDA FOR THE 2025 ANNUAL MEETING IN DAVOS AND THE YEAR-ROUND WORK OF THE FORUM’S 10 CENTERS.

In his speech, Gergawi also addressed the conflicts affecting the Middle East, stressing the importance of moving forward rather than remaining trapped by the region’s past challenges.

“We live in an era where civilizations can change within a few years. The role of governments is to get our society, our education and health sectors ready for the future. We cannot move away and move on from the past that creates conflicts fast enough.” 

WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM AND UN SIGN STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP FRAMEWORK

New York, USA, 13 June 2019 – THE WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM AND THE UNITED NATIONS SIGNED TODAY A STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP FRAMEWORK OUTLINING AREAS OF COOPERATION TO DEEPEN INSTITUTIONAL ENGAGEMENT AND JOINTLY ACCELERATE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 2030 AGENDA FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT. THE FRAMEWORK WAS DRAFTED BASED ON A MAPPING OF EXISTING COLLABORATION BETWEEN THE TWO INSTITUTIONS AND WILL ENABLE A MORE STRATEGIC AND COORDINATED APPROACH TOWARDS DELIVERING IMPACT.

THE UN-FORUM PARTNERSHIP WAS SIGNED IN A MEETING HELD AT UNITED NATIONS HEADQUARTERS BETWEEN UN SECRETARY-GENERAL ANTÓNIO GUTERRES AND WORLD ECONOMIC FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN KLAUS SCHWAB.

“MEETING THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS IS ESSENTIAL FOR THE FUTURE OF HUMANITY. THE WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM IS COMMITTED TO SUPPORTING THIS EFFORT, AND WORKING WITH THE UNITED NATIONS TO BUILD A MORE PROSPEROUS AND EQUITABLE FUTURE,” SAID KLAUS SCHWAB, WORLD ECONOMIC FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN.

“THE NEW STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP FRAMEWORK BETWEEN THE UNITED NATIONS AND THE WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM HAS GREAT POTENTIAL TO ADVANCE OUR EFFORTS ON KEY GLOBAL CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES, FROM CLIMATE CHANGE, HEALTH AND EDUCATION TO GENDER EQUALITY, DIGITAL COOPERATION AND FINANCING FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT. ROOTED IN UN NORMS AND VALUES, THE FRAMEWORK UNDERSCORES THE INVALUABLE ROLE OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR IN THIS WORK – AND POINTS THE WAY TOWARD ACTION TO GENERATE SHARED PROSPERITY ON A HEALTHY PLANET WHILE LEAVING NO ONE BEHIND,” SAID ANTÓNIO

GUTERRES, UN SECRETARY-GENERAL

THE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP FRAMEWORK WILL FOCUS ON THE FOLLOWING AREAS:

1. Financing the 2030 Agenda – Mobilize systems and accelerate finance flows toward the 2030 Agenda and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, taking forward solutions to increase long-term SDG investments.
2. Climate change – Achieve clear, measurable and public commitments from the private sector to reach carbon neutrality by 2050, help create public-private platforms in critical high-emitting sectors, and scale up the services required to adapt to the impacts of climate change.
3. Health – Support countries achieve good health and well-being for all, within the context of the 2030 Agenda, focusing on key emerging global health threats that require stronger multistakeholder partnership and action.
4. Digital cooperation – Meet the needs of the Fourth Industrial Revolution while seeking to advance global analysis, dialogue and standards for digital governance and digital inclusiveness.
5. Gender equality and the empowerment of women – Foster multistakeholder partnerships and coalitions for full participation and equal opportunities of women at all levels of decision-making and for productive participation of women in the labour force, and promote equal pay for work of equal value across sectors and occupations as well as within them.
6. Education and skills – Promote public-private partnerships to address global reskilling and lifelong learning for the future requirements for work, and empower youth with competencies for life and decent work.

The leadership across the United Nations will engage in and utilize the different platforms provided by the World Economic Forum to advance impact in the above areas. BOTH INSTITUTIONS WILL ANNUALLY REVIEW THE PARTNERSHIP TO FURTHER STREAMLINE COLLABORATION, TAKE STOCK OF RESULTS AND IDENTIFY ADDITIONAL AREAS TO JOINTLY INVEST EFFORTS IN.

MBS MAKES ‘PACT’ WITH THE UNITED NATIONS

SAUDI ARABIA LEADS ARAB ENVIRONMENTAL TALKS IN JEDDAH

Updated 12 October 2024 Arab News

RIYADH: SAUDI ARABIA WILL HOST THE 35TH SESSION OF THE COUNCIL OF ARAB MINISTERS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT FROM OCT. 13 TO 17 IN JEDDAH.

The event is organized by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture in cooperation with the Arab League.

The agenda for the 35th session INCLUDES DISCUSSIONS ON ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES AND NATURE-BASED SOLUTIONS, THE IMPLEMENTATION OF DECISIONS TAKEN IN PREVIOUS SESSIONS, AND INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL AGREEMENTS.

It will also address ARAB COOPERATION ON DESERTIFICATION, BIODIVERSITY AND CLIMATE ISSUES, COOPERATION WITH THE G20 GLOBAL LAND INITIATIVE, PROGRESS ON THE MIDDLE EAST GREEN INITIATIVE, ARAB PARTICIPATION IN THE COP16 CONFERENCE IN RIYADH, AND VARIOUS ENVIRONMENTAL TOPICS SUBMITTED BY PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES.

THE KINGDOM’S HOSTING OF THESE MEETINGS HIGHLIGHTS “ITS LEADING ROLE IN PROMOTING JOINT ARAB ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION AT NATIONAL, REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL LEVELS,” according to the Saudi Press Agency.

ARAB ENVIRONMENT FORUM UNIFIES REGION ON ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

Saudi Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli, center, tours the accompanying exhibition of the Arab Forum for Environment

Updated 04 June 2024 Nada Alturki ARAB NEWS

RIYADH: The third Arab Forum for Environment, hosted this year by the Kingdom, was held in Riyadh from June 3-4 to discuss and PROPOSE SOLUTIONS FOR THE LOOMING ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES IN THE ARAB REGION.

It was held ahead of WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY on June 5, which will also be hosted by the Kingdom this year alongside the UN ENVIRONMENT PROGRAM UNDER THE THEME “OUR LAND. OUR FUTURE.”

The Arab League’s director of the department of environmental affairs and meteorology, Dr. Mahmoud Fath-Allah, said during opening remarks that ARAB COUNTRIES ARE AMONG THE MOST VULNERABLE WORLDWIDE TO ECOSYSTEM DAMAGE, as 90 percent of areas in the region are classified as dry or extremely dry.

“We have all realized that the diversification of natural system services as a result of the continuing loss of natural resources and land degradation strengthens the region’s endeavors and its capabilities to ACHIEVE FOOD SECURITY AND HUMAN STABILITY, which is why selecting the theme for the forum this year, ‘Land Rehabilitation to Enhance Resilience,’ REINFORCES THE REALITY OF COOPERATION AND COORDINATION WITH ALL INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS TO REPAIR OUR NATURAL RESOURCES,” he said.

Represented by the Kingdom’s Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, the annual forum provided a platform for decisionmakers, experts and specialists within ARAB COUNTRIES TO PROMOTE JOINT ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION IN THE REGION.

Saudi Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli said in a speech: “THE KINGDOM HAS ADOPTED A NUMBER OF PIONEERING NATIONAL INITIATIVES, MOST NOTABLY THE SAUDI GREEN INITIATIVE AND THE MIDDLE EAST GREEN INITIATIVE, WHICH AIM TO ENHANCE REGIONAL COOPERATION TO REDUCE LAND DEGRADATION, PRESERVE VEGETATION, ENHANCE BIODIVERSITY, FOOD AND WATER SECURITY, ADAPT TO CLIMATE CHANGE AND IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE.

“The Kingdom also played a pivotal role in developing the global initiative to reduce land degradation and loss of wild habitats, and the platform initiative to accelerate research and development in the field of global coral reefs.”

The forum’s first panel discussion tackled the issue of land degradation and environmental challenges faced regionally and globally.

The session expanded on the issue within the framework of planetary challenges and the role of the Rio Conventions; the ARAB REGION’S NEED TO ACHIEVE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS; the MOST PROMINENT OUTCOMES OF THE SIXTH SESSION OF THE UN ENVIRONMENT ASSEMBLY AND THEIR APPLICATION WITHIN THE ARAB REGION; AND SAUDI ARABIA’S COMMITMENT TO ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENT BY HOSTING COP16.

The next panel discussion discussed the importance of ENHANCING FOOD AND WATER SECURITY THROUGH SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMs as well as management of water sources, reducing the effects of drought and proactive approaches to soil conservation.

The first day’s agenda concluded with the third session, “THE IMPORTANCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENT IN PRESERVING TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEMS,” which provided insight on managing human development activities and reducing negative impacts on terrestrial ecosystems, LEGISLATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE INDICATORS; SUSTAINABLE WASTE MANAGEMENT TO PRESERVE TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEMS; AND USING MODERN TECHNOLOGIES TO ENHANCE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENT.

The forum also inaugurated its accompanying exhibition in which NATIONAL, REGIONAL, AND INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTIONS FROM THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS AS WELL AS CIVIL SOCIETY SHOWCASED PROMINENT ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS, initiatives and the latest technologies.

SAUDI ARABIA, UNEP TO HOST WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY

Updated 02 June 2024 Arab News

RIYADH: SAUDI ARABIA AND THE UN ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME WILL MARK WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY ON JUNE 5, TO BE HELD THIS YEAR UNDER THE THEME “OUR LAND, OUR FUTURE.”

The ceremony will be at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh, and will be attended by dignitaries, officials, as well as experts and specialists from various countries.

According to the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, BY HOSTING WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY THE KINGDOM CONFIRMS ITS COMMITMENT TO PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT AND PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, IN LINE WITH THE VISION 2030 GOALS.

Focus will be on land restoration, combating desertification, and ensuring drought resilience. The event will emphasize the need for global investment in nature conservation, land rehabilitation and sustainable practices.

The event highlights the importance of national and international collaboration and aims to promote efforts to rehabilitate worldwide ecosystems to achieve sustainable development goals.

The ministry also said that World Environment Day activities will help bolster the Kingdom’s efforts in land restoration and rehabilitation, and display Saudi Arabia’s initiatives in this respect at national, regional and international levels, which focus on vegetation development, combating desertification, protecting natural habitats and reducing carbon emissions.

The event will also reinforce the G20 Global Land Initiative, launched during the Kingdom’s presidency of the G20 Summit in 2020. It will call for effective global participation in the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, scheduled to convene in Riyadh this December.

World Environment Day is one of the largest global platforms for environmental outreach, supporting vital ecosystem restoration work worldwide.

Countries worldwide have committed to restoring 1 billion hectares of land, protecting 30 percent of land and sea for nature and restoring 30 percent of the planet’s degraded ecosystems.

SUPPORTING THE 2030 AGENDA FOR A SUSTAINABLE, RESILIENT WORLD, WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY 2024 WILL BOOST CLIMATE ACTION EFFORTS BY GATHERING SUPPORT FOR ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION.

Earlier, Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli said Saudi Arabia takes a holistic approach to the environment, focusing on protecting the natural environment and preserving biodiversity.

He said that the country has implemented a suite of national legislation, strategies and plans dedicated to environmental protection and sustainability, such as the Saudi and Middle East Green Initiatives.

Al-Fadhli said Saudi Arabia had a central role in initiating the Reducing Land Degradation and Enhancing Conservation of Terrestrial Habitats Initiative, a show of its ongoing commitment to global involvement.

SAUDI ARABIA PUSHES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COOPERATION

Updated 11 September 2024 Arab News

SAUDI ARABIA HAS EMPHASIZED THE NEED FOR REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION TO TACKLE ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES AT THE 26TH GCC MEETING ON ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS.

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has emphasized the need for regional and international cooperation to tackle environmental challenges, particularly in rehabilitating degraded lands and boosting resilience to drought.

Deputy Minister of Environment Mansour Al-Mushaiti highlighted these points at the 26th GCC meeting on environmental affairs in Qatar, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Al-Mushaiti urged GCC COUNTRIES TO RATIFY THE MIDDLE EAST GREEN INITIATIVE CHARTER AND SET NATIONAL TARGETS FOR TREE PLANTING AND LAND REHABILITATION. HE ALSO CALLED FOR INCREASED SUPPORT FROM GCC NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT FUNDS FOR VEGETATION PROJECTS.

Al-Mushaiti said that GCC MEETINGS HAD ADVANCED ENVIRONMENTAL EFFORTS AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN THE REGION. He stressed the IMPORTANCE OF ADDRESSING ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, CLIMATE CHANGE, AND BALANCING DEVELOPMENT WITH RESOURCE PRESERVATION.

Al-Mushaiti expressed the HOPE THAT SAUDI ARABIA’S HOSTING OF COP16 IN DECEMBER WOULD SIGNIFICANTLY IMPACT GLOBAL EFFORTS to combat land degradation and drought. He called for ACTIVE PARTICIPATION FROM ALL GCC COUNTRIES, INTERNATIONAL AND REGIONAL ORGANIZATIONS, THE PRIVATE SECTOR, AND CIVIL SOCIETY.

THE PLANTING OF 50 (5) BILLION TREES ACROSS THE MIDDLE EAST is the equivalent of restoring 200 million hectares of degraded land. 10 billion trees will be planted within Saudi Arabia’s borders, with the remaining 40 billion set to be planted across the region in the coming decades.

Achieving this target will help to generate new employment opportunities and strengthen the resilience of remote communities. The trees will also provide numerous other benefits, including stabilizing soils, protecting against floods and dust storms and helping reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 2.5% of global levels.
Interested in the region’s most recent trend and consumer views on sustainability?
Reach out at info@aweresearch.com and learn more about G’AWE Green, Awe Research’s most recent syndicated study across MENA.

FRANK LASEE IS AN EXPERT IN ENERGY, CLIMATE, AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES. HIS ARTICLES HAVE APPEARED IN REAL CLEAR ENERGY, WASHINGTON EXAMINER, WASHINGTON POST, TOWN HALL, AND THE DAILY CALLER.

IN ADDITION, HE HAS BEEN A GUEST ON TV, AND RADIO NEWS AND HAS SPOKEN TO MORE THAN 15,000 PEOPLE IN LARGE AND SMALL GROUPS. IN THIS EPISODE, JOIN AUTHOR FRANK LASEE AS HE EXPOSES THE DEVASTATING LIES SURROUNDING CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENERGY POLICIES.

AUTHOR OF ‘CLIMATE AND ENERGY LIES: EXPENSIVE, DANGEROUS, AND DESTRUCTIVE,’ LASEE PRESENTS COMPELLING EVIDENCE DEBUNKING THE MYTHS OF CLIMATE CHANGE AND EXPLORES THE REAL IMPACT ON OUR LIVES.

WITH IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS AND DATA, HE ARGUES AGAINST MAINSTREAM VIEWS, UNCOVERS THE MISINFORMATION PROPAGATED BY VARIOUS INSTITUTIONS, AND STRESSES THE IMPORTANCE OF MORE CO2 FOR ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS. THIS EPISODE IS PACKED WITH EYE-OPENING REVELATIONS AND INSIGHTS.

COP29 PRESIDENCY PUBLISHES CLIMATE PLEDGES, URGING GLOBAL ACTION AHEAD OF SUMMIT

Arab News October 21, 202417:30

RIYADH: THE COP29 PRESIDENCY HAS RELEASED THE FINAL VERSIONS OF NINE SIGNIFICANT DECLARATIONS AND PLEDGES AHEAD OF THE UPCOMING UN CLIMATE SUMMIT in Baku, Azerbaijan, scheduled for November.

These documents, forming a part of the COP29 ACTION AGENDA, OUTLINE PATHWAYS FOR BOTH GOVERNMENTAL AND NON-GOVERNMENTAL STAKEHOLDERS TO STEP UP THEIR CLIMATE COMMITMENTS.

By inviting endorsements from a wide range of actors, the presidency aims to catalyze meaningful action beyond the OFFICIAL NEGOTIATIONS OF THE UN FRAMEWORK CONVENTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE.

The COP29 Action Agenda, first introduced in September, seeks to COMPLEMENT THE FORMAL NEGOTIATION PROCESS BY OFFERING CONCRETE INITIATIVES DESIGNED TO INCREASE AMBITION ACROSS KEY CLIMATE SECTORS.

While not part of the official UNFCCC framework, these declarations and pledges are intended to inspire collective action across various societal sectors, REINFORCING THE SUMMIT’S OVERARCHING GOAL OF ENHANCED CLIMATE AMBITION.

Now that the final texts are available, stakeholders have the opportunity to formally endorse them ahead of their official launch during the summit.

Among the documents published are key initiatives such as THE FINAL VERSION OF THE COP29 TRUCE APPEAL, THE GLOBAL ENERGY STORAGE AND GRIDS PLEDGE, and a range of declarations focused on sectors from tourism to hydrogen energy and water management.

NOTABLY, THE COP29 TRUCE APPEAL HAS ALREADY GARNERED SUPPORT FROM 127 COUNTRIES AND OVER 1,100 NON-STATE ACTORS. This appeal calls for a cessation of conflicts during the COP29 period, aiming to reduce military emissions and PROMOTE GLOBAL PEACE ALONGSIDE CLIMATE ACTION.

One of the central initiatives, the Global Energy Storage and Grids Pledge, is particularly ambitious, aiming to increase global energy storage capacity sixfold, to 1,500 GW.

This represents a critical step in the transition to renewable energy, as enhanced storage and grid infrastructure are essential to managing intermittent energy sources like wind and solar power.

The documents aim to encourage governments to incorporate these pledges into their national climate strategies while PROVIDING A FRAMEWORK FOR NON-STATE ACTORS TO ALIGN THEIR EFFORTS WITH GLOBAL CLIMATE GOALS.

These initiatives cover a wide range of sectors, from DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN GREEN ENERGY TO REDUCING METHANE EMISSIONS FROM ORGANIC WASTE.

In addition to these pledges, the presidency will also release a detailed program of events for the summit, aiming TO GALVANIZE GLOBAL CLIMATE ACTION. These events will bring together key stakeholders for in-depth discussions and SERVE AS PLATFORMS FOR LAUNCHING THE VARIOUS DECLARATIONS.

Host nation Azerbaijan is expected to play a central role in ensuring the success of these events, which are EXPECTED TO DRIVE FORWARD GLOBAL CLIMATE COMMITMENTS.

Mukhtar Babayev, president-designate of COP29, emphasized the importance of these pledges, stating that they SERVE AS VITAL TOOLS IN ADVANCING CLIMATE ACTION. According to Babayev, while signing these pledges alone will not achieve the necessary transformations, they are crucial in sending clear market signals, directing financial investments, and fostering a collective sense of responsibility.

He highlighted the early support for the COP29 TRUCE APPEAL AS A PROMISING EXAMPLE OF HOW CLIMATE ACTION AND GLOBAL PEACE ARE INTERCONNECTED.

These initiatives, while separate from the formal UNFCCC negotiations, are DESIGNED TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR CLIMATE ACTION, PARTICULARLY FOR NON-STATE ACTORS WHO PLAY A VITAL ROLE IN THE GLOBAL RESPONSE TO CLIMATE CHANGE.

The COP29 Presidency encourages all stakeholders to review the final texts and consider endorsing these climate initiatives, which COLLECTIVELY AIM TO ACCELERATE PROGRESS TOWARDS ACHIEVING THE GOALS SET BY THE PARIS AGREEMENT.

A PULSE CHECK FROM ARAB NEWS ON THE KINGDOM’S GREEN AND BLUE INITIATIVES

Noor Nugali ARAB NEWS 2024

WHEN CROWN PRINCE MOHAMMED BIN SALMAN ANNOUNCED THE TWIN LAUNCH OF THE SAUDI AND MIDDLE EAST GREEN INITIATIVES IN MARCH 2021, HE MADE CLEAR THE SCALE OF THE CHALLENGE HE WAS SETTING FOR BOTH THE KINGDOM AND THE WIDER REGION.

“This is only a start,” he said. “The Kingdom, the region, and the world needs to go much FURTHER AND FASTER IN COMBATING CLIMATE CHANGE.”

He added: “Given our starting point, beginning this journey to a greener future has not been easy.” But, as a major oil producer, SAUDI ARABIA FULLY RECOGNIZED ITS SHARE OF RESPONSIBILITY IN ADVANCING THE FIGHT AGAINST THE CLIMATE CRISIS AND “WE ARE NOT AVOIDING TOUGH CHOICES.”

He predicted, “just as the Kingdom underpinned energy markets during the oil and gas era, IT IS GOING TO BECOME A GLOBAL LEADER IN FORGING A GREENER WORLD.”

THE ISSUE OF SUSTAINABILITY IS A KEY PART OF SAUDI ARABIA’S VISION 2030. AT THE LAUNCH OF THE WIDE-RANGING BLUEPRINT FOR THE KINGDOM’S FUTURE IN 2016, THE CROWN PRINCE SAID CLIMATE ACTION WOULD “ENHANCE COMPETITIVENESS, SPARK INNOVATION AND CREATE MILLIONS OF HIGH-QUALITY JOBS.

“YOUNG PEOPLE, BOTH IN THE KINGDOM AND THE WORLD, ARE DEMANDING A CLEANER, GREENER AND MORE INCLUSIVE FUTURE, AND WE OWE IT TO THEM TO DELIVER ON THIS.”

The story of how Saudi Arabia is now fulfilling that pledge is a remarkable one that deserves to be explained in detail. That is why Arab News decided to launch a new section, GREEN AND BLUE, DEDICATED TO COVERAGE OF THIS HISTORIC JOURNEY UPON WHICH THE KINGDOM HAS EMBARKED.

Why Green and Blue? These are the colors of life on our precious planet, reflected in the Kingdom’s ambition to restore and protect all elements of the environment on which we all depend.

AT THE INAUGURAL SGI FORUM IN RIYADH IN OCTOBER 2021, A NUMBER OF CLIMATE-ACTION PROGRAMS AND PLEDGES WERE UNLEASHED, addressing issues on land and at sea.

THE SGI, “AN AMBITIOUS NATIONAL INITIATIVE THAT IS FOCUSED ON COMBATING CLIMATE CHANGE, IMPROVING QUALITY OF LIFE AND PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS,” HAS SO FAR SET IN MOTION MORE THAN 80 SEPARATE PROGRAMS DESIGNED TO HELP THE KINGDOM HIT THREE KEY TARGETS: REDUCING EMISSIONS, GREENING THE COUNTRY, AND PROTECTING LAND AND SEA.

THE HEROIC DETERMINATION AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE SAUDI AND MIDDLE EAST GREEN INITIATIVES SHOULD BE DOCUMENTED AND CELEBRATED AS AN INSPIRATION.

With more than 7,572 km of coastline and the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf lapping its shores, Saudi Arabia has become one of the 77 member states of the Global Ocean Alliance, dedicated to protecting an environment that is home to an incredible range of biodiversity, from microscopic krill to giant blue whales, responsible for half of the oxygen we breath, and the primary food source for 3.5 billion around the world.

Already, under the auspices of the SGI, tens of thousands of homes are being powered by clean energy, and numerous wind, solar, green hydrogen and carbon-capture projects are either live or under way, DRIVING SAUDI ARABIA TOWARD ITS FIRST MAJOR MILESTONE ON THE ROAD TO ACHIEVING NET ZERO by 2060 — cutting carbon emissions by 278 million tonnes per year by 2030.

At Al-Jouf, in the north of the country, the Kingdom already has the largest wind farm in the Middle East. The 400MW Dumat Al-Jandal began generating electricity in August 2021. When fully operational, it will power 70,000 homes and offset a million tonnes of CO2 emissions per year.

The ambition to green the country entails a commitment to plant 10 billion trees and rehabilitate 40 million hectares of degraded land, while some 30 percent of Saudi Arabia’s land and sea will be designated as protected territory.

This will create habitats in which indigenous fauna and flora can thrive and, where necessary, be successfully reintroduced, with agencies working in partnership with leading international organizations such as the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

THROUGH THE MGI, SAUDI ARABIA IS ALSO PROMOTING SUSTAINABILITY ACROSS THE ENTIRE REGION.

At the inaugural MGI summit in Sharm El-Sheikh in November 2022, THE CROWN PRINCE ANNOUNCED THE KINGDOM WOULD HOST THE ORGANIZATION’S HEADQUARTERS AND CONTRIBUTE $2.5 BILLION TO ITS OPERATIONS.

These included PLANS TO REDUCE CARBON EMISSIONS FROM REGIONAL HYDROCARBON PRODUCTION BY MORE THAN 60 PERCENT, HELPING TO REDUCE GLOBAL CARBON LEVELS BY 2.5 PERCENT, PLANT 50 BILLION TREES ACROSS THE MIDDLE EAST, AND RESTORE AN AREA EQUIVALENT TO 200 MILLION HECTARES OF DEGRADED LAND.

In other words, there are many stories to be told.

Every Saturday, in print and online, Green and Blue’s dedicated writers, Haifa Alshammari, Sulafa Alkuniazi and Nada Alturki, will tell those stories, reporting on the multiple environmental initiatives unfolding in the Kingdom and the wider region.

In doing so, they will document and explain THE GREAT STRIDES BEING TAKEN TOWARD THE ULTIMATE GOAL OF TRANSFORMING SAUDI ARABIA INTO A NET-ZERO ECONOMY.

It is, of course, the work of experts across various fields who will plot the course ahead, for BOTH THE KINGDOM AND FOR THE WHOLE WORLD. Each week, Green and Blue will therefore feature a column from an expert on the week’s topic.

Let there be no doubt: Saudi Arabia has set itself an extraordinarily ambitious target. Achieving it will demand much of all of us — from individuals and communities to companies and all departments of government.

But we at Arab News believe that the great efforts and sacrifices it will entail will be worth the ultimate prize of preserving our green and blue planet for our children’s children, and that the HEROIC DETERMINATION AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE SAUDI AND MIDDLE EAST GREEN INITIATIVES SHOULD BE DOCUMENTED AND CELEBRATED AS AN INSPIRATION AS WE TRAVEL THIS PATH TOGETHER.

• Noor Nugali is deputy editor-in-chief of Arab News

WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT FOOD WASTE?

Sami Dimassi September 27, 202423:23 ARAB NEWS

This Sept. 29 marks the fifth International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste. Held under the theme “CLIMATE FINANCE FOR FOOD LOSS AND WASTE REDUCTION,” THIS YEAR’S DAY HIGHLIGHTS THE LINK BETWEEN FOOD AND OUR CLIMATE GOALS.

Indeed, the UN Sustainable Development Goal of halving food waste by 2030 will prove critical to cutting emissions and rising to the challenges of environmental sustainability.

The UN Environment Programme’s latest Food Waste Index Report estimates that in 2022 household and retail food waste accounted for 19 percent of all food available to consumers, while at the same time 783 million people were affected by hunger.

Households alone are responsible for generating 60 percent of all food waste. It is estimated that households waste the equivalent of at least one billion meals per day around the globe. This translates to approximately 1.3 meals per day for every individual affected by hunger.

Food waste is not something that occurs in rich countries alone. High-, upper-middle, and lower-middle-income countries differ in observed average levels of household food waste by just 7 kg, per capita, per year.

The world also faces a growing demand for a greater quantity, quality, and diversity of food. The global population is expected to grow from 7.2 billion in 2010 to more than 9 billion by 2050, with corresponding food demand predicted to increase by 60 percent.

FOOD WASTE CONTRIBUTES TO CLIMATE CHANGE AS IT GENERATES 8 TO 10 PERCENT OF THE GREENHOUSE GASES RESPONSIBLE FOR GLOBAL WARMING.

Addressing food waste requires action on both an individual and a systemic level.

We must reimagine sustainable food systems that ensure the production and consumption of sufficient, affordable, and nutritious food, while also conserving the natural resources and ecosystems on which food systems depend.

We cannot tackle this problem without the necessary tools to measure it accurately. Reliable data is essential for making informed decisions and implementing effective solutions. Countries should therefore use the Food Waste Index to consistently measure waste, establish strong national baselines, and track progress.

Unfortunately, only a handful of countries have gathered comprehensive food waste data, which is crucial for understanding the scope of the issue, identifying key problem areas, and evaluating the effectiveness of interventions.

BEHAVIORAL CHANGE IS ALSO ESSENTIAL, SUPPORTED BY ROBUST REGULATIONS THAT INTEGRATE FOOD WASTE SOLUTIONS INTO NATIONAL STRATEGIES AND PROMOTE A CIRCULAR ECONOMY.

IT IS OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE THAT FINANCING IS SECURED TO COMBAT FOOD WASTE IN THE GLOBAL EFFORT TO MEET THE CLIMATE GOALS AND ADVANCE THE 2030 UN SDGS.

In West Asia, it is estimated that 100 to 150 kg per capita of food waste occurs at the household stage per year. The region suffers from severe climate stress, including high temperatures and water scarcity, and relies heavily on food imports to meet the nutritional needs of its citizens.

Meanwhile, the region’s cultural diversity, varied diets and traditions often complicate food management, resulting in increased levels of waste.

Furthermore, weak infrastructure, especially for cool storage, coupled with armed conflicts, hamper efforts to mitigate food waste.

Higher seasonal temperatures, extreme heat events, and droughts make it more challenging to store, process, transport, and sell food safely, often leading to significant volumes being wasted.

As of 2022, only 21 countries have included food loss and waste reduction in their national climate plans.

THE UPCOMING 2025 REVISION PROCESS OF THE NATIONALLY DETERMINED CONTRIBUTIONS AND THE NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGIES AND ACTION PLANS ARE A KEY OPPORTUNITY TO RAISE CLIMATE AMBITION BY INTEGRATING FOOD LOSS AND WASTE.

THE UN ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME HAS ALWAYS PLAYED A CRUCIAL ROLE IN THIS REGARD, WITH SUCCESSFUL CAMPAIGNS SUCH AS THE “RECIPE OF CHANGE,” LED BY UNEP REGIONAL OFFICE FOR WEST ASIA, which targets households, the hospitality industry, retail, and educational institutions.

During the month of Ramadan, in cooperation with the Hilton Hotels Chain, the campaign helped bring about a considerable reduction of food waste in hotel kitchens of 61 percent in 2023 and a further 21 percent in 2024, with a growing number of hotels joining the initiative.

We have proven that collective action can lead to substantial reductions in food waste.

Furthermore, we are committed to support the Global Cooling Pledge through working with our partners on implementing efficient cooling systems in the food supply chain, which can dramatically minimize waste.

AS WE MARK THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF AWARENESS OF FOOD LOSS AND WASTE, WE STRESS THAT IT IS OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE THAT FINANCING IS SECURED TO COMBAT FOOD WASTE IN THE GLOBAL EFFORT TO MEET THE CLIMATE GOALS AND ADVANCE THE 2030 UN SDGS.

• Sami Dimassi is the UN Environment Programme’s representative and regional director for West Asia

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND CLIMATE ACTION IN SAUDI ARABIA

Zaid M. Belbagi October 11, 202422:53 ARAB NEWS

A view of the Shuaibah Solar Photovoltaic Independent Power Plant Project in Makkah region.

Saudi Arabia is working towards economic diversification and is increasingly concerned with this development being sustainable. THE KINGDOM HAS SET OUT GOALS FOR ITS GREEN TRANSITION UNDER THE VISION 2030 FRAMEWORK AND HAS BEGUN TO DEPLOY A MULTIPRONGED APPROACH TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT.

There is an equal focus on adopting clean technologies and IMPROVING GREEN FINANCING. WITH AN EMPHASIS ON CONTINUOUS DEVELOPMENT, THE KINGDOM HAS ALSO PRIORITIZED PERTINENT ISSUES SUCH AS TACKLING POVERTY, HUNGER AND CLIMATE CHANGE AND EXPANDING ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE AND EDUCATION.

CLIMATE CHANGE IS DRIVING THIS FOCUS TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT. The Middle East is warming at twice the global average rate, with temperatures projected to rise by 4 C by 2050. This has led to MORE FREQUENT HEATWAVES, UNPREDICTABLE RAINFALL AND SHRINKING ARABLE LAND.

This is of concern not only for the future of Saudi society but also its present as the Kingdom is witnessing an unprecedented growth in the number of expatriates and tourists, coupled with UNSUSTAINABLE PATTERNS OF WATER AND ENERGY USAGE.

The Kingdom has committed to a NET-ZERO EMISSIONS TARGET by 2060 through the circular carbon economy approach that focuses on reducing, reusing, recycling and removing carbon.

As part of the SAUDI GREEN INITIATIVE, SAUDI ARABIA AIMS TO REDUCE CARBON EMISSIONS BY 278 MILLION TONNES ANNUALLY BY 2030 AND TRANSITION TO SOURCING 50 PERCENT OF ITS ENERGY FROM RENEWABLES.

Furthermore, there is a strong push to INVOLVE THE PRIVATE SECTOR IN ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY PROJECTS, PARTICULARLY IN RENEWABLE ENERGY, WASTE MANAGEMENT AND ECO-FRIENDLY CONSTRUCTION.

Economic diversification has led to rapid urbanization across the Kingdom, including PLANNED SMART CITIES LIKE KING ABDULLAH ECONOMIC CITY AND NEOM. In response to the resulting rise in energy demands, Saudi Arabia is accelerating its adoption of renewables.

Electricity consumption in the country rose by 5 percent in 2023, reaching 325 terawatt hours, as demand grew significantly to power air conditioning units, water desalination, non-oil activity and digitalization.

Chief among its renewable choices are solar and wind energy. Saudi Arabia is home to abundant sun exposure, with an average of 8.9 hours per day.

The Kingdom has partnered with regional and international partners, including the UAE, China and France, to develop its domestic solar infrastructure. Notably, the Kingdom’s Public Investment Fund launched three major solar photovoltaic projects worth $3.3 billion in July.

These initiatives include agreements to localize the manufacturing of wind turbines and PV cells.

Balancing industrial growth, oil production, and sustainability will remain a key challenge in the short term.

MEANWHILE, THE DESIGN FOR NEOM IS INDICATIVE OF THE KINGDOM’S COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT.

THE NEW SMART CITY WILL TRANSFORM THE RED SEA COAST INTO AN URBAN ENVIRONMENT POWERED ENTIRELY BY RENEWABLE ENERGY. IT FEATURES VARIOUS PROJECTS TO INTEGRATE NATURE AND URBAN SUSTAINABILITY, INCLUDING THE LINE, OXAGON, TROJENA AND SINDALAH.

THE KINGDOM HAS ALSO ESTABLISHED THE NEOM GREEN HYDROGEN COMPANY, A JOINT VENTURE WITH ACWA POWER AND AIR PRODUCTS, TO EXPORT UP TO 600 TONS OF HYDROGEN PER DAY BY 2026.

THE KINGDOM IS ALSO A SIGNIFICANT PLAYER IN GREEN FINANCING IN THE MIDDLE EAST. Among the Gulf Cooperation Council states alone, green investments could contribute $2 trillion to economic growth and create a million jobs.

The Saudi Industrial Development Fund offers financial support for renewable energy projects, while the PIF has allocated $10 billion for large-scale green initiatives to be completed by 2026.

The government has introduced incentives for investors, including tax breaks, land leasing, foreign ownership opportunities and carbon credit trading.

SAUDI ARABIA’S EFFORTS ALSO EXTEND TO THE GLOBAL STAGE, WITH ACTIVE PARTICIPATION IN INTERNATIONAL CLIMATE FORUMS SUCH AS COP, THE UN FRAMEWORK CONVENTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE, AND THE CLEAN ENERGY MINISTERIAL.

THIS UNDERSCORES SAUDI ARABIA’S DEDICATION TO LEADING THE GLOBAL TRANSITION TOWARDS A GREEN ECONOMY AND ACHIEVING ITS CLIMATE ACTION GOALS.

Popular support in adopting best practices is key to the success of sustainable development. The Kingdom benefits from the presence of a largely young population that is environmentally conscious and in tune with global trends.

PwC’s recent Global Youth Outlook report found that 91 percent of young Saudi respondents were AWARE OF THE UN’S SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS AND 76 PERCENT BELIEVED THAT THE SAUDI GOVERNMENT IS THE LEADING ACTOR IN THIS TRANSFORMATION, followed by community-level efforts.

They identified the issues of education, water, and sanitation, food security and strong institutions amongst the top priorities for the Kingdom. This high level of awareness is encouraging, as the Saudi youth is at the forefront of domestic transformation in the Kingdom.

ARAMCO, THE SAUDI NATIONAL OIL COMPANY, HAS ALSO JOINED THE TRANSITION TO GREEN ENERGY. IN 2022, ARAMCO LAUNCHED THE SUSTAINABILITY FUND TO ALLOCATE $1.5 BILLION TO MEET ITS NET ZERO TARGETS.

Earlier this year, Aramco allocated $4 billion over the next four years to its global venture capital arm Aramco Ventures, which focuses on a range of investments including green technology.

Its Sustainability Fund invests in start-ups that can support ARAMCO’S AMBITION TO ACHIEVE NET-ZERO GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS across its assets by 2050.

Aramco has also supported King Abdullah University of Science and Technology with $100 million to support research on sustainability over the next 10 years.

Through these initiatives, Saudi Arabia is taking steps towards a sustainable future, addressing both environmental challenges and its economic diversification goals. Yet balancing industrial growth, oil production, and sustainability will remain a key challenge in the short term.

Global oil revenue has been challenged by geopolitical conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, as well as the return of the Libyan oil supply crisis. This comes as international demand for oil is wavering amid the rise of non-hydrocarbon energy alternatives.

Any significant shortfall in oil revenue may limit the Kingdom’s ability to finance its green projects. Thus, despite growing interest in renewables, the Kingdom has indicated it will continue prioritizing investment in the hydrocarbons sector for the foreseeable future.

This strategy aims to maintain market share during the anticipated long-term decline in hydrocarbon demand. Now it must establish a harmonious balance between hydrocarbon revenue and investments in renewable energy.

POPE: SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT ROOTED IN ETHICAL VALUES

Pope Francis addresses participants of an international conference entitled, “RELIGIONS AND THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS POPE FRANCIS ADDRESSES PARTICIPANTS OF AN INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ENTITLED, “RELIGIONS AND THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS   

By Lydia O’Kane VATICAN NEWS

In 2015 Pope Francis addressed the UN General Assembly in New York shortly before member states unanimously adopted Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Fast forward to 2019 and the Pope was in the Vatican on Friday where he greeted participants taking part in a two day INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ENTITLED, “RELIGIONS AND THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGS): LISTENING TO THE CRY OF THE EARTH AND OF THE POOR”.

LISTENING TO ALL VOICES

Pope Francis got straight to the point by telling those gathered that, “when we speak of sustainability, we cannot overlook how important it is to include and to listen to all voices, especially those usually excluded from this type of discussion, such as the voices of the poor, migrants, indigenous people and the young.”

THE 2030 AGENDA AND THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS, THE POPE SAID, “WERE A GREAT STEP FORWARD FOR GLOBAL DIALOGUE, MARKING A VITALLY “NEW AND UNIVERSAL SOLIDARITY”. But he noted, “for too long, the conventional idea of development has been almost entirely limited to economic growth.”

The Pontiff emphasized that, “this has led the modern economic system down a dangerous path where progress is assessed only in terms of material growth, on account of which we are almost obliged to irrationally exploit the environment and our fellow human beings.”

Economic and political objectives, Pope Francis stressed, “must be sustained by ethical objectives, which presuppose a change of attitude: what the Bible would call a change of heart. Already Saint John Paul II spoke about the need to “ENCOURAGE AND SUPPORT AN ‘ECOLOGICAL CONVERSION’”, he said.

The Pope underlined that what was needed was a commitment to “promoting and implementing the development goals that are supported by our deepest religious and ethical values.” He also expressed the hope that concrete solutions and responses would emerge from the conference.

RELIGIOUS DIMENSION

Noting the importance of the religious dimension to this gathering, Pope Francis said that “THOSE OF US WHO ARE RELIGIOUS NEED TO OPEN UP THE TREASURES OF OUR BEST TRADITIONS IN ORDER TO ENGAGE IN A TRUE AND RESPECTFUL DIALOGUE ON HOW TO BUILD THE FUTURE OF OUR PLANET.”

The Pontiff also underlined, that “if we want to provide a solid foundation for the work of the 2030 Agenda, “we must reject the temptation to look for a merely technocratic response to the challenges, and be prepared to address the root causes and the long-term consequences.”

INDIGENOUS PEOPLES

During his address, the Pope made particular mention of Indigenous Peoples saying that, “in a strongly secularized world, such peoples remind us all of the sacredness of our earth. Their voice and their concerns, he added, should be at THE CENTRE OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 2030 AGENDA AND AT THE HEART OF THE SEARCH FOR NEW PATHS FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE. I will also be discussing this with my brother bishops at the Synod for the Pan-Amazon Region, at the end of October this year.”

INJUSTICE THAT BRINGS TEARS TO OUR WORLD IS NOT INVINCIBLE

Concluding his address and quoting his encyclical Laudato Si, he told those present that, “three and a half years since the adoption of the sustainable development goals, we must be even more acutely aware of the importance of accelerating and adapting our actions in responding adequately to both the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor.”

He added, “the challenges are complex and have multiple causes; the response, therefore, must necessarily be complex and well-structured, respectful of the diverse cultural riches of peoples.”

Expressing his understanding for the task that can at times seem all too difficult, the Pope offered words of encouragement. “Human beings, while capable of the worst, are also capable of rising above themselves, choosing again what is good, and making a new start”.

“I encourage you to continue the fight for that change which present circumstances demand, because the injustice that brings tears to our world and to its poor is not invincible.”

The Conference is being jointly organized by the Vatican Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development and the PONTIFICAL COUNCIL FOR INTERRELIGIOUS DIALOGUE and runs until March 9th.

POPE FRANCIS AND THE UN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

1 de December de 2018

THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS PROVIDE US THE FRAMEWORK TO CONFRONT GLOBAL ISSUES – TO NAME A FEW: POVERTY, HUNGER, EDUCATION FOR ALL, ENVIRONMENTAL DESTRUCTION AND SOCIAL INJUSTICE. POPE FRANCIS CALLS US TO READ BETWEEN THE LINES OF SUSTAINABLE TARGETS AND SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS; THAT IN BETWEEN WE WILL NOT FAIL HUMANITY.

The Sustainable Development Goals

The UN officially adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the UN Sustainable Development Summit last September 25–27, 2015 in New York, USA. The SDGs, officially known as Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,is a set of 17 “Global Goals” with 169 targets between them. These are a new universal set of goals, targets and indicators for development framework that will guide the UN member states in addressing global problems. These are an “improved” framework from the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) of 2001.

The MDG’s target platform focused on social development priorities to help poor countries; the SDGs want to create a sustainable development platform creating “achievable” targets for change in all countries – TO END POVERTY, TO PROTECT THE PLANET AND ENSURE PROSPERITY FOR ALL.

The following are the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG):

1. No Poverty

2. Zero Hunger

3. Good Health and Well-being

4. Quality Education

5. Gender Equality

6. Clean Water and Sanitation

7. Affordable and Clean Energy

8. Decent Work and Economic Growth

9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

10. Reduced Inequalities

11. Sustainable Cities and Communities

12. Responsible Consumption and Production

13. Climate Action

14. Life Below Water

15. Life on Land

16. Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

17. Partnerships for the Goals

POPE FRANCIS’ SOCIAL SPIRIT

Yes, the Church opens her windows to global realities (signs of the times); prophetically releasing “social encyclicals” (teaching documents) that will guide best approaches to confront realities through the eyes of faith, action and conviction, but, for certain reasons of “dynamics,” has failed to confront head-on as an institution. There are church people, organizations and personalities who seriously consider the social “call of the spirit.”

With the election of Pope Francis, re-framing the “distant dynamics” of the Curia in particular, and the Catholic Church in general created ripples of “new reform” in spirit, attitude and action among believers.

Pope Francis made it personal, from opening the gates of the Vatican for the homeless of Rome to THE CREATION OF DICASTERY FOR PROMOTING INTEGRAL HUMAN DEVELOPMENT TO EFFECT AN INTEGRAL RESPONSE FROM THE CHURCH ON ISSUES RELATED TO “JUSTICE AND PEACE, THE DEVELOPMENT OF PEOPLES, THE PROMOTION AND DEFENCE OF HUMAN DIGNITY AND HUMAN RIGHTS, SUCH AS RIGHTS PERTAINING TO WORK, INCLUDING THAT OF MINORS; THE PHENOMENON OF MIGRATION AND THE EXPLOITATION OF MIGRANTS; HUMAN TRAFFICKING AND ENSLAVEMENT; IMPRISONMENT, TORTURE AND CAPITAL PUNISHMENT; DISARMAMENT AND ARMS CONTROL AS WELL AS ARMED CONFLICTS AND THEIR EFFECTS ON THE CIVILIAN POPULATION AND THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT…”

Pope Francis speaks of ecological action, love for migrants, exclusivity of church people, the evils of economy, profit over people, hunger – all rooted in the greed of humanity and institutions. In an article in TIME magazine, Elizabeth Dias said

“Francis’ vision for change is comprehensive. He addresses the challenges of food production due to uncontrolled fishing. He reminds readers that migrants are forced to flee poverty induced by environmental degradation but are not recognized internationally as refugees. He offers a corrective to past theological interpretations that say that God gave humanity dominion over the earth and challenges the idea that humanity should be the center of concern when it comes to the Earth’s future. He calls out the failures big business, politicians, and international summits.”

POPE FRANCIS’ CRITICAL PROPOSALS

LAUDATO SI’: ON CARE FOR OUR COMMON HOME, IS A “SOCIAL ENCYCLICAL” OF POPE FRANCIS THAT WAS OFFICIALLY RELEASED LAST JUNE 18, 2015 AND WHICH PROVIDES NOT ONLY THE ENVIRONMENTAL DIRECTION OF THE CHURCH BUT AS A WHOLE INFUSED THE CONSCIOUS LINES OF ACTION FOR “INTEGRAL ECOLOGY” (ECOLOGY TAKEN NOT ONLY ENVIRONMENTAL BUT ALSO POLITICAL, SOCIAL, CULTURAL). FROM THIS ENCYCLICAL, HE LINKS ENVIRONMENTAL DESTRUCTION (CRY OF THE EARTH) WITH THE DESTRUCTION OF THE LIVES OF THE POOR (CRY OF THE POOR).

In a speech he made to the UN General Assembly in New York last September 25, 2015, he boldly said:

“The need for greater equity is especially true in the case of those bodies with effective executive capability, such as the Security Council, the Financial Agencies and the groups or mechanisms specifically created to deal with economic crises. This will help limit every kind of abuse or usury, especially where developing countries are concerned. The International Financial Agencies are should care for the sustainable development of countries and should ensure that they are not subjected to oppressive lending systems which, far from promoting progress, subject people to mechanisms which generate greater poverty, exclusion and dependence.”

From his end, Pope Francis was aware of the many loopholes in implementing the “development goals,” which is why he constantly and insistently speaks of authentic and integral response of the problems of humanity; encouraging institutions, countries and leaders to “render an effective service to mankind, a service respectful of diversity and capable of bringing out, for sake of the common good, the best in each people and in every individual.”

PROPOSAL 1: PRINCIPLE OF QUALITY OF LIFE

This social encyclical critically speaks of development. Pope Francis is proposing a ‘broader concept of quality of life’:

“a path of productive development, which is more creative and BETTER DIRECTED, could correct the present disparity between excessive technological investment in consumption and insufficient investment in resolving urgent problems facing the human family. It could GENERATE INTELLIGENT AND PROFITABLE WAYS OF REUSING, REVAMPING AND RECYCLING, AND IT COULD ALSO IMPROVE THE ENERGY EFFICIENCY OF CITIES. Productive diversification offers the fullest possibilities to human ingenuity to create and innovate, while at the same time protecting the environment and creating more sources of employment. Such creativity would be a worthy expression of our most noble human qualities, for we would be striving intelligently, boldly and responsibly to promote a sustainable and equitable development within the context of a broader concept of quality of life. On the other hand, to find ever new ways of despoiling nature, purely for the sake of new consumer items and quick profit, would be, in human terms, less worthy and creative, and more superficial.” (Pope Francis, Laudato Si’ #192).

Consistent “ethic-of-life” grounds his call for caring humanity and the planet, putting into place the continuing call of St. John Paul II the need to defend human dignity, protection of human life and caring creation.

WITH THE SDGS, WE ARE PROVIDED WITH ENUMERABLE TARGETS TO BE ABLE TO ACHIEVE THE GOALS; and yet we are still nailed on ‘economic development’ that seeks more in providing convenient avenues for development on the side of the rich countries, multinational companies, and business tycoons. The economic interests of these countries and companies thrive in many developing nations; and yet, the absence of the delivery of social services (like education and health) and protection of the environment are missing.

PROPOSAL 2: PRINCIPLE OF INTEGRAL ECOLOGY

INTEGRAL ECOLOGY IS AN ALL-EMBRACING CONCERN FOR THE WHOLE OF CREATION. Quality of life in all elements of ecology: environmental, economic, social, cultural, behavioral, and “structural.” In each, Pope Francis creatively examined areas of failure in our many development models (we often brand as sustainable) and proposed growth that will “seek comprehensive solutions which consider the interactions within natural systems themselves and with social systems.” (Pope Francis, Laudato Si’, no. 139)

Pope Francis highlights our ‘human ecology’ by emphasizing “the relationship between human life and the moral law, which is inscribed in our nature and is necessary for the CREATION OF A MORE DIGNIFIED ENVIRONMENT.” (Pope Francis, Laudato Si’, #155)

Analysis of the destructive realities, still are existing anywhere in the world; many times are impacted because of “development.” Pope Francis demands reflection that will merit decisive action and accountability:

“Doomsday predictions can no longer be met with irony or disdain. We may well be leaving to coming generations debris, desolation and filth. The pace of consumption, waste and environmental change has so stretched the planet’s capacity that our contemporary lifestyle, unsustainable as it is, can only precipitate catastrophes, such as those which even now periodically occur in different areas of the world. The effects of the present imbalance can only be reduced by our decisive action, here and now. We need to reflect on our accountability before those who will have to endure the dire consequences.”

BEFORE THE OFFICIAL “ADOPTION” OF THE UN ON THE 17 SDGS, POPE FRANCIS ON HIS OWN DEMANDED ON THE NEED FOR A GLOBAL AGREEMENT:

“Such a consensus could lead, for example, to planning a sustainable and diversified agriculture, developing renewable and less polluting forms of energy, encouraging a more efficient use of energy, promoting a better management of marine and forest resources, and ensuring universal access to drinking water.” (Pope Francis, Laudato Si’, #164)

PROPOSAL 3: PRINCIPLE OF INTEGRAL HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

For Pope Francis, to achieve the implementation of Agenda 2030, he is suggesting a deeper understanding of ‘integral human development’, closer to grassroots understanding of the reality on what is happening in the peripheries– to allow men and women to be dignified agents of their own destiny. In brief, integral human development for Pope Francis:

Integral human development must be allowed to unfold in the person, in the family, in communion with others, and among communities (friends, communities, towns and cities, schools, businesses and unions, provinces, nations, etc.)

Integral human development presupposes and requires the right to education – equally for boys and girls.

Integral human development should be ensured by government leaders; the family as the basic unit of social development, practical needs (housing, labor and land) and spiritual needs (spiritual freedom, the right to education and civil rights).

Integral human development simplest and best measure and indicator of the implementation of the new Agenda for development will be effective, practical and immediate access, on the part of all, to essential material and spiritual goods: housing, dignified and properly remunerated employment, adequate food and drinking water; religious freedom and, more generally, spiritual freedom and education.

Integral human development is commonly anchored on: the right to life, or simply the right to existence of human nature.

PROPOSAL 4: PRINCIPLE OF SOLIDARITY

The core message of Pope Francis is always “going to the peripheries.” It may sound as a pastoral call for Catholic leaders to descend from its “institutional” distance, but it can be applied as well to government leaders, urging them to feel the suffering in the peripheries of society – where hunger, poverty and moral degradation contribute to the grim reality of the world.

The reality of suffering in the world directed POPE FRANCIS TO PUT ALL HIS EFFORTS IN CALLING FOR “SOLIDARITY” IN A TRIPARTITE DIRECTION: HUMAN, NATURAL AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC. HE CALLS FOR A “NEW AND UNIVERSAL SOLIDARITY,” WHERE PEOPLE, INSTITUTIONS, ORGANIZATIONS AND EVEN COUNTRIES MUST WORK TOGETHER TO STOP THE DESTRUCTION OF HUMANITY AND ENVIRONMENT.

In the midst of hopelessness, Pope Francis offers a kind of alternative solution both rooted in authentic concern and action-driven, the principle of solidarity:

“the principle of solidarity, a word that is sometimes forgotten and at other times misused in a sterile manner. We know that those who are most vulnerable to environmental degradation are the poor; they are the ones who suffer its most serious consequences. Thus, solidarity means the implementation of effective tools that are able to fight environmental degradation and poverty at the same time. There are many positive experiences in this regard. For example the development and transfer of appropriate technologies that are able to make the best possible use of the human, natural and socio-economic resources that are most readily available at the local level, in order to ensure their long-term sustainability.”

POPE: WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM MEETING AN OPPORTUNITY TO FIND ‘WAYS TO BUILD A BETTER WORLD’

Francis’ letter touched upon many of the core themes of his pontificate, including the climate crisis, global food scarcity, economic inequality, and the exploitation of laborers in developing countries.

Pope Francis delivers a speech to all of the world’s ambassadors to the Vatican on Jan. 8, 2024.

Matthew Santucci/CNAVaticanJanuary 17, 2024

ON THE OCCASION OF THE 54TH ANNUAL MEETING OF THE WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM IN DAVOS, SWITZERLAND, POPE FRANCIS SENT A LETTER TO THE GROUP’S LEADER TO EXPRESS HIS HOPE THAT IT WILL BE AN OPPORTUNITY TO FIND “WAYS TO BUILD A BETTER WORLD.” 

The Pope’s Jan. 17 letter, addressed to the organization’s chairperson, KLAUS SCHWAB, COMES AGAINST THE BACKDROP OF WHAT THE PONTIFF DESCRIBED AS AN “INCREASINGLY LACERATED WORLD” AND A “TROUBLING CLIMATE OF INTERNATIONAL INSTABILITY.”

The letter opened with the Pope’s characterization of modern wars, which “no longer take place only on clearly defined battlefields, nor do they involve soldiers alone.” 

“In a context where it appears that the distinction between military and civil targets is no longer respected, there is no conflict that does not end up in some way indiscriminately striking the civilian population,” the pope wrote in his letter, quoting from his Jan. 8 address to the ambassadors accredited to the Holy See.

The Pope noted that the cessation of armed conflict “calls for more than simply setting aside the instruments of war. It demands addressing the injustices that are the root causes of conflict.” 

FRANCIS’ LETTER TOUCHED UPON MANY OF THE CORE THEMES OF HIS PONTIFICATE, INCLUDING THE CLIMATE CRISIS, GLOBAL FOOD SCARCITY, ECONOMIC INEQUALITY, AND THE EXPLOITATION OF LABORERS IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES. 

“The exploitation of natural resources continues to enrich a few while leaving entire populations, who are the natural beneficiaries of these resources, in a state of destitution and poverty,” Francis wrote. 

The Pope’s letter went on to also highlight the massive social changes brought about by the GLOBALIZATION OF FINANCIAL MARKETS, WHICH HAS “DEMONSTRATED THE INTERDEPENDENCE OF THE WORLD’S NATIONS AND PEOPLES.” THE HOLY FATHER APPEALED FOR A “FUNDAMENTALLY MORAL DIMENSION” THAT “MUST MAKE ITSELF FELT IN THE ECONOMIC, CULTURAL, POLITICAL, AND RELIGIOUS DISCUSSIONS THAT AIM TO SHAPE THE FUTURE OF THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY.”

Speaking to the importance of harmonizing state policy and business practices to arrive at more sustainable models of growth and economic development, the pope reiterated that these new economic paradigms must be “farsighted” and “ethically sound,” which “by their very nature must entail subordinating the pursuit of power and individual gain, be it political or economic, to the common good of our human family, giving priority to the poor, the needy, and those in the most vulnerable situations.” 

POPE FRANCIS ALSO EMPHASIZED THE ROLE NONGOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS (NGOS) AND INTERGOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS (IGOS) PLAY AS CRITICAL STAKEHOLDERS IN ADVANCING SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.

The Holy Father wrote that they must be free “to exercise their functions of control and guidance in the economic sector, since the achievement of the common good is an objective beyond the reach of individual states, even those that are dominant in terms of power, wealth, and political strength.” 

“International organizations are also challenged to ensure the achievement of that equality, which is the basis of the right of all to participate in the process of full development, with due respect for legitimate differences,” the letter continued. 

THE WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM (WEF) WAS FOUNDED IN 1971 BY KLAUS SCHAWAB, A SWISS-GERMAN ECONOMIST AND ENGINEER, TO FOSTER GREATER COOPERATION BETWEEN PRIVATE AND PUBLIC ENTITIES TO CONFRONT POLITICAL, ECONOMIC, AND SOCIAL ISSUES AT THE NATIONAL, REGIONAL, AND INTERNATIONAL LEVELS. 

THE ANNUAL MEETING — WHICH IS HELD EVERY YEAR IN DAVOS, SWITZERLAND — IS ATTENDED BY MANY OF THE WORLD’S ELITE INCLUDING HEADS OF STATE, CEOS OF FORTUNE 100 COMPANIES, FINANCIAL LEADERS, THE HEADS OF SOME INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS, AND MAJOR CULTURAL PERSONALITIES. 

In previous years the event has been attended by U.S. presidents including Donald Trump in 2018 and 2020 and Bill Clinton in 2000. President Joe Biden has not attended the event since taking office. 

Leading the U.S. delegation to this year’s forum — which is being held Jan. 15–19 — is Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who is joined by U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry.

Other attendees include the premier of the People’s Republic of China, Li Qiang; French President Emmanuel Macron; Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy; United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres; and World Bank President Ajay S. Banga. 

POPE TO WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM: DO NOT FORGET THE POOR

Edward Pentin BlogsJanuary 20, 2016 NATIONAL CATHOLIC REGISTER

FOR THE SECOND TIME DURING HIS PONTIFICATE, POPE FRANCIS HAS SENT A MESSAGE TO THE ANNUAL WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM, CURRENTLY MEETING IN DAVOS, SWITZERLAND.

IN HIS MESSAGE, ADDRESSED TO WEF’S EXECUTIVE PRESIDENT, KLAUS SCHWAB, and delivered this afternoon by Cardinal Peter Turkson, president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, THE HOLY FATHER APPEALED TO THE WORLD’S POLITICAL AND BUSINESS NOT TO FORGET THE POOR, NOR LET A CULTURE OF PROSPERITY “MAKE US INCAPABLE OF FEELING COMPASSION” FOR THEM.

Let their cry “become our own,” the Pope said, adding that once we realize this, “we become more fully human, since responsibility for our brothers and sisters is an essential part of our common humanity.”

HE DID NOT MAKE ANY SPECIFIC OR EXPLICIT MENTION OF THE CHRIST OR THE GOSPEL, but instead issued a warning about technology, urging that man not be replaced by a “soulless machine”, nor THAT THE PLANET BE TRANSFORMED “INTO AN EMPTY GARDEN FOR THE ENJOYMENT OF A CHOSEN FEW.”

He also “willingly” reiterated that “business is a noble vocation,” especially if it creates jobs as then it will help combat poverty and protect the environment.

The last time the Pope sent a message to the WEF was in January 2014.  

Here below is his full speech:

TO PROFESSOR KLAUS SCHWAB

EXECUTIVE PRESIDENT OF THE WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM

Before all else, I would like to thank you for your gracious invitation to address the annual gathering of THE WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM IN DAVOS-KLOSTERS at the end of January on the theme: “MASTERING THE FOURTH INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION”.  I offer you my cordial good wishes for the fruitfulness of this meeting, which seeks to ENCOURAGE CONTINUING SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY THROUGH A CONSTRUCTIVE DIALOGUE ON THE PART OF GOVERNMENT, business and civic leaders, as well as distinguished representatives of the political, financial and cultural sectors.

THE DAWN OF THE SO-CALLED “FOURTH INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION” has been accompanied by a growing sense of the inevitability of a drastic reduction in the number of jobs.  The latest studies conducted by the International Labour Organization indicate that unemployment presently affects hundreds of millions of people.  The financialization and technologization of national and global economies have produced far-reaching changes in the field of labour.  DIMINISHED OPPORTUNITIES FOR USEFUL AND DIGNIFIED EMPLOYMENT, COMBINED WITH A REDUCTION IN SOCIAL SECURITY, ARE CAUSING A DISTURBING RISE IN INEQUALITY AND POVERTY IN DIFFERENT COUNTRIES.  CLEARLY THERE IS A NEED TO CREATE NEW MODELS OF DOING BUSINESS WHICH, WHILE PROMOTING THE DEVELOPMENT OF ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES, ARE ALSO CAPABLE OF USING THEM TO CREATE DIGNIFIED WORK FOR ALL, TO UPHOLD AND CONSOLIDATE SOCIAL RIGHTS, AND TO PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT.  Man must guide technological development, without letting himself be dominated by it!

 TO ALL OF YOU I APPEAL ONCE MORE: “DO NOT FORGET THE POOR!”  THIS IS THE PRIMARY CHALLENGE BEFORE YOU AS LEADERS IN THE BUSINESS WORLD.  “THOSE WHO HAVE THE MEANS TO ENJOY A DECENT LIFE, RATHER THAN BEING CONCERNED WITH PRIVILEGES, MUST SEEK TO HELP THOSE POORER THAN THEMSELVES TO ATTAIN DIGNIFIED LIVING CONDITIONS, PARTICULARLY THROUGH THE DEVELOPMENT OF THEIR HUMAN, CULTURAL, ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL POTENTIAL” (Address to Civic and Business Leaders and the Diplomatic Corps, Bangui, 29 November 2015).

We must never allow the culture of prosperity to deaden us, to make us incapable of “FEELING COMPASSION AT THE OUTCRY OF THE POOR, weeping for other people’s pain, and sensing the need to help them, as though all this were someone else’s responsibility and not our own” (Evangelii Gaudium, 54).

Weeping for other people’s pain does not only mean sharing in their sufferings, but also and above all realizing that our own actions are a cause of injustice and inequality.  “Let us open our eyes, then, and see the misery of the world, the wounds of our brothers and sisters who are denied their dignity, and let us recognize that we are compelled to heed their cry for help!  May we reach out to them and support them so they can feel the warmth of our presence, our friendship, and our fraternity!  May their cry become our own, and together may we break down the barriers of indifference that too often reign supreme and mask our hypocrisy and egoism!” (Bull of Indiction of the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy, Misericordiae Vultus, 15).

Once we realize this, we become more fully human, since responsibility for our brothers and sisters is an essential part of our common humanity.  Do not be afraid to open your minds and hearts to the poor.  In this way, you will give free rein to your economic and technical talents, and discover the happiness of a full life, which consumerism of itself cannot provide.

In the face of profound and epochal changes, world leaders are challenged to ensure that the coming “fourth industrial revolution”, the result of robotics and scientific and technological innovations, does not lead to the destruction of the human person – to be replaced by a soulless machine – or to the transformation of our planet into an empty garden for the enjoyment of a chosen few.

On the contrary, the present moment offers a precious opportunity to guide and govern the processes now under way, and to BUILD INCLUSIVE SOCIETIES BASED ON RESPECT FOR HUMAN DIGNITY, TOLERANCE, COMPASSION AND MERCY.  I URGE YOU, THEN, TO TAKE UP ANEW YOUR CONVERSATION ON HOW TO BUILD THE FUTURE OF THE PLANET, “OUR COMMON HOME”, AND I ASK YOU TO MAKE A UNITED EFFORT TO PURSUE A SUSTAINABLE AND INTEGRAL DEVELOPMENT.

As I have often said, and now willingly reiterate, business is “a noble vocation, directed to producing wealth and improving our world”, especially “if it sees the creation of jobs as an essential part of its service to the common good” (Laudato Si’, 129).  As such, it has a responsibility to help overcome the complex crisis of society and the environment, and to fight poverty.  This will make it possible to IMPROVE THE PRECARIOUS LIVING CONDITIONS OF MILLIONS OF PEOPLE AND BRIDGE THE SOCIAL GAP WHICH GIVES RISE TO NUMEROUS INJUSTICES AND ERODES FUNDAMENTAL VALUES OF SOCIETY, INCLUDING EQUALITY, JUSTICE AND SOLIDARITY.

In this way, through the preferred means of dialogue, THE WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM CAN BECOME A PLATFORM FOR THE DEFENCE AND PROTECTION OF CREATION AND FOR THE ACHIEVEMENT OF A PROGRESS WHICH IS “HEALTHIER, MORE HUMAN, MORE SOCIAL, MORE INTEGRAL” (LAUDATO SI’, 112), WITH DUE REGARD ALSO FOR ENVIRONMENTAL GOALS AND THE NEED TO MAXIMIZE EFFORTS TO ERADICATE POVERTY AS SET FORTH IN THE 2030 AGENDA FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND IN THE PARIS AGREEMENT UNDER THE UNITED NATIONS FRAMEWORK CONVENTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE.

Mr President, with renewed good wishes for the success of the forthcoming meeting in Davos, I invoke upon you and upon all taking part in the Forum, together with your families, God’s abundant blessings.

From the Vatican, 30 December 2015

THE UN ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME’S FAITH FOR EARTH INITIATIVE, WITH ITS SLOGAN “ONE EARTH, MANY RELIGIONS, ONE GOAL”, AIMS TO TAP INTO, AND HARNESS, THE ENORMOUS GOODWILL AND POWER OF THE WORLD’S RELIGIOUS AUTHORITIES AND BELIEVERS TO MAKE A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE TO OUR GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT.

July 2019 is the fourth anniversary of Laudato Si’, the second encyclical of Pope Francis, SPECIFICALLY ON THE ENVIRONMENT. In it, THE POPE CALLS ON ALL PEOPLE OF THE WORLD TO TAKE “SWIFT AND UNIFIED GLOBAL ACTION” AGAINST UNSUSTAINABLE PRACTICES.

To celebrate the fourth anniversary of Laudato Si’, UN ENVIRONMENT’S FAITH FOR EARTH INITIATIVe—along with partners including the Catholic Youth Network for Environmental Sustainability in Africa, the World Wildlife Fund, and the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development—is  organizing a conference on 15-16 July 2019 at the United Nations Office at Nairobi, Kenya.

POPE FRANCIS HAS ALREADY WARNED ABOUT THE DANGERS OF GLOBAL HEATING. THE CONFERENCE WILL FOCUS ON THE CLIMATE EMERGENCY AND ECOSYSTEMS RESTORATION TO SPUR GOVERNMENTS AND YOUNG PEOPLE TO HEED THE CALLS OF MANY INDIGENOUS PEOPLES FOR BETTER GLOBAL STEWARDSHIP OF THE ENVIRONMENT.

THE UN ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME’S FAITH FOR EARTH INITIATIVE, WITH ITS SLOGAN “ONE EARTH, MANY RELIGIONS, ONE GOAL”, AIMS TO TAP INTO, AND HARNESS, THE ENORMOUS GOODWILL AND POWER OF THE WORLD’S RELIGIOUS AUTHORITIES AND BELIEVERS TO MAKE A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE TO OUR GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT.

July 2019 is the fourth anniversary of Laudato Si’, the second encyclical of Pope Francis, specifically on the environment. In it, THE POPE CALLS ON ALL PEOPLE OF THE WORLD TO TAKE “SWIFT AND UNIFIED GLOBAL ACTION” AGAINST UNSUSTAINABLE PRACTICES.

The Interfaith Rainforest Initiative is one leading example of this commitment in action.

“WE ARE FINDING REAL COOPERATION AND SHARED PURPOSE ACROSS THE WORLD’S RELIGIONS TO MAKE PROTECTING FORESTS AND THE RIGHTS OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLES A TOP ETHICAL PRIORITY,” says Charles McNeill, Senior Policy Advisor on Forests and Climate, UN Environment. “Youth will be the foundation of any faith-based movement to end tropical deforestation, and we welcome this conference as an opportunity to deepen and expand commitment across faiths and sectors.”

THE FAITH FOR EARTH INITIATIVE IS ALSO WORKING WITH FAITH-BASED INVESTMENT INSTITUTIONS TO HELP THEM MAKE THE SWITCH FROM CARBON-BASED INVESTMENTS TOWARDS MORE SUSTAINABLE ENERGY AND OTHER INVESTMENTS. 

Conference speakers, led by Cardinal Peter Turkson, will provide a scientific perspective on the current state of the world and stress the importance of youth engagement. The conference will address urgent needs and opportunities in Africa and showcase best practices across the continent and the role of youth leadership and innovation.

 “Africa’s youth feel the urgent responsibility to ensure their communities, countries and the continent act as frontrunners for a safe, sustainable and productive future for them and for future generations,” says Allen Ottaro, Executive Director of the CATHOLIC YOUTH NETWORK FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY IN AFRICA. The conference will be a forum for DEEPER REFLECTION ON CATHOLIC AND OTHER FAITHS’ SOCIAL TEACHINGS ON CARE FOR THE CREATION FROM AN AFRICAN PERSPECTIVE, ENRICHED BY GLOBAL VIEWS.

“This conference is about creating hope and provides a platform for faith organizations, youth and indigenous peoples to share their views and speak with one voice,” says Iyad Abumoghli, UN Environment’s Faith for Earth Coordinator.

“BY PROVIDING A FORUM FOR FAITH LEADERS TO DISCUSS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SCIENCE AND FAITH TEACHINGS AS RELATED TO ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY, THE FAITH FOR EARTH INITIATIVE IS BRINGING TOGETHER FAITH-BASED LEADERS AND REPRESENTATIVES OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLES TO INSPIRE ACTION AMONG POLICYMAKERS AND FAITH FOLLOWERS,” he adds.

The just-ended Bonn Climate Change Conference in June 2019 saw agreement on a new work programme that integrates indigenous knowledge for climate mitigation and adaptation and addresses the specific vulnerability of indigenous peoples.

LAUDATO SI AND SDGS (SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS)

2020 has been an incredibly challenging year. Millions have been severely affected by the COVID-19 crisis – from getting sick or succumbing to the virus, to losing jobs and income, to facing hunger, deprivation and violence, to the repression of civil society. We do not know yet the full extent as the crisis still looms large or what the fallout will be, but we do know that inequalities have worsened, and worsening the situations of those who are marginalised, especially of older people and women. As a result, IT IS EVEN MORE CRUCIAL TO HOLD GOVERNMENTS ACCOUNTABLE TO THEIR COMMITMENTS TO IMPLEMENT AND ACHIEVE THE SDGS AND TO LEAVE NO ONE BEHIND DURING THIS CRISIS.

This book identifies both the consistencies and disparities between Catholic Social Teaching and the United Nation’s (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). WITH POPE FRANCIS’ LAUDATO SI’ ENCYCLICAL, CATHOLICISM SEEMS TO BE ENGAGING MORE THAN EVER WITH ENVIRONMENTAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL CONCERNS. However, there remains the question of how these theological statements will be put into practice.

 The ONGOING INVOLVEMENT OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN SOCIAL MATTERS makes it a significant potential partner in issues around development. Therefore, with the use of the comparative method, this book brings together authors from multiple disciplines to assess how the political and legal aspects of each of the UN’s 17 SDGs are addressed by Catholic Social Teaching. Chapters answer the question of how the Catholic Church evaluates the concept of sustainable development as defined by the Agenda 2030 Goals, as well as assessing how and if it can contribute to shaping the contemporary concept of global development.

 Examining the potential level of COOPERATION BETWEEN THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY AND THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE AGENDA 2030 GOALS, this volume will be of keen interest to scholars of Catholic Studies, Religious Studies and the Sociology of Religion, as well as Environmental Studies and Development Studies.

“THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGS), OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE GLOBAL GOALS, ARE A UNIVERSAL CALL TO ACTION TO END POVERTY, PROTECT THE PLANET AND ENSURE THAT ALL PEOPLE ENJOY PEACE AND PROSPERITY.

 These 17 Goals build on the successes of the Millennium Development Goals, while including new areas such as climate change, economic inequality, innovation, sustainable consumption, peace and justice, among other priorities. The goals are interconnected – often the key to success on one will involve tackling issues more commonly associated with another.

 The SDGs work in the spirit of partnership and pragmatism to make the right choices now to improve life, in a sustainable way, for future generations. They provide clear guidelines and targets for all countries to adopt in accordance with their own priorities and the environmental challenges of the world at large. The SDGs are an inclusive agenda. They tackle the root causes of poverty and unite us together to make a positive change for both people and planet. “

Source UNEP 2016

 THIS IS THE FIFTH (5) TIME THAT A POPE HAS VISITED THE UNITED NATIONS. I follow in the footsteps of my predecessors Paul VI, in1965, John Paul II, in 1979 and 1995, and my most recent predecessor, now Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, in 2008. All of them expressed their great esteem for the Organization, which they considered the appropriate juridical and political response to this present moment of history, marked by our technical ability to overcome distances and frontiers and, apparently, to overcome all natural limits to the exercise of power.

 An essential response, inasmuch as technological power, in the hands of nationalistic or falsely universalist ideologies, is capable of perpetrating tremendous atrocities. I can only reiterate the appreciation expressed by my predecessors, in REAFFIRMING THE IMPORTANCE WHICH THE CATHOLIC CHURCH ATTACHES TO THIS INSTITUTION AND THE HOPE WHICH SHE PLACES IN ITS ACTIVITIES.

 THE UNITED NATIONS IS PRESENTLY CELEBRATING ITS SEVENTIETH (7) ANNIVERSARY. The history of this organized community of states is one of important common achievements over a period of unusually fast-paced changes. Without claiming to be exhaustive, we can mention THE CODIFICATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF INTERNATIONAL LAW, THE ESTABLISHMENT OF INTERNATIONAL NORMS REGARDING HUMAN RIGHTS, ADVANCES IN HUMANITARIAN LAW, THE RESOLUTION OF NUMEROUS CONFLICTS, OPERATIONS OF PEACE-KEEPING AND RECONCILIATION, AND ANY NUMBER OF OTHER ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN EVERY AREA OF INTERNATIONAL ACTIVITY AND ENDEAVOUR.

All THESE ACHIEVEMENTS ARE LIGHTS WHICH HELP TO DISPEL THE DARKNESS of the disorder caused by unrestrained ambitions and collective forms of selfishness. Certainly, many grave problems remain to be resolved, yet it is also clear that, without all this international activity, mankind would not have been able to survive the unchecked use of its own possibilities. EVERY ONE OF THESE POLITICAL, JURIDICAL AND TECHNICAL ADVANCES IS A PATH TOWARDS ATTAINING THE IDEAL OF HUMAN FRATERNITY AND A MEANS FOR ITS GREATER REALIZATION.

I also pay homage to all those men and women whose loyalty and self-sacrifice have benefitted humanity as a whole in these past seventy years. In particular, I would recall today those who gave their lives for peace and reconciliation among peoples, from Dag Hammarskjöld to the many United Nations officials at every level who have been killed in the course of humanitarian missions, and missions of peace and reconciliation.

Beyond these achievements, the experience of the past seventy years has made it clear that reform and adaptation to the times is always necessary in the pursuit of the ultimate goal of granting all countries, without exception, a share in, and a genuine and equitable influence on, decision-making processes. The need for greater equity is especially true in the case of those bodies with effective executive capability, such as the Security Council, the Financial Agencies and the groups or mechanisms specifically created to deal with economic crises. This will help limit every kind of abuse or usury, especially where developing countries are concerned. The International Financial Agencies are should care for the sustainable development of countries and should ensure that they are not subjected to oppressive lending systems which, far from promoting progress, subject people to mechanisms which generate greater poverty, exclusion and dependence.

 THE WORK OF THE UNITED NATIONS, ACCORDING TO THE PRINCIPLES SET FORTH IN THE PREAMBLE AND THE FIRST ARTICLES OF ITS FOUNDING CHARTER, CAN BE SEEN AS THE DEVELOPMENT AND PROMOTION OF THE RULE OF LAW, BASED ON THE REALIZATION THAT JUSTICE IS AN ESSENTIAL CONDITION FOR ACHIEVING THE IDEAL OF UNIVERSAL FRATERNITY. IN THIS CONTEXT, IT IS HELPFUL TO RECALL THAT THE LIMITATION OF POWER IS AN IDEA IMPLICIT IN THE CONCEPT OF LAW ITSELF. To give to each his own, to cite the classic definition of justice, means that no human individual or group can consider itself absolute, permitted to bypass the dignity and the rights of other individuals or their social groupings.

MBS MAKES ‘PACT’ WITH THE UNITED NATIONS

 The effective distribution of power (political, economic, defense-related, technological, etc.) among a plurality of subjects, and the creation of a juridical system for regulating claims and interests, are one concrete way of limiting power. Yet today’s world presents us with many false rights and – at the same time – broad sectors which are vulnerable, victims of power badly exercised: for example, the natural environment and the vast ranks of the excluded. These sectors are closely interconnected and made increasingly fragile by dominant political and economic relationships. That is why their rights must be forcefully affirmed, by working to protect the environment and by putting an end to exclusion.

 First, IT MUST BE STATED THAT A TRUE “RIGHT OF THE ENVIRONMENT” DOES EXIST, for two reasons. First, because we human beings are part of the environment. We live in communion with it, since the environment itself entails ethical limits which human activity must acknowledge and respect. Man, for all his remarkable gifts, which “are signs of a uniqueness which transcends the spheres of physics and biology” (Laudato Si’, 81), is at the same time a part of these spheres. He possesses a body shaped by physical, chemical and biological elements, and can only survive and develop if the ecological environment is favourable.

Any harm done to the environment, therefore, is harm done to humanity. Second, because every creature, particularly a living creature, has an intrinsic value, in its existence, its life, its beauty and its interdependence with other creatures. We Christians, together with the other monotheistic religions, believe that the universe is the fruit of a loving decision by the Creator, who permits man respectfully to use creation for the good of his fellow men and for the glory of the Creator; he is not authorized to abuse it, much less to destroy it. In all religions, the environment is a fundamental good (cf. ibid.).

 The misuse and destruction of the environment are also accompanied by a relentless process of exclusion. In effect, a selfish and boundless thirst for power and material prosperity leads both to the misuse of available natural resources and to the exclusion of the weak and disadvantaged, either because they are differently abled (handicapped), or because they lack adequate information and technical expertise, or are incapable of decisive political action. ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL EXCLUSION IS A COMPLETE DENIAL OF HUMAN FRATERNITY AND A GRAVE OFFENSE AGAINST HUMAN RIGHTS AND THE ENVIRONMENT. The poorest are those who suffer most from such offenses, for three serious reasons: they are cast off by society, forced to live off what is discarded and suffer unjustly from the abuse of the environment. They are part of today’s widespread and quietly growing “culture of waste”.

 The dramatic reality this whole situation of exclusion and inequality, with its evident effects, has led me, in union with the entire Christian people and many others, to take stock of my grave responsibility in this regard and to speak out, together with all those who are seeking urgently-needed and effective solutions. THE ADOPTION OF THE 2030 AGENDA FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AT THE WORLD SUMMIT, WHICH OPENS TODAY, IS AN IMPORTANT SIGN OF HOPE. I AM SIMILARLY CONFIDENT THAT THE PARIS CONFERENCE ON CLIMATIC CHANGE WILL SECURE FUNDAMENTAL AND EFFECTIVE AGREEMENTS.

 Solemn commitments, however, are not enough, although they are certainly a necessary step toward solutions. The classic definition of justice which I mentioned earlier contains as one of its essential elements a constant and perpetual will: Iustitia est constans et perpetua voluntas ius sum cuique tribuendi. Our world DEMANDS OF ALL GOVERNMENT LEADERS A WILL WHICH IS EFFECTIVE, PRACTICAL AND CONSTANT, CONCRETE STEPS AND IMMEDIATE MEASURES FOR PRESERVING AND IMPROVING THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT AND THUS PUTTING AN END AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE TO THE PHENOMENON OF SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC EXCLUSION, with its baneful consequences: human trafficking, the marketing of human organs and tissues, the sexual exploitation of boys and girls, slave labour, including prostitution, the drug and weapons trade, terrorism and international organized crime.

Such is the magnitude of these situations and their toll in innocent lives, that we must avoid every temptation to fall into a declarationist nominalism which would assuage our consciences. We need to ensure that our institutions are truly effective in the struggle against all these scourges.

The number and complexity of the problems require that we possess technical instruments of verification. But this involves two risks. We can rest content with the bureaucratic exercise of drawing up long lists of good proposals – goals, objectives and statistics – or we can think that a single theoretical and aprioristic solution will provide an answer to all the challenges. It must never be forgotten that political and economic activity is only effective when it is understood as a prudential activity, guided by a perennial concept of justice and constantly conscious of the fact that, above and beyond our plans and programmes, we are dealing with real men and women who live, struggle and suffer, and are often forced to live in great poverty, deprived of all rights.

 To enable these real men and women to escape from extreme poverty, we must allow them to be dignified agents of their own destiny. Integral human development and the full exercise of human dignity cannot be imposed. They must be built up and allowed to unfold for each individual, for every family, in communion with others, and in a right relationship with all those areas in which human social life develops – friends, communities, towns and cities, schools, businesses and unions, provinces, nations, etc.

This presupposes and requires the right to education – also for girls (excluded in certain places) – which is ensured first and foremost by respecting and reinforcing the primary right of the family to educate its children, as well as the right of churches and social groups to support and assist families in the education of their children. EDUCATION CONCEIVED IN THIS WAY IS THE BASIS FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 2030 AGENDA AND FOR RECLAIMING THE ENVIRONMENT.

 At the same time, government leaders must do everything possible to ensure that all can have the minimum spiritual and material means needed to live in dignity and to create and support a family, which is the primary cell of any social development. In practical terms, this absolute minimum has three names: lodging, labour, and land; and one spiritual name: spiritual freedom, which includes religious freedom, the right to education and all other civil rights.

 For all this, the simplest and best measure and indicator of THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NEW AGENDA for development will be effective, practical and immediate access, on the part of all, to essential material and spiritual goods: housing, dignified and properly remunerated employment, adequate food and drinking water; religious freedom and, more generally, spiritual freedom and education. These pillars of integral human development have a common foundation, which is the right to life and, more generally, what we could call the right to existence of human nature itself.

 THE ECOLOGICAL CRISIS, AND THE LARGE-SCALE DESTRUCTION OF BIODIVERSITY, CAN THREATEN THE VERY EXISTENCE OF THE HUMAN SPECIES. The baneful consequences of an irresponsible mismanagement of the global economy, guided only by ambition for wealth and power, must serve as a summons to a forthright reflection on man: “man is not only a freedom which he creates for himself. Man does not create himself. He is spirit and will, but also nature” (Benedict XVI, Address to the Bundestag, 22 September 2011, cited inLaudato Si’, 6).

Creation is compromised “where we ourselves have the final word… The misuse of creation begins when we no longer recognize any instance above ourselves, when we see nothing else but ourselves” (ID. Address to the Clergy of the Diocese of Bolzano-Bressanone, 6 August 2008, cited ibid.). Consequently, the defence of the environment and the fight against exclusion demand that we recognize a moral law written into human nature itself, one which includes the natural difference between man and woman (cf. Laudato Si’, 155), and absolute respect for life in all its stages and dimensions (cf. ibid., 123, 136).

 Without the recognition of certain incontestable natural ethical limits and without the immediate implementation of those pillars of integral human development, the ideal of “saving succeeding generations from the scourge of war” (Charter of the United Nations, Preamble), and “promoting social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom” (ibid.), risks becoming an unattainable illusion, or, even worse, idle chatter which serves as a cover for all kinds of abuse and corruption, or for carrying out an ideological colonization by the imposition of anomalous models and lifestyles which are alien to people’s identity and, in the end, irresponsible.

 War is the negation of all rights and a dramatic assault on the environment. If we want true integral human development for all, we must work tirelessly to avoid war between nations and peoples.

 To this end, there is a need to ensure the uncontested rule of law and tireless recourse to negotiation, mediation and arbitration, AS PROPOSED BY THE CHARTER OF THE UNITED NATIONS, WHICH CONSTITUTES TRULY A FUNDAMENTAL JURIDICAL NORM. The experience of these seventy years since the founding of the United Nations in general, and in particular the experience of these first fifteen years of the third millennium, reveal both the effectiveness of the full application of international norms and the ineffectiveness of their lack of enforcement. WHEN THE CHARTER OF THE UNITED NATIONS IS RESPECTED AND APPLIED WITH TRANSPARENCY AND SINCERITY, AND WITHOUT ULTERIOR MOTIVES, AS AN OBLIGATORY REFERENCE POINT OF JUSTICE AND NOT AS A MEANS OF MASKING SPURIOUS INTENTIONS, PEACEFUL RESULTS WILL BE OBTAINED. When, on the other hand, the norm is considered simply as an instrument to be used whenever it proves favourable, and to be avoided when it is not, a true Pandora’s box is opened, releasing uncontrollable forces which gravely harm defenceless populations, the cultural milieu and even the biological environment.

 The Preamble and the first Article of the Charter of the United Nations set forth the foundations of the international juridical framework: peace, the pacific solution of disputes and the development of friendly relations between the nations. Strongly opposed to such statements, and in practice denying them, is the constant tendency to the proliferation of arms, especially weapons of mass distraction, such as nuclear weapons. An ethics and a law based on the threat of mutual destruction – and possibly the destruction of all mankind – are self-contradictory and an affront to the entire framework of the United Nations, which would end up as “nations united by fear and distrust”. There is urgent need to work for a world free of nuclear weapons, in full application of the non-proliferation Treaty, in letter and spirit, with the goal of a complete prohibition of these weapons.

 The recent agreement reached on the nuclear question in a sensitive region of Asia and the Middle East is proof of the potential of political good will and of law, exercised with sincerity, patience and constancy. I express my hope that this agreement will be lasting and efficacious, and bring forth the desired fruits with the cooperation of all the parties involved.

In this sense, hard evidence is not lacking of the negative effects of military and political interventions which are not coordinated between members of the international community. For this reason, while regretting to have to do so, I must renew my repeated appeals regarding to the painful situation of the entire Middle East, North Africa and other African countries, where Christians, together with other cultural or ethnic groups, and even members of the majority religion who have no desire to be caught up in hatred and folly, have been forced to witness the destruction of their places of worship, their cultural and religious heritage, their houses and property, and have faced the alternative either of fleeing or of paying for their adhesion to good and to peace by their own lives, or by enslavement.

These realities should serve as a grave summons to an examination of conscience on the part of those charged with the conduct of international affairs. Not only in cases of religious or cultural persecution, but in every situation of conflict, as in Ukraine, Syria, Iraq, Libya, South Sudan and the Great Lakes region, real human beings take precedence over partisan interests, however legitimate the latter may be. In wars and conflicts there are individual persons, our brothers and sisters, men and women, young and old, boys and girls who weep, suffer and die. Human beings who are easily discarded when our response is simply to draw up lists of problems, strategies and disagreements.

 As I wrote in my letter to the Secretary-General of the United Nations on 9 August 2014, “the most basic understanding of human dignity compels the international community, particularly through the norms and mechanisms of international law, to do all that it can to stop and to prevent further systematic violence against ethnic and religious minorities” and to protect innocent peoples.

Along the same lines I would mention another kind of conflict which is not always so open, yet is silently killing millions of people. Another kind of war experienced by many of our societies as a result of the narcotics trade. A war which is taken for granted and poorly fought. Drug trafficking is by its very nature accompanied by trafficking in persons, money laundering, the arms trade, child exploitation and other forms of corruption. A corruption which has penetrated to different levels of social, political, military, artistic and religious life, and, in many cases, has given rise to a parallel structure which threatens the credibility of our institutions.

I began this speech recalling the visits of my predecessors. I would hope that my words will be taken above all as a continuation of the final words of the address of Pope Paul VI; although spoken almost exactly fifty years ago, they remain ever timely. I quote: “The hour has come when a pause, a moment of recollection, reflection, even of prayer, is absolutely needed so that we may think back over our common origin, our history, our common destiny. The appeal to the moral conscience of man has never been as necessary as it is today… For the danger comes neither from progress nor from science; if these are used well, they can help to solve a great number of the serious problems besetting mankind (Address to the United Nations Organization, 4 October 1965).

Among other things, human genius, well applied, will surely help to meet the grave challenges of ecological deterioration and of exclusion. As Paul VI said: “The real danger comes from man, who has at his disposal ever more powerful instruments that are as well fitted to bring about ruin as they are to achieve lofty conquests” (ibid.).

 The common home of all men and women must continue to rise on the foundations of a right understanding of universal fraternity and respect for the sacredness of every human life, of every man and every woman, the poor, the elderly, children, the infirm, the unborn, the unemployed, the abandoned, those considered disposable because they are only considered as part of a statistic. This common home of all men and women must also be built on the understanding of a certain sacredness of created nature.

 Such understanding and respect call for a higher degree of wisdom, one which accepts transcendence, self-transcendence, rejects the creation of an all-powerful élite, and recognizes that the full meaning of individual and collective life is found in selfless service to others and in the sage and respectful use of creation for the common good. To repeat the words of Paul VI, “the edifice of modern civilization has to be built on spiritual principles, for they are the only ones capable not only of supporting it, but of shedding light on it” (ibid.).

El Gaucho Martín Fierro, a classic of literature in my native land, says: “Brothers should stand by each other, because this is the first law; keep a true bond between you always, at every time – because if you fight among yourselves, you’ll be devoured by those outside”.

 The contemporary world, so apparently connected, is experiencing a growing and steady social fragmentation, which places at risk “the foundations of social life” and consequently leads to “battles over conflicting interests” (Laudato Si’, 229).

 The present time invites us to give priority to actions which generate new processes in society, so as to bear fruit in significant and positive historical events (cf. Evangelii Gaudium, 223). We cannot permit ourselves to postpone “certain agendas” for the future. The future demands of us critical and global decisions in the face of world-wide conflicts which increase the number of the excluded and those in need.

The praiseworthy international juridical framework of the United Nations Organization and of all its activities, like any other human endeavour, can be improved, yet it remains necessary; at the same time it can be the pledge of a secure and happy future for future generations. And so it will, if the representatives of the States can set aside partisan and ideological interests, and sincerely strive to serve the common good.

 I pray to Almighty God that this will be the case, and I assure you of my support and my prayers, and the support and prayers of all the faithful of the Catholic Church, that this Institution, all its member States, and each of its officials, will always render an effective service to mankind, a service respectful of diversity and capable of bringing out, for sake of the common good, the best in each people and in every individual. God bless you all. Thank you.

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS ACTION TOWARDS 2030

“We are faced not with two separate crises, one environmental and the other social, but rather with one complex crisis which is both social and environmental. STRATEGIES FOR A SOLUTION DEMAND AN INTEGRATED APPROACH TO COMBATING POVERTY, RESTORING DIGNITY TO THE EXCLUDED, AND AT THE SAME TIME PROTECTING NATURE.” Pope Francis, Laudato Si’ (139)

In 2015, Pope Francis asked, “What kind of world do we want to leave to those who come after us, to children who are now growing up?” (Laudato Si’, 160). The answer, we hope, is a world without poverty, hunger and inequality. A world with global access to water and sanitation, education and clean energy where people can live safely and fulfil their true human potential. A world where our environment is protected, peace can flourish and we all work together towards a sustainable future.

THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGS), ADOPTED BY ALL UN MEMBER STATES IN 2015 UNDER THE BANNER “AGENDA 2030”, PROVIDE AN IMPORTANT NEW OPPORTUNITY TO REALISE THIS VISION. AS A BLUEPRINT FOR DEVELOPMENT PRIORITIES FOR THE NEXT 15 YEARS, THEY LAY OUT A PATH OF HOPE ON WHICH WE WILL TRAVEL TOGETHER. THEY OFFER A TRANSFORMATIVE AGENDA FOR ALL COUNTRIES, IN WHICH PEOPLE AND THE ENVIRONMENT ARE PLACED AT THE HEART OF DEVELOPMENT. While we applaud the goals, it is imperative that they are translated into meaningful action. As Christians we are led by the light of hope; we know, however, that hope only becomes reality when followed up with deeds.

 CARITAS INTERNATIONALIS MEMBERS HAVE HELPED TO INFLUENCE GOVERNMENTS AND THE UNITED NATIONS THROUGHOUT THE CREATION OF THE SDGS, TO ENSURE THAT AGENDA 2030 REFLECTS THE REAL NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITIES WITH WHOM WE WORK. WE WILL CONTINUE TO ENGAGE WITH GOVERNMENTS TO ENSURE THAT THE SDGS ARE REFLECTED IN NATIONAL PLANS THROUGH A PARTICIPATORY PROCESS THAT SEEKS TO “LEAVE NO-ONE BEHIND”

Practical steps for building such political commitment and people participation can be found in this booklet, alongside an outline of the SDGs and how they fit with the messages of Pope Francis expressed in the encyclical Laudato Si’. God’s love is at the heart of creation and at the centre of our work. It is this love which binds us together as one family with the poor and downtrodden, and gives us the DETERMINATION TO “BUILD ONE UNIVERSAL HUMAN CIVILIZATION THAT SPANS THE GLOBE” as Blessed Paul VI envisaged in 1967 (Populorum Progressio, 73). Our profound hope is that the new goals represent a chance to make these words a reality, creating a world where future generations can flourish and grow together, and no-one is excluded.

 It is time to put into practice the great truth expressed in the words of Pope Francis: “Our goal is not to amass information or to satisfy curiosity, but rather to become painfully aware, to dare to turn what is happening to the world into our own personal suffering and thus to discover what each of us can do about it.” (Laudato Si’, 19).

FROM MDGS TO SDGS

At the Millennium Summit in 2000, the UN General Assembly declared that it was unacceptable to enter a new millennium with the “scandal of poverty” affecting a billion people. World leaders agreed on eight Millennium Development Goals to galvanize a global effort to make the right to development a reality for everyone. There has been a lot to celebrate since then: fewer people now live in extreme poverty, more girls and boys are in primary school and far more people have access to clean water, better nutrition, essential medicines and basic health care.

 However, progress across different goals and countries has been mixed. Parts of Africa and Asia have consistently lagged behind. The MDGs focused on national averages, obscuring what was happening to specific groups within a country. The most marginalized people often experience the least progress. Factors such as inequality between men and women, disability, ethnicity and location determines who continues to be excluded. While the target of halving the proportion of people living on less than $1 a day by 2015 was achieved, the spirit of this first goal of eradicating extreme poverty and hunger has not been met.

 There are still 800 million people living in extreme poverty. They are more vulnerable than ever to the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation. Years of progress can be swiftly wiped out by conflict or natural disasters. Since 2011 the international community has discussed what should follow the MDGs, in a process that has included international organizations, governments, academics, the private sector, faith groups and civil society. CARITAS INTERNATIONALIS, CATHOLIC CHURCH-INSPIRED AND OTHER FAITH-BASED ORGANIZATIONS (FBOS) PARTICIPATED IN THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL PROCESSES THROUGH ADVOCACY AIMED AT GOVERNMENTS, CONTINENTAL BODIES AND THE UN.

THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS WERE FORMULATED WITH INPUT FROM ALL THESE STAKEHOLDERS, BUT THE FINAL DECISIONS WERE TAKEN BY NATIONAL GOVERNMENTS AT THE UN IN SEPTEMBER 2015. Big shifts Important lessons have been learned since the Millennium Summit and the implementation of the MDGs.

 THE NEW SDGS ATTEMPT TO ADDRESS THE ROOT CAUSES OF POVERTY, INEQUALITY WITHIN AND BETWEEN COUNTRIES, CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION, AND THE LACK OF PEACE AND JUSTICE, ALONGSIDE OTHER IMPORTANT ISSUES. THE SDGS REPRESENT BIG SHIFTS FROM THE MDGS IN THE WAY THAT DEVELOPMENT IS UNDERSTOOD. IT IS VITAL THAT GOVERNMENTS REFLECT THESE CHANGES WHEN IMPLEMENTING THE NEW GOALS.

 • Universality The MDGs focused on poverty in developing countries, with most targets set for action in low-income countries. Only MDG 7 on environmental sustainability and MDG 8 on global partnership held rich countries responsible for action. Learning from that experience, THE SDGS TAKE A DIFFERENT APPROACH. THEY ARE UNIVERSAL, MEANING THEY APPLY EQUALLY TO ALL COUNTRIES, with challenging targets for rich countries as well as poor ones. They can be used to advocate for more equitable development based on tackling the root causes of poverty and unsustainable development.

• Integrated sustainable development Sustainable development includes social, economic, environmental and spiritual dimensions. The MDGs focused heavily on important issues of social development – such as poverty, health and education – but largely excluded economic and environmental aspects. The SDGs attempt to balance all three dimensions, in the first effort ever made by the UN to integrate this approach across such a broad range of concerns. The attempt to move beyond single issues is not perfect, however, and there are contradictions between some of the goals and targets.

• Leave no-one behind The commitment to “leave no-one behind” is a key feature of the SDGs. The goals are not considered to have been met if those who are most vulnerable and hard to reach are not included. While such efforts may be more costly and time consuming, they aim to correct some of the imbalances in the MDGs, whereby accepting targets based on averages obscured the reality of very marginalised groups.

• Participation Most governments had little input when the MDGs were being developed in 2000, let alone people on the ground who were meant to benefit from them. This top-down process delayed actions to implement the goals and reduced their impact. THE PROCESS TO FORMULATE THE SDGS WAS MUCH MORE INCLUSIVE, WITH NATIONAL DIALOGUES AND THEMATIC CONSULTATIONS INVOLVING MANY PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD. EVERY UN MEMBER STATE HAS AGREED TO IMPLEMENT THEM (193 COUNTRIES).

This strong sense of ownership should make them an effective force for change over the next 15 years. The SDGs are a useful tool for civil society and faith groups to engage with governments striving to achieve sustainable development for their citizens. Alone, however, the goals do not provide a complete solution to all global or national problems, nor do they tackle major structural issues.

LOOKING AT THE SDGS THROUGH THE LENS OF LAUDATO SI’

In 2015, Pope Francis released his encyclical letter, Laudato Si’, addressed to all people of good will. In it he emphasizes the connection between dignity, development and human ecology. He invites us all to enter into dialogue about our “common home” and the environmental crises we face. He calls on us to re-examine our relationships with each other, the planet and the economy. How do the Sustainable Development Goals answer this call? The dignity of the human person is at the heart of the SDGs and of Laudato Si’. The goals commit to leaving no-one behind, reaching the furthest-behind first and hearing the “cry of the poor”, as Laudato Si’ asks (49).

THIS ATTENTION TO THE POOR IS INSEPARABLE FROM THE “CRY OF THE EARTH”, POPE FRANCIS REMINDS US, SINCE “THE HUMAN ENVIRONMENT AND THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT DETERIORATE TOGETHER” (LS 48). This relationship is reflected in the new development goals, which are interlinked and indivisible, addressing the environmental, the economic and the social at the same time. This acknowledges what the Pope calls “the mysterious network of relations between things” and the consequent dangers of solving “one problem only to create others” (LS 20). The SDGs were developed through an open and inclusive process, reflecting the more equitable power balance between nations called for by the encyclical.

They are universally applicable to all countries. The greatest burden for change is no longer placed on poor countries. Where Laudato Si’ and the goals diverge, however, is over how to end poverty. Pope Francis challenges the assumption that unlimited economic growth is possible, stating this is “based on the lie that there is an infinite supply of the Earth’s goods, and this leads to the planet being squeezed dry beyond every limit” (106). He asks us to redefine our very notion of progress. The SDGs meanwhile do not question the existing definition of progress, and rely mainly on economic growth to end poverty, failing to recognize that the current global economic model cannot fully address our shared challenges.

STATEMENTS BY THE HOLY SEE AT THE 2024 HIGH-LEVEL POLITICAL FORUM ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS 1 AND 2

“SDG 1 AND INTERLINKAGES WITH OTHER SDGS – NO POVERTY”

Tuesday, 9 July 2024

 Madam Chair,

Almost a decade ago, THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY ADOPTED A NEW SHARED VISION IN THE 2030 AGENDA, acknowledging that poverty represents “the greatest global challenge and an indispensable requirement for sustainable development.” As we convene to reassess the implementation of the Agenda, it is evident that the appalling reality of persistent poverty in all its dimensions still exists. In fact, if current trends continue, it is estimated that only one third of countries will have halved national poverty by 2030. Consequently, as we debate the means of accelerating the achievement of SDG 1, IT IS IMPERATIVE TO REITERATE THAT POVERTY IS THE GREATEST GLOBAL CHALLENGE WE FACE AND IS THE OVERARCHING GOAL OF THE 2030 AGENDA.

The most effective strategies for eradicating poverty acknowledge it as a multifaceted phenomenon, a confluence of interrelated factors that manifest in all aspects of human existence. When we consider the human person as a whole, including the educational, social, political, cultural and spiritual needs, we see that poverty is about more than the financial resources upon which people rely for their survival. It manifests in a variety of forms necessitating an integral approach that aligns monetary-based measures with comprehensive policies addressing the non-monetary deprivation experienced by millions of people on a daily basis.

However, the scandalous reality is that addressing the multidimensional aspects of poverty is beyond the reach of many developing countries, which are forced to divert precious resources towards repayments on unsustainable debts. A significant disparity exists between the proportion of government expenditure allocated to essential services, such as education, healthcare and social protection, in advanced economies and that in emerging and developing economies.

IT IS THEREFORE IMPERATIVE THAT THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY TAKES A RADICAL AND TRANSFORMATIVE ACTION ON DEBT IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE THE GOAL OF A WORLD WITHOUT POVERTY BY 2030. THIS MUST INCLUDE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF DEBT RESTRUCTURING STRATEGIES THAT PROVIDE DEVELOPING COUNTRIES WITH THE NECESSARY FISCAL SPACE TO INVEST IN THEIR PEOPLE. THE LOWERING OF INTEREST RATES AND THE EXTENSION OF REPAYMENT PERIODS represent potential avenues for developing countries to direct investment towards areas such as education, healthcare and social protection, thereby breaking cycles of poverty. Furthermore, we also reiterate the appeal made by Pope Francis to affluent nations to “forgive the debts of countries who will never be able to repay them.” He asserts that this is “more than a question of generosity, but a matter of justice.”

Madam Chair,

By ensuring that developing countries are not burdened by unsustainable debt, it is possible to make the necessary investments required to disrupt the persistence of poverty, improve the lives of millions and achieve integral human development for all.

Thank you.

“SDG 2 AND INTERLINKAGES WITH OTHER SDGS – ZERO HUNGER”

Tuesday, 9 July 2024

Madam Chair,

My Delegation would like to take this opportunity to reflect on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2 and on the progress made in our shared pursuit of a world without hunger.

The global community finds itself at a critical juncture, facing alarming levels of hunger and malnutrition worldwide. The global landscape, ravaged by economic crises, climate change and conflict, exacerbates the vulnerabilities of millions, pushing the vision of a world without hunger further from our grasp. Furthermore, the reality that hunger and malnutrition perpetuate even greater levels of poverty compounds this concern. The health consequences of inadequate food quantity and quality affect people’s ability to learn and work. In the words of Pope Francis, “hunger is criminal; food is an inalienable right;” and it is an affront to the inherent God given dignity of the human person.

My Delegation would like to draw attention to the pivotal role played by non-State actors in efforts towards the achievement of SDG2. This includes the Catholic Church, which through numerous organizations, initiatives and charities, is present on the ground throughout the world at the forefront of efforts to combat hunger, including but not only by distributing daily meals. For those most in need, these represent the primary source of safe, sufficient and nutritious food, if not the only one.

Nevertheless, a mere reliance on short-term solutions is inadequate. In order to achieve the goal of zero hunger, it is necessary to act with a renewed sense of urgency. This requires not only the alleviation of immediate hunger but also the transformation of food systems to ensure sustainability, resilience, and fairness.

The paradox is that, despite the availability of sufficient resources and the production of enough food to feed everyone, hunger and starvation remain the daily reality for a significant proportion of the global population. IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE SDG2 BY 2030, IT IS THEREFORE NECESSARY TO TAKE STEPS TO ENSURE THE SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION AND FAIR DISTRIBUTION OF FOOD.

This new way of thinking requires a renewed commitment to partnerships. It is imperative that the most vulnerable populations, who are often the hardest hit by food insecurity, be at the forefront of all efforts. This includes smallholder farmers, indigenous communities, and women, who play crucial roles in agriculture yet frequently lack access to resources and decision-making processes. It is both necessary and urgent to accelerate action and strengthen partnerships in order to meet the immediate needs of those suffering from hunger.

Madam Chair,

AS WE ENTER THE FINAL SIX YEARS OF THE 2030 AGENDA, IT IS IMPORTANT TO HEED THE WORDS OF POPE FRANCIS AND “ENABLE EVERYONE TO BENEFIT FROM THE FRUITS OF THE EARTH, AND NOT SIMPLY TO CLOSE THE GAP BETWEEN THE MOST AFFLUENT AND THOSE WHO MUST BE SATISFIED WITH THE CRUMBS FALLING FROM THE TABLE.”

FRANCIS URGES “PERSONAL CONVERSION” IN IMPLEMENTING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

Pope Francis addresses participants in a conference on religions and the sustainable development goals, in the Vatican’s Clementine Hall March 8, 2019

By Hannah Brockhaus Vatican City, Mar 8, 2019 / 10:25 am

Pope Francis said Friday that GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT GOALS NEED TO BE SUPPORTED BY ETHICAL OBJECTIVES STEMMING FROM PERSONAL CONVERSION and recognition of one’s failures.

“The economic and political objectives must be supported by ethical objectives, which presuppose a change of attitude, the Bible would say a change of heart,” the pope said March 8 at the Vatican’s Clementine Hall.

“Already St. John Paul II spoke about THE NEED TO ‘ENCOURAGE AND SUSTAIN AN ECOLOGICAL CONVERSION,'” he said, referencing a 2001 catechesis of one of his predecessors. “RELIGIONS HAVE A KEY ROLE TO PLAY HERE.”

Francis emphasized that “for a correct transition to a sustainable future, it is necessary to recognize ‘one’s own mistakes, sins, vices or negligence,’ ‘to repent of heart, to change from within,’ to be reconciled with others, with creation and with the Creator,” as he wrote in his 2015 encyclical on the environment, Laudato si’.

“Indeed, we should all commit ourselves to promoting and implementing the development goals that are supported by our deepest religious and ethical values,” he urged. “Human development is not only an economic question or concerns only experts, but is above all a vocation, a call that requires a free and responsible response.”

THE POPE ADDRESSED VATICAN OFFICIALS, RELIGIOUS REPRESENTATIVES, AND MEMBERS OF INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS PARTICIPATING IN A MARCH 7-9 CONFERENCE ON “RELIGIONS AND THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGS): LISTENING TO THE CRY OF THE EARTH AND THE POOR.”

The conference was hosted by the DICASTERY FOR THE PROMOTION OF INTEGRAL HUMAN DEVELOPMENT AND THE PONTIFICAL COUNCIL FOR INTERRELIGIOUS DIALOGUE.

The SDGs are 17 global goals covering social and economic development issues, including poverty, hunger, education, energy, and the environment. The goals were set by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015 as a part of what is called the “2030 Agenda” resolution.

In his speech to conference participants Friday, POPE FRANCIS PRAISED THE SDGS AND 2030 AGENDA AS “A GREAT STEP FORWARD FOR GLOBAL DIALOGUE, IN THE SIGN OF A NECESSARY ‘NEW UNIVERSAL SOLIDARITY.'”

“As my predecessor St. Paul VI highlighted, talking about human development means referring to all people – not just a few – and to the whole human person – not just to the material dimension,” he said.

Urging people to look for concrete answers and commitments, he noted HE WAS PLEASED CONFERENCE PARTICIPANTS WERE SEEKING THE INPUT OF RELIGIOUS PERSONS IN THE DISCUSSION OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OBJECTIVES.

“In the case of religious people, WE NEED TO OPEN THE TREASURES OF OUR BEST TRADITIONS WITH REGARD TO A TRUE AND RESPECTFUL DIALOGUE ON HOW TO BUILD THE FUTURE OF OUR PLANET,” he said.

The pope also underlined the importance of including in the discussion the voices of indigenous people, who he said, though a very small percentage of the world’s overall population, “take care of almost 22 percent of the earth’s surface” and “protect about 80 percent of the planet’s biodiversity.”

“Their voice and their concerns should be at the center of the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and at the center of the search for new roads for a sustainable future,” he stated, adding that he and other bishops will be discussing the topic at the Synod of Bishops on the pan-amazon region, being held in October.

ADDRESS OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS
TO PARTICIPANTS AT THE CONFERENCE ON
“RELIGIONS AND THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGS):
LISTENING TO THE CRY OF THE EARTH AND OF THE POOR”

Clementine Hall Friday, 8 March 2019

Your Eminences, Your Excellencies,
Dear Leaders of world religious traditions,
Representatives of International Organizations,
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

I greet all of you gathered for this International Conference on Religions and the Sustainable Development Goals.

SUSTAINABILITY AND INCLUSION

When we speak of sustainability, we cannot overlook how important it is to include and to listen to all voices, especially those usually excluded from this type of discussion, such as the voices of the poor, migrants, indigenous people, the young. I am pleased to see a variety of participants at this conference bringing a wide range of voices, of opinions and proposals, which can contribute to new paths of constructive development. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS TRULY RESPECT THEIR ORIGINAL NATURE, WHICH IS INCLUSIVE AND PARTICIPATORY.

THE 2030 AGENDA AND THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS, APPROVED BY MORE THAN 190 NATIONS IN SEPTEMBER 2015, WERE A GREAT STEP FORWARD FOR GLOBAL DIALOGUE, MARKING A VITALLY “NEW AND UNIVERSAL SOLIDARITY” (LAUDATO SI’, 14). DIFFERENT RELIGIOUS TRADITIONS, INCLUDING THE CATHOLIC TRADITION, HAVE EMBRACED THE OBJECTIVES OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT BECAUSE THEY ARE THE RESULT OF GLOBAL PARTICIPATORY PROCESSES THAT, ON THE ONE HAND, REFLECT THE VALUES OF PEOPLE AND, ON THE OTHER, ARE SUSTAINED BY AN INTEGRAL VISION OF DEVELOPMENT.

INTEGRAL DEVELOPMENT

Nevertheless, proposing a dialogue on inclusive and sustainable development also requires acknowledging that “development” is a complex concept, which is often manipulated. When we speak of development we must always ask: Development of what? Development for whom? For too long the conventional idea of development has been almost entirely limited to economic growth. Indicators of national development have been based on Gross Domestic Product (GDP) indices. This has led the modern economic system down a dangerous path where progress is assessed only in terms of material growth, on account of which we are almost obliged to irrationally exploit the environment and our fellow human beings.

As my predecessor Saint Paul VI rightly highlighted, to speak about human development means referring to all people – not just a few – and to the whole person – not just the material dimension (cf. Populorum Progressio, 14). Any fruitful discussion of development, therefore, should offer VIABLE MODELS OF SOCIAL INTEGRATION AND ECOLOGICAL CONVERSION, because we cannot develop ourselves as human beings by fomenting increased inequality and degradation of the environment.

Rejecting negative models, and proposing alternative ways forward, applies not only to others, but also to us. We should all commit ourselves to promoting and implementing the development goals that are supported by our deepest religious and ethical values. Human development is not only an economic issue or one that concerns experts alone; it is ultimately a vocation, a call that requires a free and responsible answer (cf. Benedict XVI, Caritas in Veritate, 16-17).

GOALS (DIALOGUE AND COMMITMENTS)

Solutions are what I hope will emerge from this Conference: CONCRETE RESPONSES TO THE CRY OF THE EARTH AND THE CRY OF THE POOR. Concrete commitments to promoting real development in a sustainable way through processes open to people’s participation. CONCRETE PROPOSALS TO FACILITATE THE DEVELOPMENT OF THOSE IN NEED, MAKING USE OF WHAT POPE BENEDICT XVI RECOGNIZED AS “THE UNPRECEDENTED POSSIBILITY OF LARGE-SCALE REDISTRIBUTION OF WEALTH ON A WORLD-WIDE SCALE” (ibid. 42). Concrete economic policies that are focused on the person and that can promote a more humane market and society (cf. ibid. 45, 47). Concrete economic measures that seriously take into consideration our common home. Concrete ethical, civil and political commitments that develop alongside our sister earth, and never against her.

EVERYTHING IS CONNECTED

I AM ALSO PLEASED TO KNOW THAT THE PARTICIPANTS IN THIS CONFERENCE ARE WILLING TO LISTEN TO RELIGIOUS VOICES WHEN THEY DISCUSS THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS. ALL THOSE INVOLVED IN DIALOGUE ON THIS COMPLEX ISSUE ARE INVITED IN SOME WAY TO GO BEYOND THEIR AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION TO FIND A SHARED RESPONSE TO THE CRY OF THE EARTH AND OF THE POOR. THOSE OF US WHO ARE RELIGIOUS NEED TO OPEN UP THE TREASURES OF OUR BEST TRADITIONS IN ORDER TO ENGAGE IN A TRUE AND RESPECTFUL DIALOGUE ON HOW TO BUILD THE FUTURE OF OUR PLANET. RELIGIOUS NARRATIVES, THOUGH ANCIENT, ARE USUALLY FULL OF SYMBOLISM AND CONTAIN “A CONVICTION WHICH WE TODAY SHARE, THAT EVERYTHING IS INTERCONNECTED, AND THAT GENUINE CARE FOR OUR OWN LIVES AND OUR RELATIONSHIPS WITH NATURE IS INSEPARABLE FROM FRATERNITY, JUSTICE AND FAITHFULNESS TO OTHERS” (Laudato Si’, 70).

In this respect, the United Nations 2030 Agenda proposes integrating all the goals through THE ‘FIVE PS’: PEOPLE, PLANET, PROSPERITY, PEACE AND PARTNERSHIP. I know that this conference is also focusing on these ‘five Ps’.

I welcome this unified approach to these goals, which can also help to save us from an understanding of prosperity that is based on the myth of unlimited growth and consumption (cf. Laudato Si’, 106), where we depend only on technological progress for sustainability. There are still people who stubbornly uphold this myth, and who tell us that social and ecological problems will solve themselves simply by the application of new technologies, without any need for ethical considerations or profound change (cf. ibid. 60).

An integral approach teaches us that this is not true. While it is certainly necessary to aim for a set of development goals, this is not sufficient for a fair and sustainable world order. Economic and political objectives must be sustained by ethical objectives, which presuppose a change of attitude: what the Bible would call a change of heart. Already Saint John Paul II spoke about THE NEED TO “ENCOURAGE AND SUPPORT THE ‘ECOLOGICAL CONVERSION’” (Catechesis, January 17, 2001). This word is powerful: ECOLOGICAL CONVERSION. RELIGIONS HAVE A KEY ROLE TO PLAY IN THIS. For a correct shift towards a sustainable future, we must recognize “our errors, sins, faults and failures” which leads to a “heartfelt repentance and desire to change”; in this way, we will be reconciled with others, with creation and with the Creator (cf. Laudato Si’, 218).

If we want to provide a solid foundation for the work of the 2030 Agenda, we must reject the temptation to look for a merely technocratic response to the challenges – this is not good – and be prepared to address the root causes and the long-term consequences.

INDIGENOUS PEOPLES

The key principle of all religions is the love of neighbour and the care of creation. I wish to draw attention to a special group of religious persons, namely indigenous peoples. Although they represent only five per cent of the world’s population, they look after about twenty-two per cent of the earth’s landmass. Living in areas such as the Amazon and the Arctic, they help protect approximately eighty per cent of the planet’s biodiversity. According to UNESCO, “INDIGENOUS PEOPLES ARE CUSTODIANS AND PRACTITIONERS OF UNIQUE CULTURES AND RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT. They embody a wide range of linguistic and cultural diversity at the heart of our shared humanity”. I would also add that, in a strongly secularized world, such peoples remind us all of the SACREDNESS OF OUR EARTH. This means that their voice and their concerns should be at the centre of THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 2030 AGENDA AND AT THE HEART OF THE SEARCH FOR NEW PATHS FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE. I will also be discussing this with my brother bishops at the Synod for the Pan-Amazon Region, at the end of October this year.

CONCLUSIONS

Dear brothers and sisters, today, after three and a half years since the adoption of the sustainable development goals, we must be even more acutely aware of the importance of accelerating and adapting our actions in responding adequately to both the CRY OF THE EARTH AND THE CRY OF THE POOR (cf. Laudato Si’, 49) – they are connected.

The challenges are complex and have multiple causes; the response, therefore, must necessarily be complex and well-structured, respectful of the diverse cultural riches of peoples. If we are truly concerned about developing an ecology capable of repairing the damage we have done, NO BRANCH OF SCIENCE OR FORM OF WISDOM SHOULD BE OVERLOOKED, AND THIS INCLUDES RELIGIONS and the languages particular to them (cf. ibid. 63). Religions can help us along the path of authentic integral development, which is the new name of peace (cf. Paul VI, Populorum Progressio, 26 March 1967, 76-77).

I express my heartfelt appreciation for your efforts in caring for our common home at the service of promoting an inclusive sustainable future. I know that, at times, it can seem far too difficult a task. And yet, “Human beings, while capable of the worst, are also capable of rising above themselves, choosing again what is good, and making a new start” (Laudato Si’, 205). This is the change which present circumstances demand, because the injustice that brings tears to our world and to its poor is not invincible. Thank you.

Pope Francis’s encyclical on ecology, Laudato Si, says that CLIMATE CHANGE IS REAL AND MAINLY “A RESULT OF HUMAN ACTIVITY.”

The problem is urgent. “Never have we so hurt and mistreated our common home as we have in the last two hundred years.”  WE MUST ALL CHANGE OUR DAY-TO-DAY ACTIONS TO LIVE MORE SUSTAINABLY.  “REDUCING GREENHOUSE GASES REQUIRES HONESTY, COURAGE AND RESPONSIBILITY.”  ON A LARGER SCALE, OUR LEADERS MUST BE HELD TO ACCOUNT. “THOSE WHO WILL HAVE TO SUFFER THE CONSEQUENCES . . . WILL NOT FORGET THIS FAILURE OF CONSCIENCE AND RESPONSIBILITY.”

SOLVING CLIMATE CHANGE MEANS PROTECTING THE PLANET AND VULNERABLE PEOPLE, AND WE MUST HEAR “BOTH THE CRY OF THE EARTH AND THE CRY OF THE POOR.”  Faith can guide us. “The entire material universe speaks of God’s love, his boundless affection for us. Soil, water, mountains – everything is, as it were, a caress of God.”  

The problems are big and urgent. But hope remains if we act in honesty and love.  “HUMANITY STILL HAS THE ABILITY TO WORK TOGETHER IN BUILDING OUR COMMON HOME . . . Truly, much can be done!”

Pope Francis chose his papal name to honor St. Francis of Assisi, PATRON SAINT OF THOSE WHO PROMOTE ECOLOGY. Pope Francis describes “the poor man of Assisi” as “a man of peace, a man of poverty, a man who loved and protected creation” – in other words, A PERSON WHO EMBODIES INTEGRAL ECOLOGY.

“It must be said that some committed and prayerful Christians, with the excuse of realism and pragmatism, tend to ridicule expressions of concern for the environment. Others are passive; they choose not to change their habits and thus become inconsistent. So what they all need is an ‘ecological conversion,’ whereby the effects of their encounter with Jesus Christ becomes evident in their relationship with the world around them. Living our vocation to be protectors of God’s handiwork is essential to a life of virtue; it is not an optional or a secondary aspect of our Christian experience.” Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’, 217

“FRATERNITY HELPS TO PRESERVE AND CULTIVATE NATURE. The human family has received from the Creator a gift: nature. The Christian view of creation includes a positive judgment about the legitimacy of interventions on nature if these are meant to be beneficial and are performed responsibly, that is to say, by acknowledging the “grammar” inscribed in nature and by wisely using resources for the benefit of all, with respect for the beauty, finality and usefulness of every living being and its place in the ecosystem. Nature, in a word, is at our disposition and we are called to exercise a responsible stewardship over it. Yet so often we are driven by greed and by the arrogance of dominion, possession, manipulation and exploitation; we do not preserve nature; nor do we respect it or consider it a gracious gift which we must care for and set at the service of our brothers and sisters, including future generations.” Message of his Holiness Francis for the Celebration of the World Day of Peace 2014, 9

“FIGHTING POVERTY, BOTH MATERIAL AND SPIRITUAL, BUILDING PEACE AND CONSTRUCTING BRIDGES: THESE, AS IT WERE, ARE THE REFERENCE POINTS FOR A JOURNEY THAT I WANT TO INVITE EACH OF THE COUNTRIES HERE REPRESENTED TO TAKE UP. But it is a difficult journey, if we do not learn to grow in love for this world of ours. Here too, it helps me to think of the name of Francis, who teaches us profound respect for the whole of creation and the protection of our environment, which all too often, instead of using for the good, we exploit greedily, to one another’s detriment.” Pope Francis, Audience with the Diplomatic Corps

POPE FRANCIS: “CLIMATE CHANGE AT THIS MOMENT IS A ROAD TO DEATH”

By Jennifer Earl Updated on: May 21, 2024 / 2:23 AM EDT / CBS News

Pope Francis says the climate crisis has “gotten to the point of no return” as the planet continues to see the effects of global warming and world leaders have an even greater responsibility to take action.

“How worried are you about climate change?” CBS Evening News anchor and managing editor Norah O’Donnell asked Francis during a historic interview in Vatican City.

“UNFORTUNATELY, WE HAVE GOTTEN TO A POINT OF NO RETURN. IT’S SAD, BUT THAT’S WHAT IT IS. GLOBAL WARMING IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM,” FRANCIS REPLIED. “CLIMATE CHANGE AT THIS MOMENT IS A ROAD TO DEATH.”

Francis said wealthy countries reliant on fossil fuels are contributing to the problem. 

“They are the countries that can make the most difference, given their industry and all, aren’t they? But it is very difficult to create an awareness of this. They hold a conference, everybody is in agreement, they all sign, and then bye-bye. But we have to be very clear, global warming is alarming,” Francis said.

Climate change is a topic Francis has been vocal about, from denouncing climate change skeptics to urging politicians to make “radical decisions” to protect the planet for future generations. 

Francis was scheduled to speak at the COP28 climate summit in November but had to cancel due to illness. He became the first pope to issue official Vatican documents on climate change, warning in 2023 that the world in which we live “is collapsing and may be nearing the breaking point.”

On Earth Day this year, Francis wrote a message on social media saying, “Our generation has bequeathed many riches, but we have failed to protect the planet and we are not safeguarding peace. We are called to become artisans and caretakers of our common home, the Earth which is ‘falling into ruin.'”

Watch more of the pope’s in-depth discussion on climate change and other topics in the CBS prime-time special “Pope Francis: The First,” in the video above and streaming on Paramount+.

POPE FRANCIS SAYS EARTH IS ‘SICK’ IN NEW CLIMATE CHANGE WARNING

By Reuters | Aug. 30, 2024, at 10:03 a.m.

Pope Francis gestures as he arrives to hold the weekly general audience, at the Vatican, August 28, 2024

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) – Pope Francis on Friday urged people around the world to better protect the environment, ahead of a 12-day trip to Southeast Asia next week in which the pontiff is expected to urge global action on climate change.

“If we took the planet’s temperature, it will tell us that the Earth has a fever. And it is sick,” the pontiff said in a video message. “We must commit ourselves to … the protection of nature, changing our personal and community habits.”

Francis releases a video message each month to announce his prayer intentions for that month. The intention for September is “for the cry of the Earth”.

The 87-year-old leader of the global Catholic Church leaves on Monday to visit Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor and Singapore.

Francis has stressed the importance of environmental issues throughout his 11-year papacy. Each of the countries on his Sept. 2-13 tour are facing dangers from the warming global climate, including rising sea levels and increasingly severe and unpredictable heat waves and typhoons.

In his video, Francis said climate change required actions “that are not only ecological, but are also social, economic and political”.

“The ones suffering most from the consequences of these disasters are the poor, those who are forced to leave their homes because of floods, heat waves or drought,” the pope said.

FIVE-FOLD SINS RESULTING IN MEN’S ETERNAL DAMNATION:

1. Worship the beast. (6X). (Rev. 13:4, 13:8, 13:12, 14:9, 14:11)
2. Worship the beast’s image. (6X). (Rev. 13:14, 13:15, 14:9, 14:11, 16:2, 19:20)
3. Take the beast’s mark. (6X). (Rev. 13:16, 13:17, 14:9, 14:11, 16:2, 19:20)
4. Take the beast’s number. (2X). (Rev. 13:17, 13:18)
5. Take the beast’s name. (2X). (Rev. 13:17, 14:11)

Commentary: There are a total of eighteen (18) verses that indicate the eternal sins of damnation that result from worshipping the beast, worshipping his image and taking his mark of identification. Three (3) denotes God’s emphasis and intensity. Six (6) denotes the evil number of man = 18, or 6+6+6 = 18, or 666 . . . “Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is he number of a man; and his number is Six Hundred and threescore and six (666).” (Rev. 13:18). Worshipping the beast, his image and taking his mark are the eternal sins that men commit during the Tribulation.

There are a total of ten (10) combined references of evil men taking the beast’s mark, number or name. These three descriptions are synonymous with being identified with (or belonging) to the beast and his system. Ten (10) denotes God’s allness or physical completeness regarding things on earth. These ten references indicate man’s complete earthly evilness and damnation resulting from taking either the mark, number of name of the beast and his kingdom.

These men are so deceived and evil, that they not only allow themselves to worship the beast and his fake image, but they allow themselves to be physically ‘branded’ or marked in order to be identified with the beast. Evil men obtain this mark, number or name so they can also participate in the global economy in terms of buying and selling. They have to be identified as having this mark, number or name, physically evident on either their right hand or forehead, in order to be allowed to execute a purchasing or selling transaction. Once evil men worship the beast, his image and take his mark (or number, name), they are damned.

There are three verses regarding a very specific, powerful and clear angelic warning given to men on earth, to NOT worship the beast, or his image, or take his mark (name, number). Three (3) denotes God’s emphasis and intensity.

. . . “And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.” (Rev. 14:9, 14:10, 14:11)

Twice (2) the message is directed at men. The angel repeats himself indicating that the message is for men and what behavior is judged eternally sinful (for ever and ever). Men who worship the beast, his image and take his mark will;

1. Experience God’s wrath.
2. God’s wrath will not be diluted, or held back, but given in full strength.
3. They will be thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone for torment.
4. There torment will be forever and ever (eternity).
5. Their torment will be witnessed by holy angels.
6. Their torment will take place in the presence of the Lamb.
7. They will have no rest day or night, forever and ever (eternity).

There are seven (7) specific results that stem from men worshipping the beast, his image and taking his mark (name or number). Seven (7) denotes God’s divinely determined completeness as to his purpose or plan. Eternal punishment in the lake of fire and brimstone, day and night is the strongest wrath that God gives evil men (and Satan, beast/antichrist and false prophet). There is a specific mention that this torment takes place in the presence of the Lamb. These men, while in their torment, will see or consciously be aware of the existence of Jesus Christ. This will provide added pain, anguish and misery since they will be painfully made aware of the choice of their decisions (to worship the beast, his image and take his mark). They were warned not to do what they did.

The Bible gives plenty of examples of the glory that is given to those who did NOT worship the beast, his image or take his mark. Yet, despite the angelic warning . . . despite the 3 ½ year testimony of two witness and prophets . . . despite the witnessing of Tribulation Saints . . . despite the flying angel who proclaimed the gospel of Jesus Christ . . . evil men still chose to worship the beast, his image and to take his mark, name or number.

They chose to ignore the messages, the warnings, and the testimonies. And now, they are in the lake of fire and brimstone, and will have to pay the price for their evil decision(s), for eternity. They see Jesus Christ, and have become painfully aware of what they could have had through Jesus Christ and instead, they chose the false, empty promises of Satan by worshipping the beast, his image and taking his mark, name or number.

Their extreme bitterness and woeful regret will emotionally torment them for eternity, in addition to the physical pain, suffering and torment that they will experience in the lake of fire for eternity. Through their decision to follow Satan, God gave them exactly what they wanted. They did not want anything to do with Jesus Christ, who paid for their sins with his own blood. As such, God gave them over to Satan, since it was their free decision or choice, and what they desired while they were physically alive on earth.

These evil men did everything humanly possible to ignore warnings, to blaspheme God, to ignore the gospel of Jesus Christ, and instead they accepted and believed in lies, worshipped Satan, the beast and his image. Evil men even went so far as to physically defile their bodies (flesh) by taking the branding (mark, number or name) of the beast. All of these actions and behaviors enabled evil men to give themselves totally and wholeheartedly over to Satan through his system of the beast/antichrist and the false prophet.

There are two visions describing what John the Apostle saw, regarding men who were overcomers (them that had gotten victory) by NOT worshipping the beast, his image or taking his mark, number or name.

. . . “And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God. And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvelous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgements are made manifest.” (Rev. 15:2, 15:3, 15:4).

. . . “And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgement was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.” (Rev. 20:4).

Men who do NOT worship the beast, his image and take his mark are described as;

1. They are in heaven (stand on a sea of glass).
2. They have harps of God.
3. They sing praises and worship Jesus Christ for their salvation.
4. They acknowledge that God’s judgements came to pass.
5. They are given thrones upon which they sit upon.
6. They are given judgement.
7. They live and reign with Christ for a thousand years.

There are seven (7) specific results that stem from men NOT worshipping the beast, his image and taking his mark (name or number). Seven (7) denotes God’s divinely determined completeness as to his purpose or plan. These blessings or glories are the complete opposite of what awaits those men who DID worship the beast, his image and took his mark, name, number.

1. The righteous are in heaven for eternity versus evil men who are in the lake of fire and brimstone for eternity.
2. The righteous are joyful and play harps versus evil men who are bitter, resentful, angry, tormented, cry and wail in anguish.
3. The righteous sing the praise of and worship Jesus Christ versus evil men who once praised and worshipped Satan (through the beast, his image and in taking his mark).
4. Righteous men acknowledge that what God said would come to pass, in fact did come to pass (made manifest) versus evil men who ignored and rejected warnings, the gospel and testimonies of the truth.
5. The righteous are given thrones in heaven versus evil men who are drowning in torment in the lake of fire.
6. The righteous are given judgement versus evil men who are judged.
7. The righteous live and reign with Christ verses evil men who die and fall with Satan.

The avoidance of doing these five (5) eternal sins is one of the most important themes, in the entire book of Revelation. Men must avoid doing these things, literally at all costs. Even to the point of being beheaded or martyred. Men’s eternal destinies depend on it. Worshipping the beast, his image and taking his mark, name or number result in eternal damnation. There is no way of sugar coating or downplaying this reality.

12 REFERENCES TO JUDGE / JUDGING / JUDGEMENT:

1. . . . “And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not JUDGE AND AVENGE OUR BLOOD on them that dwell on the earth.” (Rev. 6:10).
2. . . . “And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that THEY SHOULD BE JUDGED, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest DESTROY THEM WHICH DESTROY THE EARTH.” (Rev. 11:18).
3. . . . “Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for THE HOUR OF HIS JUDGEMENT IS COME: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.” (Rev. 14:7).
4. . . . “Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for THY ARE MADE MANIFEST.” (Rev. 15:4).
5. . . . “And I heard the angel of the water say, Thou art righteous, O Lord, which art, and wast, and shalt be, BECAUSE THOU HAST JUDGED THUS.” (Rev. 16:5).
6. . . . “And I heard another out of the altar say, Even so, Lord God Almighty, TRUE AND RIGHTEOUS ARE THY JUDGMENTS.” (Rev. 16:7).
7. . . . “And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee THE JUDGEMENT OF THE GREAT WHORE that sitteth upon many waters:” (Rev. 17:1).
8. . . . “Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for STRONG IS THE LORD GOD WHO JUDGETH HER.” (Rev. 18:8).
9. . . . “Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas that great city Babylon, that mighty city! For IN ONE HOUR IS THY JUDGEMENT COME.” (Rev. 18:10).
10. . . . “For TRUE AND RIGHTEOUS ARE HIS JUDGEMENTS: for HE HATH JUDGED THE GREAT WHORE, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath AVENGED THE BLOOD OF HIS SERVANTS at her hand.” (Rev. 19:2).
11. . . .And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and THE DEAD WERE JUDGED OUT OF THOSE THINGS WHICH WERE WRITTEN IN THE BOOKS, ACCORDING TO THEIR WORKS.” (Rev. 20:12).
12. . . . “And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and THEY WERE JUDGED EVERY MAN ACCORDING TO THEIR WORKS.” (Rev. 20:13).

JUDGING OR JUDGEMENT IS DESCRIBED AS;

God is the judge and provides judgements or decisions based on the actions, behaviors and deeds of men and angels.

Judgement is a decision requested to be made on behalf of someone (Tribulation Saints) who were wrongfully hurt (beheaded).

Someone (nations) are caught bloody red handed and are angry knowing that they will be judged for their actions, behavior and evil deeds. They are angry because they didn’t get away with it and were caught. They know they are going to have pay a price which they can’t afford.

Judgement is a request that someone be righted a wrong done to them.

Judgement is a request for a reward promised based on a stated outcome.

Judgement is based on timing. An evil act is done, its results are noted and accounted for. Time comes for the evil act to be judged and the resulting judgement exercised or made manifest.

Judgement, or the decision of what should be done has to be acted upon or made to occur (sent to prison). This is known as making a judgement manifest or physically exercised. This is the doing of what should be done.

Witnesses in the public gallery indicate that God’s judgements are “true and righteous.” This means that the public gallery can attest to the fact that God did take everything into account, all the details, actions, deeds, events, behaviors, statements, intents and came to the correct and truthful conclusion regarding the matter. Nothing was left out. Everything was taken into consideration as evidence, properly evaluated and applied against the benchmark, standard and/or law that was being applied. God’s administration of justice and his resulting judgements are found to be accurate, spot on, truthful, correct, no question about it. In Biblical words, “true and righteous.”

God is described as judging the “great whore” a.k.a. Babylon City (the great worldly capital of the beast’s/antichrist’s kingdom).

God is strong, meaning he can’t be swayed or weak in the sense that he lets some evil slide a bit in terms of not being judged or of receiving judgement. He is firm in his judgements and not weak-kneed. He does not fold under public pressure. He can’t be influenced, bribed, manipulated or pushed by a particular special interest group, lobby or entrenched political ideology or group. He is strong, firm, steadfast, unwavering in the application of his administration of justice.

The wrath of his resulting judgements is not watered down or filtered out or held back. He gives the criminal, evil-person no slack and gives them the fullest extent of prison term possible (eternity). They are not sent to a plush prison serving three square meals a day with a basketball court, but to a lake of fire and brimstone. God does not ‘molly-coddle’ the evil, he gives them exactly what they deserve. He does not withhold his judgements, he pours out his wrath in full strength (at just the right time).

God’s judgement comes very swiftly, within “one hour.” There is no long drawn out period of rebuttals, challenges, reviews, counter-suits, passing on to a higher court, etc. A decision is made and done. The action of the decision is made manifest, very quickly. There is no delay in the manifestation of the decision. Babylon City is destroyed within one hour, split into three parts by a very great earthquake, consumed by fire and hammered by 100lb. hailstones (weight of a talent). Period.

There is no punishment meted out in stages, over a long period of time. There is no slap on the wrist that comes with an admonition to don’t do it again. The celestial sledgehammer is dropped quickly and decisively, no force is held back.

God’s judgement includes not only the living but also the dead. Jesus Christ opens his book of life, to see if a dead man’s name is in it. The book of life is not unlike an accounting ledger that records all the debits and credits amassed over a period of time. These debits and credits are referred to as “according to their works.” If a man’s name is found in his book of life, Jesus acknowledges as much to the Father and “confesses the man’s name even to the angels.” Through Jesus Christ and his book of life, God is able to righteously judge dead men. Jesus’ book of life accounts for everyone, past, present and future.

Numbers within numbers, meanings within meanings. Twelve (12) descriptions of judging or judgement and twelve (12) references or verses from throughout the book of Revelation. Judging / Judgement. (Def.); to form a conclusion about a subject or outcome, to decide as in a case of court, to give a verdict about someone or something in court as truthful, applying the administration of justice and truthfulness. Only God and Jesus Christ are the judges. Period.

 Only God and Jesus Christ do the judging. Period. Only God and Jesus Christ reward, withhold or punish. Period. Only God and Jesus Christ are judge, jury, and jailer. God has his wrath. Jesus Christ has the keys to heaven and hell. Having judgement and exercising judgement is derived from authority and rule. One can only be a judge if they have the authority to judge and the right to judge. One has to be competent to judge, to be able to discern right from wrong, truth from lies, good from evil, just from unjust, righteousness from unrighteousness, clarity from deception, godly from ungodliness, saved from unsaved.

To be able to judge, one has to know all the facts, all the outcomes, all the intents, all the behaviors and apply these against a benchmark, a standard, a law that determines whether the data observed meet the benchmark, standard or law. Since God is omnipotent and knows everything occurring past, present and future, he is supremely just in knowing everything to take into account in performing judgement. He is the only one capable of exercising correct, truthful and righteous judgement because he can and does take everything into consideration when exercising his administration of justice.

Jesus Christ is the benchmark, the standard and/or the law. Jesus Christ paid our court fees, he paid the bail, and also paid a very expensive price so we wouldn’t have to go to jail, to the dungeon, to the hangman or to the lake of fire. God’s law of righteousness and truthfulness is;

Admit/Acknowledge/Accept that you are sinner. Ask God’s forgiveness and repent of your sins.

. . .For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23)

. . .As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one. (Romans 3:10)

. . .If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. (1 John 1:8)

Believe Jesus is Lord. Believe that Jesus Christ is who He claimed to be; that He was both fully God and fully man and that we are saved through His death, burial, and resurrection. Put your trust in Him as your only hope of salvation. Become a son or daughter of God by receiving Christ.

. . .That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. (John 3:15-17). For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. (Romans 10:13)

Call upon His name, Confess with your heart and with your lips that Jesus is your Lord and Savior.

. . .That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (Romans 10:9-10)

This is the benchmark, standard and/or law by which God judges men. If Jesus Christ finds a man who meets this benchmark, standard and/or law, he acknowledges and confesses the man’s name before God as belonging to him and having meet the requirements. Jesus Christ acts as our lawyer, on our behalf, in the administration of God’s justice. Jesus saves us in God’s court of law and in the administration of God’s justice.

But the fearful, and UNBELIEVING, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in THE LAKE WHICH BURNETH WITH FIRE AND BRIMSTONE: WHICH IS THE SECOND DEATH.

SEVEN-FOLD REFERENCE TO LAKE OF FIRE JUDGEMENT:

1. “He that hath an ear, let hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of THE SECOND DEATH (LAKE OF FIRE).” (Rev. 2:11).
2. “The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he SHALL BE TORMENTED WITH FIRE AND BRIMSTONE in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever; and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosover receiveth the mark of his name.” (Rev. 14:10-11).
3. “And THE BEAST was taken, and with him THE FALSE PROPHET that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These BOTH WERE CAST ALIVE INTO A LAKE OF FIRE BURNING WITH BRIMSTONE.” (Rev. 19:20).
4. “And the devil that deceived them was cast into THE LAKE OF FIRE AND BRIMSTONE, WHERE THE BEAST AND THE FALSE PROPHET ARE, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.” (Rev. 20:10).
5. “And death and hell were cast into THE LAKE OF FIRE. THIS IS THE SECOND DEATH.” (Rev. 20:14).
6. “And whosover was not found written in the book of life WAS CAST INTO THE LAKE OF FIRE.” (Rev. 20:15).
7. “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part IN THE LAKE WHICH BURNETH WITH FIRE AND BRIMSTONE: WHICH IS THE SECOND DEATH.” (Rev. 21:8).

The lake of fire is also known as the ‘second death’. This is the final place of burning, everlasting torment for Satan, the antichrist, the false prophet and those un-saved, un-believing souls from throughout the ages found NOT to be in the book of life, at the white throne judgement, at the end of the Millennium. The lake of fire and second death are also reserved for those deceived during the Tribulation who took the mark of the beast and worshipped him and his image.

 The evil dead are resurrected to be judged by Christ for their evil works and for their rejection of Him who offered himself for their salvation and forgiveness of their sins. As a result of their sins and judgment, they are cast into the lake of fire that represents a second death (the first death being physical body death and souls/spirits being in Hell). The evil dead are resurrected into bodies and cast into the lake of fire to be severely tormented, having no rest day or night, and are absent from a loving God and their Savior who offered himself for them.

THE GREAT IRONY IS THAT THESE PEOPLE RECEIVED EXACTLY WHAT THEY WANTED. THEY REFUSED CHRIST AND WANTED NOTHING TO DO WITH HIM, THEY WANTED TO EXIST IN ETERNITY WITHOUT COMMUNION WITH GOD AND CHRIST, ON THEIR OWN TERMS. THEY LITERALLY RECEIVED WHAT THEY ASKED FOR. THE STENCH OF THEIR PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL TORMENT RISES UP IN SMOKE, FOR ETERNITY.

God made both man and angels as eternal beings, hence they will exist forever in one state or another. Which state will any of us choose to exist in? The choice is up to us, and God grants us the freedom to make that choice for ourselves. For better or worse, we have no one to blame (certainly not God) except ourselves for whatever choices we make on earth.

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