Support for African countries must go beyond short-term measures and focus on long-term development in order to address the root causes of poverty, the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations said in a statement released on July 8, 2026.“Poverty, especially extreme poverty, is the most significant global challenge,” the statement said.
“Its persistence in its many dimensions continues to deprive millions – especially women and children – of access to adequate food, clean water, healthcare, education and decent work. Poverty constitutes a grave affront to the inherent God-given dignity of the human person.”The statement was delivered at the 2026 High-Level Political Forum in New York, during a session dedicated to accelerating achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals in least developed countries, landlocked developing countries, and middle-income countries on the African continent.
With the 2030 deadline of the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development approaching — a global plan to eradicate poverty, promote peace, and protect the planet — the Holy See said “it is critical that the international community takes action to address the challenges hindering progress in development.”In this context, the Mission emphasized that “renewed and strengthened support for African countries, LDCs, LLDCs and MICs is essential.”This support should “address the structural obstacles that hinder sustainable development.” The statement listed key measures, including enhancing access to concessional financing, promoting fairer trade systems, facilitating the transfer of technology, and advancing meaningful debt relief. The Permanent Observer Mission also noted that progress requires attention to the “unique vulnerabilities” each country faces. It added that “geographic constraints, climate change, and limited infrastructure are exacerbating inequalities for many.”
The Holy See also highlighted “the vital role of the family as the fundamental unity of society, a ‘primary social good,’ and a crucial source of resilience.”The statement explained that policies strengthening families contribute to eradicating poverty, promoting social stability, and fostering integral human development.“Investing in and promoting such policies at both national and international level is essential for ensuring the flourishing of all people, eradicating poverty and achieving integral human development,” the message concluded.