THE VATICAN has called on the international community to strengthen long-term support for African countries by addressing the structural barriers that continue to impede sustainable development, stressing that lasting solutions to poverty must go beyond short-term assistance.
In a statement during the 2026 High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) at the United Nations in New York, the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations urged renewed global commitment to helping African nations achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) ahead of the 2030 deadline.
The statement was delivered during a forum session focused on accelerating progress toward the SDGs in least developed countries (LDCs), landlocked developing countries (LLDCs) and middle-income countries (MICs) across Africa.
Describing poverty as one of the world’s greatest challenges, the Holy See said its continued prevalence undermines human dignity and deprives millions of access to essential services.
“Poverty, especially extreme poverty, is the most significant global challenge,” the statement said.
According to the Holy See, the persistence of poverty in its many forms continues to deny millions of people – particularly women and children – access to adequate food, clean water, healthcare, education and decent work.
The statement further described poverty as “a grave affront to the inherent God-given dignity of the human person.”
With fewer than five years remaining before the target date for achieving the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Holy See emphasized the need for urgent and coordinated international action to overcome obstacles slowing development across the African continent.
It argued that support for African countries, particularly LDCs, LLDCs and MICs, should focus on addressing structural challenges that limit sustainable economic and social progress.
Among the key measures proposed were expanding access to concessional financing, promoting fairer international trade systems, facilitating the transfer of technology and advancing meaningful debt relief initiatives.
The Holy See maintained that such reforms would help create the conditions necessary for sustainable growth while enabling countries to address the root causes of poverty.
The statement also called for development strategies that recognize the distinct challenges facing individual countries.
It noted that geographic constraints, the effects of climate change and inadequate infrastructure continue to deepen inequalities and slow development in many parts of Africa.
According to the Holy See, policies designed to accelerate sustainable development should take these unique vulnerabilities into account to ensure that support is tailored to the specific needs of each country.
Beyond economic and financial reforms, the Holy See highlighted the importance of strengthening families as part of broader development efforts.
It described the family as the “fundamental unity of society,” a “primary social good,” and an essential source of resilience capable of supporting communities through social and economic challenges.
The statement said policies that protect and strengthen families contribute significantly to poverty eradication, social stability and integral human development.
It concluded by urging governments and the international community to invest in family-centred policies, saying such measures are vital to promoting the flourishing of all people, eliminating poverty and advancing sustainable and inclusive development.
