HUMAN BEINGS MUST BE AT THE CENTER OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

VATICAN CITY, SEP 3, 2002 (VIS) - Archbishop Renato R. Martino, apostolic nuncio, head of the delegation of the Holy See to the World Summit on Sustainable Development, which is taking place from August 26 to September 4, addressed the assembly yesterday.

Archbishop Martino emphasized that "the continued promotion of the centrality of the human being in the discussion of sustainable development is a core interest of the Holy See and the main reason of its presence at this important World Summit."

"It must be recognized," he continued, "that juridical, economic and technical measures are not sufficient to solve the problems that hamper sustainable development."

Referring to extreme poverty, the nuncio recalled that it continues to "plague too many of the world's people." In this sense, he said that there are too many people unemployed, many children, especially girls, who do not have the opportunity to receive an education, many adults, especially women, who are illiterate and many people who suffer from the effects of AIDS and malaria. "Extreme poverty is perhaps the most pervasive and paralyzing violation of human rights in our world."

"In the struggle to eradicate poverty, water plays a vital role, not only as pertains to health but also as an indispensable productive element. ... Another high priority in sustainable development is rural development." The poor "often lack access to basic social services."
Archbishop Martino ended his speech by emphasizing that "in our interdependent and globalizing world," the spirit of "family" must be fostered to reach the goal of sustainable development.

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