Papal Address Emphasizes Sustainable Development Goals in Call for Global Peace

Advocacy for Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (SDG 16)

• A formal appeal was issued on July 27 for the immediate commencement of negotiations to end global conflicts and secure a future of peace.
• The address stressed the rejection of any actions that jeopardize peace, aligning with SDG 16’s objective to significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates.
• A call was made for leaders with the power to resolve conflicts to act, reflecting the need for effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.
• The message underscored that the inherent dignity of every human person is a foundational principle for building peaceful and inclusive societies.

Addressing Humanitarian Crises in Alignment with Global Goals

• Closeness was expressed to all populations suffering from conflict and violence, with specific attention given to humanitarian crises that contravene multiple SDGs.
• Gaza: Grave concern was noted regarding the humanitarian situation, where civilian suffering directly impacts several development goals.
  • The prevalence of severe hunger among the population is a critical setback for SDG 2 (Zero Hunger).
  • The population’s exposure to violence and death undermines SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).
  • A renewed appeal was made for the following specific actions to be implemented:
  1. An immediate ceasefire.
  2. The release of all hostages.
  3. Full respect for and adherence to international humanitarian law.
• Thailand-Cambodia Border: Prayers were offered for those affected by clashes that have led to at least 32 deaths and the displacement of over 200,000 people.
  • The displacement of children and families presents a challenge to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) regarding safe human settlements and violates the protection targets of SDG 16.
  • A call for dialogue and reconciliation was made, promoting the core mechanisms for conflict resolution central to achieving SDG 16.

Reinforcing Global Partnerships for Sustainable Development (SDG 17)

• The appeal was directed at “all parties involved in conflicts,” emphasizing the need for multi-stakeholder engagement and partnership, a principle central to SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
• By urging collective action to recognize human dignity and end violence, the message promotes the collaborative spirit required to achieve the entire 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

SDGs Addressed in the Article

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

  This is the most prominent goal, as the article’s central theme is Pope Leo XIV’s call for an end to conflicts, violence, and the promotion of peace through negotiations and dialogue. He explicitly mentions the need to reject actions that jeopardize peace and to respect humanitarian law.

• SDG 2: Zero Hunger

  This goal is directly addressed through the Pope’s concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where he highlights that the “civilian population is suffering from severe hunger.”

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  The issue of displacement is a key element of this goal. The article reports that fighting between Thailand and Cambodia led to over “200,000 people in both countries” being “evacuated or fled from their homes,” which relates to the safety and security of human settlements.

Specific Targets Identified

1. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

   • Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.

     This target is identified through the Pope’s call to “end every action that violates” human dignity and his concern for the “innocent victims of conflicts.” The article quantifies this by mentioning the “death of at least 32 people, including civilians” in the Thailand-Cambodia conflict.

   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.

     This is evident in the Pope’s “heartfelt appeal for… the full respect of humanitarian law” in Gaza, which is a cornerstone of promoting the rule of law during conflicts.

   • Target 16.A: Strengthen relevant national institutions… to prevent violence.

     The Pope’s call for “negotiations aimed at securing a future of peace” and for leaders to “seek dialogue and reconciliation” points directly to strengthening institutional mechanisms for conflict resolution and peace-building.

2. SDG 2: Zero Hunger

   • Target 2.1: By 2030, end hunger and ensure access by all people, in particular the poor and people in vulnerable situations… to safe, nutritious and sufficient food all year round.

     This target is directly connected to the Pope’s statement about the “dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where the civilian population is suffering from severe hunger.”

3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • Target 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing.

     The report that “More than 200,000 people in both countries were evacuated or fled from their homes” highlights a massive failure to ensure safe housing due to conflict, making this target highly relevant.

Indicators for Measuring Progress

1. Implied Indicators for Target 16.1

   • Conflict-related deaths per 100,000 population (Indicator 16.1.2): The article provides a specific data point that can be used for this indicator by stating that the fighting led to the “death of at least 32 people, including civilians.”

2. Implied Indicators for Target 2.1

   • Prevalence of undernourishment (Indicator 2.1.1): The phrase “severe hunger” affecting the “civilian population” in Gaza directly implies a high prevalence of undernourishment that could be measured by this indicator.

3. Implied Indicators for Target 11.1

   • Proportion of urban population living in slums, informal settlements or inadequate housing: While not a formal UN indicator for this target, the number of internally displaced persons is a critical measure. The article provides a direct number: “More than 200,000 people… evacuated or fled from their homes,” which serves as a clear indicator of the loss of adequate housing.

Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: osvnews.com