We are not passive spectators; rather, we seek to make vulnerable people an active part in the processes of change, assuming co-responsibility to build a dignified future,” explained Nicolás Meyer, regional coordinator of Cáritas Latin America and the Caribbean, during his speech this September 18 at the high-level meeting held at the 2023 SDG Summit of the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, which takes place in New York.

Under the name of “Inspire faith, hope and transformative action to accelerate progress towards the SDGs”, the event corresponds to an effort of interreligious cooperation so that faith is a catalyst for commitment to the 2030 Agenda. This space, sponsored by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), serves as a fundamental platform to review and monitor the application of the Agenda for Sustainable Development and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Action integral

As part of the trilateral partnership, which is made up of the African Religious Leaders for the SDGs initiative (AFLI), the Asia-Pacific Religious Coalition for Sustainable Development (APFC) and the Interfaith Alliance for the 2030 Agenda in Latin America and the Caribbean - with Caritas being part of the latter -, Meyer noted the tireless work of faith-based organizations to address the significant challenges they face. are faced in Latin America and the Caribbean, which is the most unequal region on the planet and with a high vulnerability to poverty, according to information from ECLAC.

“The complexity of the situation requires comprehensive action that addresses the multiple causes of poverty and guarantees that no one is left behind. Pope Francis, in his 2023 message, challenges us by pointing out that we live in a historical moment in which care for the poorest is in danger, and Voices of those living in poverty are increasingly silenced. Therefore, our organizations are dedicated to welcoming, protecting, promoting and integrating processes from and with local communities," explained the Cáritas coordinator.

The role of faith

On the other hand, Meyer stated that Cáritas' action is aligned with the aspiration to achieve a sustainable future for the entire human family, adopting the sustainable development agenda with its multiple objectives and goals. Therefore, the role of faith is fundamental for the acceleration of progress towards the SDGs, as this will allow us to contribute to the design and implementation of a “plan for a better world.”

In addition, he explained, Cáritas' work is focused mainly on SDG 1, which corresponds to “ending poverty in all its forms.” access to credit and promote sustainable resource management”