Today’s UN World Day for Social Justice invites us to consider how we can collectively work towards building fair and just societies where peace and well-being are a reality for all. Recognising the collective responsibility to address the root causes of poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation, the Directors of CIDSE urge political, economic, and social leaders to confront the harsh realities of our times and take immediate, bold action.
CIDSE, the international family of Catholic social justice organisations, originates in the Vatican II Council. During its final session in 1965, Cardinals Frings, Alfrink, and Suenens moved by the appeals of bishops from Latin America, Africa, and Asia, agreed to establish a new network of Catholic organisations. These organisations were dedicated to alleviating hunger and disease to express the Church’s global solidarity. Their vision was one of collaboration, justice, and action. Cordaid is one of the founding members of CIDSE.
Today, that vision calls us to urgently address the interconnected crises affecting our common home and people living in the most vulnerable circumstances.
As we celebrate our 60th anniversary in this Jubilee year of hope, we are reminded of the Gospel values and Catholic Social Teaching that have guided our work so far. They continue to inspire a deeper commitment to justice and solidarity, supporting our mission to stand with those most affected by the current interconnected crises.
While global challenges persist, such as economic systems prioritising profit over people and perpetuating cycles of conflict, colonisation, human rights violations, and unjust debt, there are also reasons for hope. Despite the shrinking space for civil society and the erosion of democratic processes, pursuing justice remains critical but possible.
Encouraging signs are emerging from the Global South, where the communities we work with are demonstrating remarkable resilience. They lift themselves out of poverty, build brighter futures, adapt to climate change, and defend their rights. Their spirit and determination in the face of significant environmental and financial exploitation challenges inspire us to stand in solidarity with them. Together, we aim to address systems of oppression and inequality, striving for a socially and ecologically just planet.
In this context, CIDSE has a unique role to continue to play. Through our global network of organisations and communities, we have the capacity to connect with local movements and decision-makers, amplifying unheard voices and ensuring that the struggles of the most vulnerable ones are met with concrete action from the global community.
This year is a decisive moment for collective efforts facing interconnected global crises. The anniversary of Laudato Si’ and key global events like the UN climate conference in Brazil call us to act. The Paris Agreement must be implemented with stronger national pledges to avert the climate crisis.
Similarly, the international community must take decisive steps toward debt justice, a critical issue for the Global South, where debt burdens continue to trap nations in cycles of exploitation, inequality and poverty.
Now is the time for bold, concrete action. For this reason, we urge political leaders, especially in the Global North, to commit to:
- Implementing the Paris Agreement with stronger national pledges to avoid worse climate impacts;
- Relieving the debt of vulnerable countries to free them from financial exploitation and allow them to build sustainable futures;
- Increasing development aid to support climate adaptation and poverty alleviation in the Global South.
On this UN World Day of Social Justice, we urge not just reflection but immediate, collective action from governments, organisations, and individuals to address these urgent issues.
As we celebrate CIDSE’s 60-year legacy, let us take bold steps to ensure justice, peace, and the care of our common home for this generation and the next ones.
List of signatories:
- Lieve Herijgers, Broederlijk Delen, Belgium
- Christine Allen, CAFOD, England & Wales
- Virginie Amieux, CCFD–Terre Solidaire, France
- Josianne Gauthier, CIDSE, International
- Heleen Van Den Berg, Cordaid, Netherlands
- Luke Stocking, Development & Peace, Canada
- Axelle Fischer, Entraide et Fraternité, Belgium
- Daniel Fiala, eRko, Slovakia
- Bernd Nilles, Fastenaktion, Switzerland
- Ana Patricia Fonseca, FEC, Portugal
- Ivana Borsotto, Focsiv–Volontari nel Mondo, Italy
- Anja Appel, KOO, Austria
- Ricardo Loy, Manos Unidas, Spain
- Susan Gunn, Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns, USA
- Andreas Frick, MISEREOR, Germany
- Denise Richard, Partage Lu, Luxembourg
- Lorraine Currie, SCIAF, Scotland
- Caoimhe de Barra, Trócaire, Ireland
- Marc Bollerman, Vastenactie, Netherlands
- Mgr. Abba Tesfaselassie Medhin, Eparchy of Adigrat, Ethiopia (CIDSE Spiritual Advisor)