Mediterranean Conf. 2022 - Co-operation - climate change to advance common security

STATEMENT OF THE HOLY SEE 

DELIVERED BY MONSIGNOR MAURO LALLI

AT THE 2022 OSCE MEDITERRANEAN CONFERENCE

“ADVANCING SECURITY AND CO-OPERATION IN THE MEDITERRANEAN: FOSTERING DIALOGUE WITH THE OSCE MEDITERRANEAN PARTNERS FOR CO-OPERATION”

DEAD SEA, JORDAN, 24-25 OCTOBER 2022

Session I: 

Stepping up co-operation in the field of climate change 

to advance common security 

Mr. Chairman,

As this is the first time my Delegation is taking the floor at this Conference, allow me to express the Holy See’s appreciation to North Macedonia as Chair of the Mediterranean Partners for Co-operation Group for organizing this 2022 OSCE Mediterranean Conference.

The Holy See greatly values the OSCE as a platform of dialogue that facilitates the exchange of information and best practices and the formation of partnerships throughout the Mediterranean region to strengthen resilience on climate change, which is a common threat to the security and stability of the whole region.

The global security landscape, including energy and climate security, has changed dramatically since Russia launched its war of aggression in February this year. Indeed, the entire OSCE region faces unprecedented and growing challenges, because of the severe lack of energy supplies that will likely put further strain on many families and industries already affected by the economic crisis. The threat of nuclear war, as well as military activities in the vicinity of nuclear facilities with heightened risk of dire human and environmental consequences, only adds to the many concerns surrounding the current unstable security and energy situation. 

Irrespective of the concrete threat posed by the war in Ukraine, Pope Francis has underscored the urgent need to strengthen joint efforts to build energy security and transition away from fossil fuels. Countries must work together not only at the political level, but also at the scientific and technological level “to encourage economic stability, public health, the protection of the environment and integral human development.”

This is a challenge that requires an “ecological conversion”, which means “‘converting’ the models of consumption as well as lifestyles in a way more respectful of creation and the integral human development of all peoples, present and future, a development grounded in responsibility, prudence, solidarity, concern for the poor and for future generations.”

 Caring for the environment and alleviating poverty are not separate challenges, but part of the bigger universal challenge to provide for full and authentic human development. Therefore, Pope Francis proposes an “integral ecology”, affirming that “we are faced not with two separate crises, one environmental and the other social, but rather with one complex crisis which is both social and environmental.”

All Countries together, developing and developed Countries alike, need to address this together. Multilateral agreements such as the Paris Agreement will not deliver the transformation needed without a prior significant transformation of politics, policies and international cooperation. Such kind of transformation begins, first and foremost, with the conversion of our hearts, minds, lifestyles and the way in which we encounter one another as members of the human family.

In conclusion, the Holy See affirms its support for the OSCE’s valuable work in the Mediterranean region, particularly in intensifying cooperation to address the effects of climate change and thereby advancing common security. 

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.