Holy See presses development, poverty, women’s issues at UN

Archbishop Christophe-Zakhia El-Kassis, the Holy See's permanent observer to the United Nations, addressed the UN General Assembly on October 6, 2026, to advocate for women's equality, poverty eradication, and human-centered economic development. Speaking before the UN Third Committee, which handles social, humanitarian, and cultural issues, and the Second Committee, which manages economic and financial matters, El-Kassis called for true equality for women and urged that global technological and economic progress prioritize the common good.

During the sessions, El-Kassis argued that eradicating poverty requires a system where the poor act as active participants in programs rather than passive recipients of aid. He cited a statement from Pope Leo XIV that development is only truly human when it centers on people instead of the accumulation of wealth. The Archbishop stated that an individual's circumstances of birth should not dictate their access to opportunities or the respect shown for their inherent dignity.

To meet goals for full employment, decent work, and social integration, El-Kassis said the international community needs sustained cooperation and a commitment to a political and ethical vision for social development based on human dignity.