The Universality of Human Rights and the Universal Responsibility to Care
December 8, 2023 11:00 am — 12:30 am Timezone: Europe/Berlin

In commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Permanent Mission of the Holy See, the Fondation Caritas in Veritate, the Permanent Mission of the Sovereign Order of Malta, the International Catholic Migration Commission, and the Forum of Catholic Inspired Non-Governmental Organization are organizing a High-Level Event, during which Pope Francis’ latest Apostolic Exhortation will be presented.

In response to the complex challenges facing humanity, including violence, poverty, climate change, and technological advancements, Pope Francis issued an Apostolic Exhortation on the Climate Crisis called Laudate Deum on October 4, 2023. Emphasizing the urgent need for concrete action, the Pope highlighted the interconnectedness of human rights and the responsibility of individuals to bring about lasting change.

The High-Level Event will gather leaders from international organizations and the Holy See to discuss the correlation between rights and responsibilities in areas such as a renewal of multilateralism, care for our common home, social justice, care for people on the move, and care for the dignity of human life.

The event will be moderated by H.E. Archbishop Ettore Balestrero, Apolistic Nuncio, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations Office in Geneva, and will feature remarks from:

• Ms. Tatiana Valovaya, Director General of the UN Office in Geneva,
• Sister Alessandra Smerilli, Secretary of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development of the Holy See,
• Mr. Gilbert Houngbo, Director General of the International Labour Organization,
• Ms. Amy Pope, Director General of the International Organization for Migration,
• Mr. Fabrice Hadjadj, philosopher and author, Member of the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life of the Holy See.