At World Economic Forum, Pope Francis Urges For Integral Human Development

By Verghese V Joseph –

In a message to the Executive Chairman Professor Klaus Schwab of the World Economic Forum (WEF) on the occasion of its annual meeting in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, from 21 to 24 January 2020, Holy Father Francis has advised the leaders of all participating nations to work towards integral human development so that the world can flourish when all members of the human family are included in, and contribute to, pursuing the common good..

The text of which was presented by His Eminence Cardinal Peter Turkson, prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, as Holy See representative.

In is message the pontiff said, “In these years, the World Economic Forum has offered an opportunity for the engagement of diverse stakeholders to explore innovative and effective ways of building a better world. It has also provided an arena where political will and mutual cooperation can be guided and strengthened in overcoming the isolationism, individualism and ideological colonization that sadly characterizes too much contemporary debate.”

In light of the ever growing and interrelated challenges affecting the world (cf. Laudato Si’, 138 ff.), the Pope Francis referred to this theme that has been considered for this year – Stakeholders for a Cohesive and Sustainable World – pointed to the need for a greater engagement at all levels in order to address more effectively the diverse issues facing humanity. “Throughout the past five decades, we have witnessed geopolitical transformations and significant changes, from the economy and labour markets to digital technology and the environment. Many of these developments have benefitted humanity, while others have had adverse effects and created significant development lacunae. While today’s challenges are not the same as those of half a century ago, a number of features remain relevant as we begin a new decade, he said.

Putting forth his point the Holy Father said, “The overriding consideration, never to be forgotten, is that we are all members of the one human family. The moral obligation to care for one another flows from this fact, as does the correlative principle of placing the human person, rather than the mere pursuit of power or profit, at the very centre of public policy. This duty, moreover, is incumbent upon business sectors and governments alike, and is indispensable in the search for equitable solutions to the challenges we face. As a result it is necessary to move beyond short-term technological or economic approaches and to give full consideration to the ethical dimension in seeking resolutions to present problems or proposing initiatives for the future.”

“In seeking genuine progress, let us not forget that to trample upon the dignity of another person is in fact to weaken one’s own worth,” Pope advised.

Pope Francis drew attenion to his Encyclical Letter Laudato Si’, where the importance of an “integral ecology” that takes into account the full implications of the complexity and interconnectedness of our common home. He further stated thta such a renewed and integrated ethical approach calls for “a humanism capable of bringing together the different fields of knowledge, including economics, in the service of a more integral and integrating vision” (ibid., 141).

In acknowledging the achievements of the past fifty years, he hoped that the participants at WEF would keep in mind the high moral responsibility of seeking the integral development of all people, including those of future generations. “May your deliberations lead to a growth in solidarity, especially with those most in need, who experience social and economic injustice and whose very existence is even threatened,” he said.

“To those taking part in the Forum I renew my prayerful good wishes for a fruitful meeting and I invoke upon all of you God’s blessings of wisdom. As the World Economic Forum celebrates its fiftieth anniversary, I send greetings and prayerful good wishes to all taking part in this year’s gathering. I thank you for your invitation to participate and have asked Cardinal Peter Turkson, Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, to attend as the Holy See’s representative,” the Holy Father added.