NEW YORK, 19 July 2025 (NRom)
In a compelling statement to the United Nations’ 2025 High-level Segment, the Holy Apostolic See of the United Roman‑Ruthenian Church (URRC) has called for a stronger role for faith-based and cultural institutions in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The statement, formally received by the UN Secretary-General, underscores the need for sustainable and inclusive progress that is both scientifically grounded and ethically informed.
Themed around “Advancing sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda,” this year’s high-level segment marks the 80th anniversary of the United Nations—a milestone that the URRC used as an opportunity to advocate for the integration of traditional values, ethical governance, and spiritual heritage into global development strategies.
A Call for Moral and Cultural Integration
The statement from the Holy Apostolic See emphasizes that technical innovation alone is insufficient to fulfill the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). According to the Church, long-term success demands a renewed commitment to dignity, tradition, and moral responsibility.
“As a transnational Orthodox ecclesiastical body with deep historical roots in Eastern and Western Christian traditions,” the Holy Apostolic See stated, “we are guardians of faith and liturgy and active participants in human development, peacebuilding, and ethical governance.”
Key Proposals Highlighted in the Statement
The Church outlined several areas where it believes faith-based communities, particularly those like the URRC with strong grassroots networks, can contribute meaningfully:
- Integration of Faith Communities in SDG Implementation: URRC urged greater inclusion of religious institutions in education, healthcare, and moral development, noting their trusted presence at the local level.
- Education Reform Rooted in Ethics: The Church advocates for systems that cultivate not only intellectual excellence but also virtues such as compassion, responsibility, and service to others.
- Preservation of Intangible Cultural Heritage: The statement stressed that the survival of traditions such as language, liturgy, and music is crucial for community resilience and identity.
- Intergenerational Programs: Emphasizing that both the elderly and the youth are vital to a healthy society, the URRC promoted dialogue and mentorship as tools to strengthen social cohesion.
- Faith-Based Environmental Stewardship: Drawing from doctrinal principles, the Church called for development strategies that respect and integrate spiritual approaches to environmental ethics.
Spiritual Traditions as Pillars of Sustainability
In its conclusion, the Holy Apostolic See framed traditional communities not as relics of the past, but as catalysts for renewal in a fragmented world. “As we approach the milestone of 2030,” the statement reads, “may our shared commitment to truth, compassion, and justice guide us toward a future where no one is left behind.”
This submission marks one of the most robust interventions by a religious body during this year’s segment, reinforcing the growing recognition that sustainable development must be multidimensional, addressing not only the material but also the cultural and moral foundations of society.
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Full Text of the URRC Statement
Full Text of the Statement by the United Roman‑Ruthenian Church to the United Nations for the 2025 High‑level Segment: Received by the Secretary‑General
Objective and Purpose:
This statement by the Holy Apostolic See of the United Roman-Ruthenian Church and its Pontifical Nunciature to the UN contributes to the 2025 ECOSOC High-Level Segment by emphasising the essential role of cultural, spiritual, and ethical traditions in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Drawing from its historic ecclesiastical identity and international presence, the Church offers proposals that support authentically inclusive and sustainable solutions rooted in human dignity, moral responsibility, and the preservation of traditional societies.
Statement
As the United Nations marks 80 years of multilateral progress, the United Roman‑Ruthenian Church affirms its support for authentic sustainable development grounded in dignity, tradition, and ethical responsibility. We believe that achieving the 2030 Agenda requires not only innovation and science but a reaffirmation of enduring spiritual and cultural values.
As a transnational Orthodox ecclesiastical body with deep historical roots in Eastern and Western Christian traditions, the URRC represents a unique ethno‑religious community that spans continents. We are guardians of faith and liturgy and active participants in human development, peacebuilding, and ethical governance.
Key Contributions and Proposals:
Faith‑based communities are often among the most stable and trusted institutions at the grassroots level. The URRC encourages the international community to better integrate such communities into SDG implementation, particularly in education, healthcare, and moral formation.
We advocate for educational systems that nurture intellectual growth and also emphasise ethical responsibility, compassion, and service to others.
The SDGs cannot succeed without preserving intangible cultural heritage. Language, liturgy, traditional music, and spiritual practices must be safeguarded as heritage and living resources for community resilience and development.
A society that forgets its elders or disregards its youth undermines itself. The URRC promotes initiatives that bring generations together in dialogue, mentorship, and community building. This strengthens identity and ensures that no one is left behind.
The URRC embraces the doctrinal principle of stewardship of creation. We support partnerships that incorporate faith‑based environmental ethics into sustainable development.
In a time of great uncertainty and social fragmentation, traditional communities can be powerful catalysts for renewal. The United Roman‑Ruthenian Church calls upon global partners to recognise the indispensable role of cultural and spiritual heritage in achieving a just, sustainable, and authentically inclusive world. As we approach the milestone of 2030, may our shared commitment to truth, compassion, and justice guide us toward a future where no one is left behind.
