Necessary steps

With the UN Rio+20 Conference "countless people are expecting that concrete measures are taken on the path to a more equitable and sustainable development". In a world where millions of people "lack access to adequate food, clean water, energy, health care and education and which is threatened by climate change", "these steps are more necessary and urgent than ever". The phases are taken from the statement delivered by Card. Reinhard Marx, Archbishop of Munich and Freising, COMECE president (Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Community) on the "Rio + 20" Conference on Sustainable Development, ongoing in Rio de Janeiro (June 20-22). In a lengthy reflection, the prelate addresses the chapters regarding environmental sustainability, the responsibility towards the Planet, global-scale cooperation, with quotes from pope Benedict XVI’s speeches, COMECE documents, as well as from the outcomes of the first "Earth Summit" held in the Brazilian city twenty years ago. For the Rio Conference in 1992, "the concept of "sustainability" was central", Marx said. "From a Christian perspective, the recognition of the dignity of man is the basis for any sustainable development. Man must be the focus of concern for sustainable development. He has the right to a healthy life in harmony with nature". In his address card. Marx calls on the "developed world" to assume the highest share of responsibilities for global warming, also by adopting new lifestyles marked by moderation in consumption and material goods which led to forced development, with consequential effects on nature. The COMECE president pointed out that food "is the first means to fight poverty and sustain a growing world". "Economic growth can no longer be the sole goal of human development". There is a need for agreement "on alternative indicators for measuring development such as school enrolment rates and life-expectancy measures, which go beyond the economic-concentrated perspective of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP)". For His Eminence, "Cooperation will be the imperative of the future", while institutions at all levels of decision-making "should improve their cooperation towards a sound global governance system, which is capable of ensuring policy-coherence".Cardinal Reinhard Marx concluded by underlining that "Development is not uni-dimensional. It is not only about the determined fight against poverty and hunger and the struggle for access to clean water. It is also the critical endeavour to develop globally a sustainable lifestyle that brings about a "fundamental conversion of the hearts and minds of the developed and rich countries". "Instead of being driven by materialism and self-interest we need to become generous and show solidarity. We need to work on a new culture with respect for Creation, for solidarity and justice, for true and authentic human development", His Eminence said. "The world expects that their leaders in Rio will embrace their responsibilities and will be accountable for their commitments". The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the EU wishes them "the courage to decide in favour of just solutions".