Seville: El Debate newspaper publishes IPCM article on development summit

The prestigious online newspaper El Debate published an article by the IPCM president on the UN summit held in Seville. Rafael Rodríguez-Ponga emphasizes that “without the UN and without these summits, which serve as points of reflection and meeting, the world would be worse off.”

The 4th International Conference on Financing for Development was held in Seville, organized by the UN. The Madrid-based newspaper El Debate published an article by the IPCM president, Rafael Rodríguez-Ponga.

The author recalls that the first summit of this nature was held in 2002 in Monterrey (Mexico), where he had the honor of witnessing “that moment of hope.”

The IPCM president questions the usefulness of these summits. “The indicators show that healthcare, education, and access to drinking water have generally improved.” "We are aware that the world's problems remain enormous, that proposals and agendas have not always been on the right path, and that the threats are significant."

He then raises the responsibility of Catholic organizations. Therefore, he informs us that “The representative of the Holy See to the UN chaired one of the sectoral sessions. The room was packed. He asked us Catholics to actively participate in international and social life.”

The 4th International Conference on Financing for Development was held in Seville.

The article concludes with the following: “We are in the year of the Jubilee of Hope: it is a great opportunity to strengthen our work for the common good. Without the UN and without these summits, which serve as points of reflection and meeting, the world would be worse off.”

The original text (July 1, 2025) can be found at: 

https://www.eldebate.com/opinion/20250701/sevilla-capital-mundo_312598.html