Recent events at the United Nations have served as a powerful reminder of the urgency of global challenges: climate change, forced migration, armed conflict, and growing inequality. In this context, the role of NGOs, and in particular that of the Daughters of Charity, takes on its full importance.
For so many years, the Daughters of Charity have stood alongside the poorest and most vulnerable. Their presence at the UN allows them to make these voices heard, too often forgotten on the international stage. Whether during discussions on the protection of migrants and refugees, climate justice, or access to education and healthcare, the Daughters of Charity translate their lived experience on the ground into concrete advocacy.
Recent events, notably the 2024 Future Summit, have highlighted the need for a global commitment to protect our planet and its most vulnerable inhabitants. For the Daughters of Charity, these meetings are an opportunity to remind everyone that every political decision has real human consequences and that it is essential to include the most disadvantaged in the decision-making process.
Being an NGO at the UN is not just about attending meetings or writing reports: it is about being a bridge between local reality and the global level, so that the voice of the poor guides the choices that shape our world. It is also an invitation to each of us: to act, to pray, to support initiatives that place human dignity at the center of our societies.
In a world in crisis, the mission of the Daughters of Charity resonates more than ever: to walk alongside the most vulnerable and to remind people that every life matters, on every continent and at every decision-making table.
In 2025, the international calendar was marked by several major forums organized under the auspices of the United Nations, each addressing crucial challenges for our planet and our societies: ocean protection in Nice, social justice in Doha, and financing for development in Seville. These events are not just diplomatic meetings: they translate the values we uphold every day into concrete decisions.
In Nice, the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference reiterated the urgent need to protect marine ecosystems, which are threatened by overfishing, plastic pollution, and climate change. This commitment directly aligns with SDG 14 – Life Below Water, as well as fundamental human rights related to food security and a healthy environment.
In Doha, the 2nd World Summit for Social Development highlighted the importance of social justice, reducing inequalities, and protecting vulnerable populations. SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities and SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth were at the center of discussions, reminding everyone that every person deserves dignity, equity, and opportunity.
In Seville, the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development emphasized the financial mechanisms needed to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Without sufficient resources and a fair system, it is impossible to achieve the SDGs and guarantee human rights for all, including the right to education, health, and a decent life.
For us, as Daughters of Charity and field workers, these forums have a concrete meaning: they translate global issues into local missions. Every action, every project we carry out for the poor, migrants, the sick, or children in difficulty, is part of this global framework. These conferences remind us that our daily work is a direct contribution to the achievement of the SDGs and the promotion of universal human rights.
Thus, global engagement and local mission are not separate: they feed off each other. Every voice raised, every gesture of solidarity, every plea for human dignity is part of a collective effort for a more just, sustainable, and fraternal world.