The global development community has spent the last three years in conversation on how to eradicate extreme poverty and structure the now-ratified Sustainable Development Goals. During this same period, Pope Francis has urged those in positions of power not to forget the marginalized, while personally visiting those who are often ignored.
His moving words — exceeded only by his powerful acts of compassion — have given energy and encouragement to those striving to end poverty. In light of this, it seems shortsighted that local faith communities are often at best an afterthought and at worst sidelined in the current global development equation.
Agreement on the global goals is a major step forward, but the conversation must now turn to an even greater challenge: How do we realize these ambitious targets?
About the author
Amy Goldman
As CEO and chair of GHR Foundation, Amy Rauenhorst Goldman directs the work of the organization, which applies entrepreneurial creativity and universal Catholic values to foster hope and opportunity where it is needed most.
