'Where human lives are concerned, time is always short: yet the world has witnessed the vast resources that governments can draw upon to rescue financial institutions deemed 'too big to fail'. Surely the integral human development of the world's peoples is no less important: here is an enterprise, worthy of the world's attention that is truly 'too big to fail'.'
This message from Pope Benedict XVI last year in London bears reflection today, as Commonwealth leaders prepare for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Perth.
Every two years they meet to discuss global and Commonwealth issues, and to agree on collective policies and initiatives. Following this meeting Julia Gillard and five other Commonwealth heads of state will travel to France for the G20 leader's summit.
Efforts of development agencies like Caritas Australia have transformed the situation of millions of people. However, unbalanced trade rules, debt burdens and a lack of transparency in the global economic realm compound the suffering of people most in need.
Both of these meetings provide an opportunity for leaders to meet, discuss issues affecting the world, and provide a strong, positive pathway for the creation and realisation of a secure and fruitful future for all. However if, 'every economic decision has a moral consequence' then the voice of the most marginalised, those who suffer the most, should be amplified in these discussions.
While public commentary of meetings such as CHOGM focuses on the content of the conversations, there is great value in the conversation itself. Relationships made, strengthened and restored are important, as they assist open, honest and transparent relationships. They provide the foundations for vital, albeit at times difficult, dialogue about human rights and the realisation of human dignity.
At both CHOGM and the G20 meeting the current economic crisis will be at the forefront of conversations. Those conversations must include a discussion of how we can ensure the realisation of authentic human development in the midst of crisis — that is, policies that seek to promote the common good rather than bring wealth to a small segment of the global population.
The common good cannot be reduced to an aggregate of income, wealth or expenditure — it must be centred on the dignity of each individual.
As the Pontifical Council for