UNOPS Executive Director and His Holiness Pope Francis discussed efforts to advance peace, address the impacts of climate change and to build a peaceful and prosperous future for all, particularly in places affected by crises and armed conflicts.

The Executive Director thanked His Holiness for his crucial efforts to promote peace, sustainable development and climate action around the world. He highlighted UNOPS role in providing practical solutions to respond to global challenges, through our expertise in infrastructure, procurement and project management.

He shared examples of UNOPS works in fragile and conflict-affected areas, from Gaza and Ukraine, to Afghanistan, Mozambique, Haiti, Yemen, Myanmar, Somalia and Sudan. Across these areas, UNOPS works with partners to address immediate needs, and build resilience, in order to help countries to ultimately transition from fragility to sustainable peace.

“It was an honour to meet His Holiness Pope Francis. I reiterated UNOPS commitment to addressing the root causes of fragility and conflict, pursuing sustainable development and raising ambition on climate action,” said Mr. Moreira da Silva, after the meeting.

“To respond to the greatest global challenges, we urgently need to mobilize all resources and efforts to foster peace and sustainable development, for a better future for people and the planet,” he added.

The meeting is part of a mission by the UNOPS Executive Director to Italy and the Vatican, where he is also visiting the three UN entities based in Rome – the Food and Agriculture Organization, the World Food Programme, and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) – as well as other partners and authorities, including the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS).