Technologies, peace and human development in the Post-Covid World

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On 9 December, a meeting was held in the Vatican to highlight moral and ethical issues regarding the impact of today’s new technologies in the post-pandemic world. The theme developed was “Promoting Integral Human Development and Peace in the Digital Age. New Technologies in the Post-Covid World.” The meeting was organized by the Dicastery for the Service of Integral Human Development, the Vatican COVID-19 Commission, the Diplo Foundation, Torino World Affairs Institute, Pax Christi International and the Catholic University of America.

A Vatican statement says that the purpose of the event was “to contribute to global dialogue on the role of new technologies in the post-pandemic era, in view of an integral ecology, justice, an integrated ‘One Health for All’ approach, and a more communal economic system.”

Experts offered a general scientific and ethical analysis of the theme, showcasing how new technologies can be placed at the service of integral human development, especially in the fields of food security, health care (including fair and equitable access to Covid-19 vaccines), dignified labor, peace and security, and the promotion of a communal economy. Crucial questions were also raised regarding the use of modern technologies and their impact on society, drawing on Pope Francis’ Encyclical Letters, Laudato si’ and Fratelli tutti.