The Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SSVP) has played a leading role in promoting Christian values worldwide. Since its founding in 1833, the SSVP has been committed to helping those most in need, advocating for a more just, caring and humane civil society. At a global level, one of the main focuses of SSVP’s attention has been the United Nations, where the General Council has a Commission dedicated to the defense of three fundamental values: peace, empathy and fraternity. These are closely linked to the Gospel message and are essential for the construction of a more compassionate and united world.

Advocating for a Culture of Peace

The promotion of peace is one of the most important principles defended by the SSVP at the United Nations, in all the events, meetings and activities it participates in. In a world increasingly characterized by conflicts, wars and divisions, peace becomes a precious and prioritized good. SSVP understands that true peace can only be achieved through dialogue, forgiveness and social justice. Inspired by the words of Jesus, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9), SSVP acts proactively to promote policies and actions that foster peace, both in relations between nations and between individuals. Through its actions, based on institutional outreach, the organization aims to create bridges and peaceful solutions to global problems.

Promoting a Culture of Fraternity

Another central focus of the SSVP’s mission is the promotion of fraternity. At the United Nations, the organization defends the idea of fraternity among all human beings, regardless of their cultural, religious, economic or ethnic differences. Fraternity constitutes a call to unity and solidarity, values that can transform societies, making them more just and compassionate. The biblical call to fraternal coexistence is clear when the Apostle Paul writes: “Love one another in brotherhood” (Romans 12:10). For the SSVP, fraternity is the key to overcoming inequality and injustice, and is essential to build a society in which everyone has the opportunity to live with dignity and equity.

Advocating for a Culture of Empathy

Empathy is another of the core values that the SSVP tries to promote in its international work. At the United Nations, the organization raises the banner of empathy as a way to fight the indifference and selfishness that often infiltrate human and institutional relationships. Vincentians are empathetic by nature in order to better carry out their work with the families they serve. Empathy allows us to see the world through the eyes of the most vulnerable, understanding their pain and needs. As the Scriptures teach us: “Rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15), empathy calls us to a deep commitment to the suffering of others. It is this spirit of solidarity that moves SSVP to fight for policies that protect the most disadvantaged and to foster a global culture of compassion.

Serving in Hope: the Motto of the SSVP

It is important to note that the triad (peace, fraternity and empathy) is based on SSVP’s global motto (“Serving in Hope”), which reflects the essence of its mission and is deeply linked to these standards defended by the organization at the United Nations. In serving, SSVP not only offers material aid, but also spreads hope for a more peaceful future, where fraternity prevails and empathy transforms human relationships. Hope is the thread that binds these three principles together, fueling SSVP’s commitment to work tirelessly to create a world where peace is not just a distant, contrived or unattainable goal, but a concrete daily reality. By “serving in hope,” SSVP reaffirms its dedication to fostering an environment of fraternity and compassion, where every act of solidarity is a seed of a more just and loving future for our neighbor.

Conclusion

The work of the SSVP at the United Nations is a demonstration of its mission to follow in the footsteps of Christ and the Vincentian charism, promoting peace, fraternity and empathy in all areas of life. Through its actions, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul seeks to be a voice for the voiceless, always guided by Gospel values and the example of St. Vincent de Paul. In a world that is increasingly divided, the SSVP continues to be a beacon of hope, working tirelessly to build a more just, fraternal, peaceful and empathetic society. May the United Nations and all world leaders hear this message and act in favor of a more united future for all God’s children.

Renato Lima de Oliveira
United Nations Commission
International General Council
Society of St. Vincent de Paul