Acta Apostolicae Sedis - Commentarium Officiale1058

dented prosperity, not only in the economic sphere but also in the rapidly

developing fields of science and technology.

The obstacles standing in the way of overcoming this tragic situation can

at times be discouraging. Armed conflicts, outbreaks of disease, adverse at-

mospheric and environmental conditions and the massive forced displace-

ment of peoples: all these obstacles should serve as a motivation to redouble

our efforts to provide each person with his or her daily bread. For her part,

the Church is convinced that the quest for more effective technical solutions

in an ever-changing and expanding world calls for far-sighted programmes

embodying enduring values grounded in the inalienable dignity and rights of

the human person.

FAO continues to play an essential role in relieving world hunger, while

reminding the international community of the pressing need constantly to

update methods and to design strategies adequate to today's challenges. I

express my appreciation for the generous efforts made in this regard by all

associated with your Organization. The Holy See has closely followed the

activities of FAO over the last sixty years and is confident that the signifi-

cant results already achieved will continue. FAO was one of the first inter-

national organizations with which the Holy See established regular diplo-

matic relations. On 23 November 1948, during the Fourth Session of your

Conference, the Holy See was granted the unique status of ''Permanent Ob-

server'', thus ensuring its right to participate in the activities of FAO's

various departments and affiliated agencies in a way consonant with the

Church's religious and moral mission.

The united effort of the international community to eliminate malnutri-

tion and promote genuine development necessarily calls for clear structures

of management and oversight, and a realistic assessment of the resources

needed to address a wide range of different situations. It requires the con-

tribution of every member of society - individuals, volunteer organizations,

businesses, and local and national governments - always with due regard for

those ethical and moral principles which are the common patrimony of all

people and the foundation of all social life. The international community

must always avail itself of this precious treasure of common values since

genuine and lasting development can only be furthered in a spirit of coopera-

tion and a willingness to share professional and technical resources.