Role of research and education

50. The duties expected of political and financial leaders are of paramount importance. However, in order to be able to tackle such huge challenges as hunger, malnutrition and poverty, everyone is called to ask themselves what they are doing and what more they might still do. This will require:

— the contribution of science — Intellectual élites are invited to marshall their knowledge and influence in order to try to solve this problem. Biotechnology research, for example, can help to improve world food security, health care, and energy supplies, both in the North and the South. The human sciences can provide a more accurate reading and a more just interpretation of social organisation in order to reveal more clearly the discrepancies in existing systems and the evil effects engendered, in order to help redress them. They can also contribute towards defining and implementing new ways of establishing solidarity between peoples.

— the sensitisation of individuals and whole peoples — Love of our neighbour is the duty of parents, educators, political leaders of all levels, and media specialists. The latter have a major part to play in bringing about progress in the conscience of humanity.

— authentic development in every country — Maximum importance must be given to the kind of education which is not merely a matter of handing on the knowledge needed for communication or for work of personal or public benefit. It must also lay the foundations for the human being's moral conscience. Any dichotomy between education and development must be removed. These are such inter-dependent objectives and are so strictly linked to one another that, both of them must be pursued together if sustainable results are to be forthcoming. It is a duty in solidarity to enable everyone to benefit from "an education ... suitable to the particular destiny of all(⁷⁴)."