In a reflective address, Bishop Sylvester David, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cape Town, officially welcomed delegates to the International Symposium on Global Justice and Solidarity, underway at the University of Cape Town.

Representing the Apostolic Administrator Cardinal Stephen Brislin, Bishop David called the gathering not a ceremonial event but “a moral necessity.”

“We are not here just to discuss—we are here to do justice,” Bishop David declared in his opening remarks, echoing the urgency of the moment and setting the tone for the weeklong deliberations. “The global community has a sad history of producing beautiful documents but not following through with them.”

Referencing the voices of young climate activists like Canada’s Severn Cullis-Suzuki and Sweden’s Greta Thunberg, the member of the Congregation of the Oblates of Mary (OMI) noted how prophetic truth often comes from the youth, only to be met with applause but little action. “They were right,” he said.

As he welcomed participants on behalf of the Church, civic society, and the people of Cape Town, Bishop David said, “I can legitimately say: welcome to Cape Town—a city born from struggle, reconciliation, and above all, enduring hope.”

He emphasized that the symposium theme—Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability—is not just a policy framework but “a vision of moral purpose.”

Bishop David went on to quote Isaiah 43:19: “Behold, I am doing a new thing. Now it springs up—do you not perceive it…” As for Bishop David, the passage captures the spirit of the gathering, which calls for recognizing opportunities for renewal amid global crises.

The Auxiliary Bishop of Cape Town Archdiocese described the G20 International Symposium as one of profound fracture. “The 2025 G20 gathering occurs at a time when the human family is scarred by conflict and division,” he said.

“War continues to destroy our lives and our futures. The cries of refugees and migrants displaced by violence or abandoned in despair echo through the conscience of our global community,” he added.

He urged participants to rise with urgency and respond with humanity: “We must offer bold responses to humanize our world—to give a human face to the space occupied by human beings. If there’s anyone in doubt of that need, speak to some of the refugees and migrants.”

“We are not without hope… the prophet proclaimed: ‘Behold, I make all things new.’ This is a call to renew not only our economies and institutions, but our hearts and our shared vision for our common humanity and common home,” he said.

In closing, Bishop David led participants in a solemn and inclusive prayer, asking God to guide the summit’s deliberations toward wisdom, justice, and peace. “May this summit bear fruit for peace, equity, and care for creation,” he prayed. “Let your Holy Spirit move among us—uniting what is divided, healing what is broken, and lighting the path to a just and sustainable future.”