Pax Romana International Representation

ICMICA was founded at the end of World War II, and one of its objectives has been to participate in international affairs. It was one of the first organizations to be recognized as a non-governmental organization with consultative status in the United Nations, UNESCO, and the Council of Europe. At different times in history and in different regions of the world, it has carried out important work through its members, both by directly representing them before these organizations and through the efforts of its members at the local level, as they are direct observers of reality and can detect problems of justice that require international intervention. These issues may be environmental, human rights violations, discrimination based on gender, ethnicity, or religion, etc.

The knowledge of the reality helps in the preparation of comprehensive reports on serious situations that representatives can denounce with evidence to the relevant bodies.

That is why it is important to review both the importance of ICMICA members taking on these representations in United Nations or Council of Europe bodies, and the need for members of the movement who work at the local level on various issues (peace, democracy, the environment, human rights, women’s rights, immigrants’ rights, interreligious dialogue, etc.) to coordinate at the global level through the specialized secretariats and support the representatives with documented reports.

– How do our local movements participate in or strengthen the international work of ICMICA?

– Can we collaborate with IMCS and other church movements to increase our capacity to address the challenges of reality?

As a member of ECOSOC since 1949, Pax Romana has actively engaged with the United Nations through her representatives. However, this work has become increasingly challenging due to evolving contexts and changing dynamics, as outlined below:

  1. Deficiency in Human Resources

Pax Romana faces significant challenges in sustaining effective representation at key international institutions, particularly due to a lack of membership in countries where the UN offices are based—namely Geneva, Vienna, Paris, and New York. The movement has a limited presence in these locations, which severely hampers our ability to maintain active and consistent representation.

Moreover, the nature of the work required at these offices demands a high level of expertise, dedicated time, and financial resources. Engaging competent delegates involves costs that are increasingly difficult to meet, especially considering the financial constraints of both IMCS and ICMICA. These realities raise critical questions:

  • How can we continue ensuring effective representation under such limitations?
  • How do we identify and support capable delegates?
  • Is it sustainable to maintain representation in all offices, or should we reconsider our presence in some locations only?

In some instances, such as in Vienna, delegates have carried out their work entirely without institutional support, relying solely on personal commitment. In contrast, others—like those involved in the Council of Europe—receive modest facilitation, such as partial transport support from members. Nonetheless, most of the people representing Pax Romana have sacrificed their time, financial resources, and professional skills out of deep commitment. But for how long can this model endure, especially as support from Catholic funding agencies continues to decline?

  1. Lack of Representation in Geneva and New York

Following a joint meeting between IMCS and ICMICA, IMCS was assigned representation in Geneva, as ICMICA has no members based there. Given IMCS’s proximity to Geneva, this arrangement made logistical sense. However, the IMCS team is already stretched thin, struggling to balance representation duties with office work.

Though efforts have been made to train young people for this role, the demands of the task require at least one dedicated full-time person—a resource the organization currently lacks. This raises a pressing question: What sustainable approach can we take to ensure strong and consistent representation in Geneva?

  1. Disconnection Between Representation and the Movement’s Work

A recurring challenge is the disconnect between representatives and the core life of the movement. Often, those engaged in representation feel isolated, with little to no institutional support. In some cases, representatives are individuals who are largely disconnected from the ongoing activities and spirit of Pax Romana.

This reflects a deeper issue: limited human resources within the movement. Those who are part of the movement lack the capacity (expertise, time, and finances), while those who are available and skilled are not well-versed in Pax Romana’s vision and work. How can we bridge this gap? What mechanisms can we develop to ensure better integration and support for our representatives?

 

  1. Lack of Clear Strategic Focus

The operational landscape of the UN has evolved significantly, becoming more complex and expansive. In this context, Pax Romana cannot afford to be “everything, everywhere.” We must rethink and clearly define our areas of engagement and countries of focus. Critical questions need to be addressed:

  • What are our strategic priorities?
  • Where can we make the most meaningful impact?
  • What outcomes are we striving for through our representation?

Only through a focused and strategic approach can we remain relevant and effective in this changing environment.

  1. Insufficient Preparation and Mentorship for Young People

Another long-term challenge is the lack of succession planning. Many of the current representatives are nearing retirement, and in a decade, Pax Romana risks having no one ready to take up these roles in 10 years. There is an urgent need to train and mentor a new generation of young leaders.

However, this must be done thoughtfully. While volunteerism and commitment are noble, we must ask: How can we prepare young people without overburdening them or compromising their futures? How do we invest in their training and development in a way that is mutually enriching and sustainable for both them and the movement?

The current representation model, while sustained through immense dedication and goodwill, is unsustainable in the long run. Pax Romana must reflect critically and strategically to address these challenges. A more sustainable, focused, and well-supported approach is necessary to ensure that our presence at international institutions continues to reflect the values and mission of the movement.

Area of focus/improvement with regard to the International Representation

  • Review of the effectiveness of Pax Romana’s contribution at the UN
  • Development of international representation strategy,
  • Redefinition of Pax Romana’s area of contribution and focus,
  • Finding temporary or permanent solutions to the representations particularly Geneva and New York.

A meeting was held in July. Participants  recommended the following:

  • Establish consortium/coalition with like-minded organization like MIAMSI, Pax Christi and IYCS for peace and human rights advocacy,
  • Coordinate with other organizations present at the RCC meeting for future collaboration.
  • Create a mapping document of who is doing what across different UN locations and organizations.
  • Develop coordination mechanism between IMCS, Pax Christi, and European representatives.
  • Get list of countries where Franciscan International is working to identify potential collaboration opportunities with Pax Romana.
  • Improve communication between European and international representatives across UN and Council of Europe.
  • Create a mechanism to identify and connect expert speakers from the movement for UN side events in Vienna
  • Develop a plan to integrate IMCS more closely with UN advocacy work and continue training young people for UN advocacy and representation.

Do you have any objections or more recommendations to improve our work?