Putting Human Rights and Justice at the Heart of Global Finance
From 13-18 April 2026, government leaders, financial institutions, and civil society organizations gathered in Washington, D.C. for the Spring Meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Amid discussions on debt, climate change, and sustainable development, VIVAT International was represented by Marides Santos, who brought the voices and experiences of grassroots communities into these global policy conversations.
Bringing Grassroots Voices to Global Decision-Making
Participation in the Spring Meetings provided an important opportunity for VIVAT to strengthen its advocacy linking local realities with international decision-making. Following the meetings, Marides shared key insights with VIVAT’s leadership and advocacy teams, highlighting how economic policies shaped in Washington have direct consequences for migrants, Indigenous Peoples, women, people experiencing homelessness, and communities living in poverty.
Her participation reinforced VIVAT’s commitment to promoting:
- Financing for development and debt justice
- Climate justice and water security
- Social protection, housing, and decent work
- Human rights-based migration and refugee policies
By engaging in civil society forums and reporting back to VIVAT’s global network, Marides helped ensure that the concerns of vulnerable communities remain part of international discussions on development finance.
Water as a Human Right and a Foundation for Development
One of the major themes during the Spring Meetings was the “Water Forward” initiative, which emphasized that access to safe water is fundamental not only for health but also for education, employment, and economic opportunity.
Speakers shared compelling examples from communities facing severe water insecurity. Representatives from Chile described how prolonged water shortages threaten the livelihoods of farmers and small businesses, while youth advocates from Cameroon explained how limited access to clean water affects girls’ education, public health, and employment opportunities.
The World Bank announced significant financial commitments to expand water security and sanitation, aiming to improve access for one billion people by 2030 through country-led partnerships.
For VIVAT, these commitments resonate strongly with the realities of communities affected by polluted water sources, inadequate sanitation, and climate-induced drought. They also raise essential questions about accountability, participation, and respect for the rights of local communities and Indigenous Peoples.
Reforming Global Financial Governance
Discussions during the Spring Meetings also focused on reforming the international financial system. Civil society organizations examined the Compromiso de Sevilla, the outcome document of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4), which calls for stronger global cooperation and more inclusive economic governance.
Participants emphasized the need to:
- Strengthen the United Nations’ role in global economic governance.
- Increase the representation of developing countries within international financial institutions.
- Establish a fair and permanent mechanism for resolving sovereign debt crises.
- Promote tax and fiscal policies that advance human rights, climate justice, and social equity.
These priorities closely reflect VIVAT’s long-standing advocacy for economic systems that protect essential public services such as health, education, housing, and social protection.
Connecting Washington with the United Nations
The discussions in Washington continued through the work of the NGO Committee on Financing for Development, in which VIVAT actively participates. Subsequent meetings explored how the outcomes of the Spring Meetings could inform advocacy within United Nations processes, including the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF).
Particular attention was given to ensuring that financing policies support social protection, gender equality, digital inclusion, and adequate housing. Participants also highlighted the need to recognize homelessness as an urgent development and human rights issue that deserves greater visibility in international policy discussions.
Marides linked these conversations with VIVAT’s broader engagement in UN processes, including the Financing for Development Forum, the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, and other advocacy initiatives in New York.
Why VIVAT’s Presence Matters
VIVAT’s participation in the Spring Meetings reflects its distinctive contribution to global policy discussions.
A faith-based perspective. Grounded in Gospel values and Catholic Social Teaching, VIVAT places human dignity, solidarity, and the common good at the center of economic policy discussions.
A grassroots perspective. Through its worldwide membership, VIVAT brings the lived experiences of local communities into international decision-making, ensuring that policies are informed by those most directly affected.
A collaborative approach. Working alongside civil society partners, VIVAT contributes to joint advocacy on financing for development, climate justice, migration, and human rights, strengthening collective efforts for systemic change.
Looking Ahead
The 2026 Spring Meetings highlighted both the opportunities and the challenges of transforming the global financial system. While significant new investments are being directed toward water, climate action, and development, lasting progress will depend on governance that is transparent, inclusive, and firmly grounded in human rights.
Through the participation of Marides Santos, VIVAT International reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that global financial decisions place people and planet at the center. As advocacy continues through the United Nations and in partnership with local communities around the world, VIVAT will continue working for an economic system that promotes justice, participation, and care for our common home.
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