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News Archives » Fr. Daniel LeBlanc


4th Financing for Development (FfD4) Takes Place in Sevilla, Spain July 10th, 2025

The Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) took place in Sevilla, Spain from 30 June – 3 July 2025. The conference was the culmination of a yearlong process to renew the financing framework for achieving the United Nations (UN) 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

It brought together political and financial leaders, representatives of multilateral and regional institutions, civil society and academia to seek solutions to the development financing challenges threatening the achievement of sustainable development, especially in the countries of the global South.
 
Fr. Daniel LeBlanc, OMI joined VIVAT International and other civil society groups in critical discussions on transforming economic systems that perpetuate inequality.

(PHOTOS: courtesy of VIVAT International )

LEARN MORE:

SOUTH CENTRE: https://bit.ly/4lNcuII. — Renewed Financing Framework for Sustainable Development is adopted in Sevilla

VIVAT INTERNATIONAL: https://bit.ly/3GB80ps — Seville 2025: A Turning Point for Global Development Finance
 
 

25 Years of Faith in Action: VIVAT International June 6th, 2025

 
The OMI General House in Rome and our Superior General Fr Luis Ignacio Rois Alonso, OMI participated in this important celebration.
 
We have been members of VIVAT International from the beginning and are grateful for the support and organizational skills of our fellow Vivat members.

(Fr. Séamus Finn, OMI)

VIVAT International celebrates 25 years of faithful service to justice, peace, and the integrity of Creation

As a faith-based non-governmental organization rooted in Catholic social teaching, VIVAT has grown into a global network of over 17,000 members from 12 religious congregations operating in 121 countries. This anniversary is not only a celebration of past achievements but a renewed call to courageous action for the future.

  • A Journey Rooted in Life and Mission

Founded in November 2000 by the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) and the Missionary Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit (SSpS), VIVAT International takes its name from the Latin verb vivere—“to live.” This name reflects a deep commitment to promoting life in all its fullness, especially for the most vulnerable. The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI) joined in 2009, bringing with them a deep-rooted presence in marginalized communities and a shared dedication to global justice.

  • From Local Communities to Global Forums

VIVAT’s strength lies in its dual presence: deeply embedded in local realities while actively engaged on the international stage. Holding Special Consultative Status with the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and being associated with the UN Department of Global Communications (DGC), VIVAT brings grassroots voices into global decision-making spaces. Whether advocating for human rights, environmental justice, or sustainable development, VIVAT serves as a bridge between people and the policies that shape their lives.

 

Video: Fr. Charles Rensburg, OMI & Fr. Daniel LeBlanc, OMI On Advocacy Efforts with the UN & the Importance of Partnerships November 7th, 2024

As part of his recent visit to New York City, OMI Treasurer-General Fr. Charles Rensburg attended NGO meetings with Fr. Daniel LeBlanc (Oblate Representative to the UN).

They later sat down to discuss Fr. Daniel’s advocacy efforts with the United Nations and the importance of partnering with faith-based and civil society groups.

(A big THANK YOU to Fr. Valentine Talang, OMI for capturing this conversation)

 
 
 

Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility’ Hosts “Navigating Troubled Waters” September 23rd, 2024

On September 19, Frs. Daniel LeBlanc, OMI and Valentine Talang, OMI joined stakeholders and thought leaders in New York City at Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility’s (ICCR) Annual Conference Event – “Navigating Troubled Waters.”

Corporations play an important role in supporting the resilient and vibrant democracy needed to sustain healthy civic engagement, accountable governance, and a stable economy where business can thrive. However, in today’s politically charged landscape, corporations often face significant challenges navigating their support for democratic values without appearing partisan or becoming entangled in controversy. 

In the lead-up to the U.S. elections, the group convened to discuss how corporations can best exemplify good corporate citizenship without furthering the divisiveness of our national discourse.

Visit ICCR’s website to learn more about their work

 

 


August 9 – Honoring Indigenous People for their Unique Contribution to Cultural Diversity August 9th, 2024

Indigenous man playing instrument

(Image by Marcelo Trujillo, Pixabay)

Boy and girl posing

(Image by Kiran Hania, Pixabay)

 
August 9th marks International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. We honor Indigenous People for their unique contribution to the world’s cultural diversity. 
 
Fr. Daniel LeBlanc, OMI, Oblate Representative to the UN, works with VIVAT International on Indigenous issues.
 
“We work closely with many individuals, and organizations from different parts of the world to be more directly and closely involved in bringing Indigenous Peoples issues to the United Nations.”
 
(Fr. Daniel LeBlanc, OMI)
 
Read an article written by Fr. Daniel and reposted from VIVAT International on the 2024 United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues: 
 
The UNPFII this year, held in New York at the United Nations headquarters, focused on the theme of “Enhancing Indigenous Peoples’ Rights to Self-determination in the Context of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples: Emphasizing the Voices of Indigenous Youth.” This theme was crucial to the discussions on the six mandated areas of the Permanent Forum, which are closely tied to the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The Forum took place from the 15th to the 26th of April.
 
READ FULL ARTICLE
 
 

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