Rome (Italy). The Economy of Francis, the international meeting with young economists and entrepreneurs wanted by the Holy Father, will be held from 19 to 21 November 2020 in online mode, with live and streaming links with members and speakers
The initiative was born on 1 May 2019, from the invitation of Pope Francis to economists, students, entrepreneurs under 35 to launch, with young people from all over the world and a qualified group of experts, a process towards a more just, fraternal, inclusive, and sustainable economy:
“I wish to meet you in Assisi: to promote together, through a common ‘pact’, a process of global change that sees in communion of purpose not only those who have the gift of faith, but all men and women of good will, united by an ideal of fraternity attentive above all to the poor and excluded. I invite each of you to be the protagonist of this pact.”
The event, initially scheduled from 26 to 28 March 2020 in Assisi, was presented in the online formula on 27 October 2020, with a Press Conference held in Rome at the Vatican Press Office.
The economist Luigino Bruni, Scientific Head of the project, illustrated the work carried out by young people in recent months: “The Covid emergency, in the midst of so much suffering and the difficulties generated, has produced an unexpected effect, (…) since March almost 1000 young people have worked actively to date in 12 thematic villages , and have given birth to a real movement. ”
The economy of Francis event will allow young people registered – 2000 from 120 countries – to share online their experience, work, and the proposals matured in recent months. Conferences are planned with young economists and entrepreneurs in dialogue with internationally renowned speakers, to discuss issues and perspectives in the economic and social sphere. Assisi will host the ‘direction’ and live links from Franciscan historical sites and moments of reflection will be offered starting from literature and poetry texts, as well as artistic and musical events.
Sr. Alessandra Smerilli, Daughter of Mary Help of Christians, economist, and member of the Scientific Committee, underlines the protagonism of young people: “Francis’ economy means above all young people, hope, and concreteness. It is not inviting young people to spread a message, but asking them to help build it. (…) The young people from being guests are becoming protagonists. They demonstrate a sense of responsibility, innovative ideas, the capacity for dialogue that crosses the 5 continents: they are a ‘present’ (and not just the future) that must be listened to.”
The online mode has favored young people from all over the world the opportunity to interact, thanks to the creation of HUBS (nodes of the network), small territorial communities to participate in the event with face-to-face meetings, when the health situation allows, and with local online activities complementary to the program. The HUBS accredited so far are in over 25 countries.
In preparation for the event, from May to October 2020, there have been about 300 events of ‘towards Economy of Francis’ and 27 online seminars translated into 4 languages and broadcast on YouTube Channel of the event.
Furthermore, as Prof. Luigino Bruni pointed out, the publication of the Encyclical Fratelli tutti offered further ideas for the work: “There is a continuity between the event wanted by Pope Francis who, in May 2019, wrote to young economists and entrepreneurs of the world summoning them to Assisi, a symbolic place and heart of the movement, and the Encyclical on fraternity. A continuity that encourages us to continue along the path we have undertaken.”
The event can be followed on the portal francescoeconomy.org and on the social channels.
