From 19 to 21 November 2020 the city of Assisi will host The Economy of Francis, an international event aimed at young economists, entrepreneurs and change-makers engaged in thinking and practising a different type of economy. The invitation to participate has come directly from Pope Francis, who has today issued a letter in which he invites to the City of St Francis, which is symbol of humanism and fraternity, young economists from all over the world, without distinctions of creed or nationality, to initiate with them a process of global change so that today's and tomorrow's economy is more just, inclusive and sustainable, without leaving anyone behind. The event is organised by a Committee composed of the Diocese of Assisi, Assisi City Council, the Seraphic Institute of Assisi and the Economy of Communion.
The most complex problems in today's world, from safeguarding the environment to justice for the poor, need courageous commitment to rethink the economic paradigms of our time. In the Encyclical Letter Laudato si', the Holy Father recalled that everything is intimately connected and that the Earth is our "common home", and therefore launched an appeal to defend it and all of humanity that inhabits the Earth. He warned us against the careless exploitation of resources and short-sighted policies that look to immediate success without prospects for the long-term. Starting from the example of St Francis, it is therefore necessary to rebuild a new integral ecology, one that is inseparable from the concept of the common good, which must be implemented through choices based on solidarity and the "preferential option for the poor" starting "from solving the structural problems of the world economy."
«Pope Francis' invitation to young economists is an event that marks an historic step forward, because it brings together two of the Pope's key subjects and passions: his priority for young people and his concern for a new type of economy. In his name, we are inviting economists and entrepreneurs who are more sensitive to the spirit of the Oikonomia of Francis (Francis of Assisi and Pope Francis), in order to give young people the best of today's economic thought and practice in the world. The word Oikonomia brings together many realities: the Greek root recalls household management but it also refers to the care of our common home, the OIKOS. We also consider it in reference to Oikonomia as understood by the Fathers of the Church: a theological category of universal salvation. Assisi is an essential part of the event, because it is a city that proclaims a message about a different type of economy. Various venues in Assisi will host parts of the programme, which will be built around the three pillars of Francis' Oikonomia: young people, the environment and the poor», says Prof. Luigino Bruni, Scientific Director of the Committee.
For Pope Francis, the event represents the consolidation of a "pact to change the current economy and give a soul to the economy of tomorrow". It intends to give hope for the rights of future generations, for welcoming life, for social equity, for the dignity of workers and the preservation of our planet. From 26 to 28 March 2020, The Economy of Francis will consist of workshops, artistic events, seminars and plenary sessions with the best known economists and experts in sustainable development and the humanities, who will reflect and work together with young people. In June 2019, applications to participate in the initiative will open.
Full information is available on the website www.francescoeconomy.org
Mission Statement
1. EoF Research Fellowship program. The annual EoF Research Fellowship program is open to young doctoral-level or master students in economics, social sciences, or related academic fields from all countries to help young economists who are committed to or are aspiring for an academic career to achieve the necessary scientific background in particular with regards to EoF-related topics of interest. Students attending the EoF Academy have the opportunity to intensify their knowledge in their fields of study and research and to get to know peer-leading researchers in an interdisciplinary co-generative environment. To achieve this goal, annual small research fellowships are granted. After the evaluation and selection process fostered by the Scientific Committee, the Researchers take on an annual online program of activities. The program consists of a mix of seminars, lectures, and workshops. In particular, the Research Seminars occur bi-monthly. The EoF researchers will present their work in progress and get feedback from peers and the EoF Academy Scientific Committee to which the supervision of the EoF researchers is also entrusted.
2. EoF Academy Crash Courses. EoF Academy offers Crash Courses to catch up with the basic principles of the Economy of Francesco. Crash courses are designed to reinforce a few key concepts and are aimed to align the knowledge of all the enrolled students coming from different backgrounds. The main topics covered include behavioral and experimental economics; business ethics and philosophy of economics; economic, environmental, and social sustainability; feminist economics; Franciscan economic thought; management. Courses are open to the public. Attendance is mandatory for EoF Academy researchers. Participants receive a certificate of participation on completion of the courses.
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