Justice in the Global Economy
March 11, 2016
3:00 – 6:00pm
Pakighinabi Room, Community Center
Ateneo de Davao University.
Lead Discussant:
Dr. Germelino Bautista
Director
Joint Ateneo Institute of Mindanao Economics
Economic and financial markets have become extraordinarily significant in our times. Their behavior affects the lives of most human beings on the planet and impact the environment. Poverty, inequality, environmental degradation, economic gaps between countries, migration patterns and violence are highly interdependent forces impacting our common future.
The global economic crisis that began in 2008 was anticipated by some economists, but surprised many others who did not foresee the events and damage that would follow. This crisis prompted many to take a closer look at the “fundamentals” of our global economy and the policies that led to the excesses causing the collapse.
Since the beginning of his Pontificate, Pope Francis has repeatedly called both the Church and the larger society to turn their attention to issues of justice in today’s global economy. In many of his talks and homilies, and especially his Apostolic Exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium, and his Encyclical letter, Laudato Si’, Pope Francis has called both Christians and all people of good will to give serious attention to some of the major challenges of justice that arise in our social and economic life today. The Pope calls for actions that include alleviating the suffering of the poor, reducing inequality between rich and poor, overcoming the patterns of exclusion that cause so much conflict and violence today. In addition, he has called for sustainable development in ecologically responsible ways, a theme to which he devoted an entire encyclical. “We are faced not with two separate crises, one environmental and the other social, but rather with one complex crisis which is both social and environmental” (LS, n. 139).
Building inclusive and sustainable communities stands as a major demand of our times: communities that allow everyone to share in the wealth accumulated by generations, with special concern for the most vulnerable; communities that are committed to protect the environment. This is the challenge taken up in this [pakighinabi], to reflect on how current economics are affecting inclusion and sustainability and to explore ways in which economics can better respond to the needs of the poor and the environment. [from the Foreword of “Justice in the Global Economy,” in Promotio Iustitiae, 2016 ed. Vol. 121, Rome: Social Justice and Ecology Secretariat, 2016.]
Please contact Mr. Uwe Panimdim (2212411 local 8201) or Mr. Vinci Bueza (8745) of the Office of the President for seat reservation. We can only accommodate 50 persons.