VATICAN – The global initiative to put people and the environment at the center of economic, digital and social progress echoed from the Vatican City, where Pope Francis resides.
Under the theme “Rethinking the Global Economy,” the Human Economic Forum brought together world leaders, initiators and observers to call for a vision of sustainable development that balances economic progress with the well-being of people and the environment.
Arsjad Rasjid, Co-Founder 5P Global Movement, was invited to be one of the speakers at the Forum, which took place at the Vatican in Rome on December 10-11, 2024.
“I am happy to welcome you all to this Human Economic Forum, which addresses important economic and social issues. The pursuit of sustainable and integral development is a universally noble task,” Pope Francis said during the audience.
The supreme leader of the Catholic Church stressed the importance of placing the human person at the center of all concerns and activities, especially in economic and social matters.
“There must be a concrete commitment to combat poverty, to restore the dignity of the marginalized, and to care for our home,” he said.
The message is an excerpt from article 139 of Laudato Si, Pope Francis’ letter that includes a universal call to care for the fate of people and the environment amid the current global economic war.
“There are not two separate crises, one environmental and the other social, but a complex social-environmental crisis. The guidelines for solutions require an integral approach to fighting poverty, restoring the dignity of the marginalized, and at the same time preserving nature,” reads an excerpt from the article.
Arsjad emphasized that the 5P Global Movement, in line with Pope Francis’ message, invites the global community to rethink the purely economic approach to development to a values-based approach.
“Economic inequality and the threat of global warming are closely related to the economic and social systems built today,” he said.
According to Arsjad, redefining the role of the economy and social system is very important to reintegrate the value approach into the current system.
“Without value, there is no sustainable progress. We want to ensure that progress is achieved ethically, inclusively and sustainably by instilling peace, harmony and tolerance,” said Arsjad.
Arsjad also highlighted the role of AI in today’s economic and social systems. According to him, technology is a double-edged sword. When used wisely, technology can democratize knowledge and opportunity. But it can also be a tool of oppression if used in the wrong hands, leading to authoritarian regimes.
“At its core, AI must be human-centered and human-controlled. Rome’s call for AI marks an important step in algorithmic innovation that must incorporate ethics in its development and application,” said Arsjad.
On this occasion, Arsjad also invited Pope Francis to light the SDGs candle for Goal 16 on peace, justice and strong institutions. The moment marked 5P Global Movement’s commitment to Goal 16.
In addition, 5P Global Movement also launched a draft social taxonomy document to be submitted to the European Union to complement the Green Deal as Indonesia’s contribution to achieving a better world.
