SW News: As many as 1,000 young people from more than 100 nations have gathered in Assisi to brainstorm and find ways to make the world a better place. Hailing from different cultural and linguistic traditions, these young men and women are in the city to take part in the Economy of Francesco summit, which is taking place from September 22 to September 24.

The participants of the summit will share their thoughts, and expertise to forge economic systems based on the principles and values of Saint Francis of Assisi. Hailing from an economics background, the young men and women are gathering in the historic city after two years of online meetings and preparation.

Their discussions will focus on altering existing economic structures in a manner in which they reflect the morals of St Francis of Assisi, one of the most popular saints in the Catholic Church and a champion of a simple way of life and love for nature.

What makes the summit special is the green protocol which is in place in the spirit of St Francis. The venue is a no-plastic zone and the kits distributed to the participants include a water bottle that is reusable, metal cutlery and a notebook made from recycled paper.

Among the participants is a young boy from the Masai indigenous community in Kenya who is motivated toward leadership. Then there is a young attendee from the United States who wishes to hear about the inequalities faced by people across the globe. There is a coordinator from Hong Kong who desires to give back to society what he has received.

The participants are also eagerly awaiting the visit of Pope Francis on the last day of the summit and his address.