Siena to host Integral Ecology Symposium on Feb. 5

Theme will be reimagining the global economy to support people and the planet

A hunter's moon rises behind a statue of St. Francis of Assisi on the grounds of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion in Champion, Wis., Oct 8, 2022 (OSV News photo/Sam Lucero, CNS) (Courtesy photo of Sam Lucero)

LOUDONVILLE - Siena University will host the second annual Earth’s Cry, Humanity’s Call Integral Ecology Symposium on Thursday, Feb. 5, continuing a growing campus tradition of dialogue and reflection on sustainability.

"Reimagining Economy: For People and Planet," is co-sponsored by the Laudato Sí Center for Integral Ecology, Siena’s School of Business, and the Spirit of ’68 Committee. It will take place in Siena’s Marcelle Athletic Complex from 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m., and is free and open to the public. Attendees can join in person or virtually by registering here: https://www.siena.edu/centers-institutes/laudato-si/symposiums-on-integral-ecology/.

“The Franciscan tradition has a long history of engaging with the great challenges of the times,” said Brother Jimmy Kernan, O.F.M., assistant director of the Laudato Sí Center. “Siena’s symposium will give the community an opportunity to engage with today’s immense challenge of the climate crisis by learning the Franciscan vision and how it can make a major impact in the modern world.”

The symposium will explore how economic systems can better serve human dignity and the environment, with sessions on sustainable development, social impact, and community engagement inspired by the 2015 papal encyclical Laudato Sí and St. Francis’ “Canticle of the Creatures.”

The day will feature a keynote conversation with Amy Domini, founder of Domini Impact Investments and a pioneer in socially responsible investing. Named by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world, Domini has dedicated her career to showing how financial markets can advance human and ecological well-being.

Rashmi Assudani, Ph.D. dean of the School of Business, said: “This is an excellent opportunity to engage in a conversation on the role of business education and its capability to serve as a force for good in our society. These meaningful conversations advance the School of Business strategic direction and its societal impact work.”