Rome, 17 October 2022 -- Although the memorable event of #SDBChange Congress was held last September 19-23 in Rome-Salesian Pontifical University, we appreciate the deep, detailed and enthusiastic sharing of one of the EAO provincial economers who took part in the Congress. Among the 220 participants were almost 20 from the EAO region, including 9 Economers, lay mission partners (PDO-Mission Office), translators and also one SDB provincial.

       The Salesian Congregation organized this forum, SDB Change Congress: Our Chance, Our Challenge at the Pontifical Salesian University (UPS) compound in Rome. The office of the Economer General planned and coordinated the program to gather all the provincial economers, those responsible for the Planning and Development office (PDO) and mission offices for each province in the congregation. From September 19 – 23, 2022, around 220 participants from all over the world joined the Congress.

       The recent crises brought about by the COVID pandemic, political and cultural turmoil, and even technological advances affect the world deeply. These new realities and events challenge us to make adjustments to our lives. This is indeed a time of global change. The Salesian Congregation joins this path of taking time to reflect on what decisions to make in the world today. The SDB Change Congress aimed to provide solutions and guidelines to better deal with current change.

       The Congress kicked off with the opening remarks of Bro. Jean Paul Muller SDB, the SDB Economer General, to take this congress as both a ‘challenge’ and a ‘chance’ to improve. Janis McDavid, author and motivational speaker born without arms and legs, reminded the participants that the first step to improving is the acceptance of one’s reality and move on from there to attain one’s goals and desires. The Congress tackled five major themes: Sustainable Economy, Salesian Spirituality and Leadership, Artificial Intelligence, The Communication of the Future, and Prevention of Corruption.

       The theme of Sustainable Economy reminded the participants first and foremost of Pope Francis’ call for the care of creation and the environment. A circular economy always considers the resources provided to humanity and sees to it that these are equitably shared to everyone. There are opportunities for greater development of innovative technologies for the environment that may be considered. Concretely the participants are challenged to look into alternative sources of renewable energy and into optimal waste management like recycling and reuse.

       Salesian Spirituality and Leadership focused on Don Bosco’s predilection for poor youth and attention to the working class as foundational reason for the desire to change and improve. The decisions to be made for the journey to growth should always lead Salesians, educators and the young people on the same path towards holiness. The challenge in this theme is for Salesians and lay to work towards communion and sharing for the salvation of the young.

       Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the ability of a machine to display human capabilities such as reasoning, learning, planning and creativity. It is one of the major new realities in the world today that has to be recognized. The congress speakers on this theme informed the participants both the advantages and risks in using AI. In the field of education, AI would never be able to replace human touch of human educator. The challenge posed is how to put AI at the service of administration and business processes.

       The Communication of the Future continues from the previous theme in understanding how today’s technologies (blockchain, etc.) can improve society and the world in becoming a tool of sustainability.

       The last theme, Prevention of Corruption, is such a relevant topic for most of the participants inasmuch as most are in the field of finances. This reminds the participants of their moral obligations towards accountability and transparency. As Don Bosco said that all blessings received are for the mission. It calls for greater self-control and managerial responsibilities. Participants are challenged to look into the reporting systems that would help in transparent reporting.

       The SDB Change Congress created a breath of fresh air for a better future. The participants got the chance to understand better the world and the environment. Now they are challenged to put into concrete actions the fruits of the congress as they return to their own situations. It would be interesting to check where the Salesian works for the young would be for future. Encouraged by the ‘chances’ offered by changing situation of society, the participants are now truly inspired to take up the ‘challenges’ for a better future for the young people of today.

       NB: Due to the excellent preparation (one year on the web) and consistent sharing of LIVE streaming videos in the main languages of the congregation, any interested SDB or lay mission partner involved in the economy sector can benefit from these quality materials.

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