Salt + Light Media Menu
Salt + Light Media Home
Magnifying Glass
coverPhoto
Premium content

Asset title

Asset description

Vatican Connections: July 19, 2014

Alicia Ambrosio

Friday, July 18, 2014

The  Church could play a significant role in tackling youth unemployment in Europe, according to a noted banker and economist.
Mohammad Yunnus, known for establishing the micro-credit Grameen Bank in Bangladesh, made the suggestion at a conference hosted by the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace. The conference, called The Global Common Good: Towards a More Inclusive Economy" brought together economists and bankers from around the world.
Yunnus said the current economic system "is comparable to a machine that feeds itself continually sucking the lifeblood from the wide base of humanity to transport it up high towards a restricted elite." He said moral responsibility has no space in a company's annual financial report, and Economics schools don't tackle such issues with their students.
While charity is a worthy concept, it is an unsustainable model according to Yunnus. Instead a new model is needed that is a mix between the for-profit business model and the charity model. In this alternate business model money "does its job, and comes back [into the business] and can be re-used infinately through independent businesses that are self sustaining."
The current economic system is also "an insult to the human being" and the current level of youth unemployment, which seems to have been accepted "as if it was predestined by God...do we not insult God by accepting this destiny?" He said special funds for social enterprises have been created in Bangladesh specifically for unemployed young people, who are now reaping the rewards of this type of support.  He said the same approach could be used in Europe.  "The Church could easily create funds for social enterprises with the aim of solving the problem of youth unemployment in Europe."
The creation of funds for social business enterprises would mean more options for helping people in need, and less likelihood those people would remain dependent on assistance.
Yunnus was one of 65 participating in the conference, including Bank of England Chancellor Mark Carney, US Economist Jeffrey Sachs, World Bank director Bertrand Badre, and Oxfam International Director Winnie Byanyima.
 
 


Related Articles:

Category: General Posts, Pope Francis Prayer Intentions, Prayer

Tag: migrants, Migrants and Refugees, Pope Francis

Veneration of the Crown of Thorns during Lent

Friday, March 14, 2025

Aline Haddad

The Holy Crown of Thorns was returned to Notre-Dame de Paris after the rededication in December, restoring a beloved Lenten devotion.

Pray with Pope Francis Reflection – March 2025

Monday, March 10, 2025

Fr. Edmund Lo, SJ

In this month of March, Pope Francis invites us to pray for families who find themselves in crisis: That broken families might discover the cure for their wounds through forgiveness, rediscovering each other’s gifts, even in their differences. 

Looking at our babies, glimpsing how God sees us

Saturday, March 8, 2025

Julian Paparella

How can the experience of parenting give us a sense of God's compassionate, patient, and merciful presence with us?

Pope Francis’ Prayer Intention for March 2025

Thursday, March 6, 2025

Pope Francis

We join the Holy Father in praying that broken families might discover the cure for their wounds through forgiveness, rediscovering each other's gifts, even in their differences.

Uncovering the Legacy of Fr. David Bauer: A Hidden Piece of Canadian History

Tuesday, March 4, 2025

Alessandro Adorante

Priest, educator, and legendary hockey coach. Fr. David Bauer's impact on Canada's sports and culture history is unmistakable.

SUPPORT LABEL

Receive our newsletters
Stay Connected
Receive our newsletters
Stay Connected
Copyright © 2025 Salt and Light Catholic Media Foundation
Registered Charity # 88523 6000 RR0001
FR | CH