Rome, Vatican City, 13 June, 2025 – Shape the World Summit 2025, a two-day event held on June 12 and 13, 2025, concluded successfully at the Pontifical Urbaniana University in Vatican City. Convened by Consulus, the summit was co-hosted by Frontrevi, ProLingua, Economy of Communion Asia Pacific.
The summit was made possible thanks to the generous sponsorship of Transcendental Meditation Organizations, and with the support of key partners including the Religious Freedom & Business Foundation, the Washington Institute for Business, and the 2025 Jubilee Year (Pilgrims of Hope).
This impactful gathering brought together over 40 international speakers and 200 changemaker leaders from 35 nations to engage in dialogue, innovation, and bold action, featuring 10 impact projects under the theme: Creative Leadership for Social Impact and Dialogue.
The summit was inspired by the vision of UNESCO Peace prize winner Chiara Lubich to build a united world in the economy. delved into critical discussions on economic inclusion, the transformative power of AI-driven change, and the vital role of faith-based collaboration. These pillars are central to shaping a more equitable and sustainable future, demanding innovative and empathetic leadership across all sectors.
STWS 2025 featured an impressive roster of influential changemaker leaders from diverse backgrounds, including:
- Cardinal L. A. Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, Vatican City, bringing a profound perspective on global humanitarian and spiritual leadership.
- Tony Nader, MD, PhD Global Leader of Transcendental Meditation Organizations who presented an evidence-based talk on consciousness and importance of mental being for leadership
- Amb. Janet Ang, Singapore’s Non-Resident Ambassador to the Holy See, renowned for her extensive leadership experience, including her impactful tenure at IBM Singapore.
- Gina Claxton Corporate Vice President, US Retail & Consumer Goods, Microsoft, who offered insights into Microsoft work in AI for social good and impact
- HE Sheikh Al Mahfoudh Bin Bayyah Secretary-General of the Abu Dhabi Forum for Peace who called on everyone to be realistic and make a real effort for peace
- Andrea Montanino, Chief Economist and Director for Sectoral Strategies and Impact Assessment at Cassa Depositi e Prestiti, Italy’s national promotional institution, who highlighted economic strategies for impact.
- Gladys H. Morales Guevara, Global Head of Innovation, Office of Development Effectiveness at IFAD (International Fund for Agricultural Development), a United Nations agency, sharing expertise on innovation for social impact transformation.
- Oliver Pawle, Chairman, Board & CEO Services at Korn Ferry, a leading global organizational consulting firm, who shared his insights on creative leadership.
- Dr Brian Grim, Founding President, Religious Freedom & Business Foundation who spoke about the value of faith at work initiatives.
- Prof Rey-Sheng Her, Deputy CEO Tzu Chi Foundation who shared about the principles of Economy of Goodness and the partnership between his movement and Economy of Communion
Oliver Pawle shared a memorable African proverb by saying, “If you think you are too small to make a difference, you have not spent a night with a mosquito”
Shape the World Initiative: Global Launch of AI-Powered Common Growth Fund for Social and Faith-Based Enterprises in the Commonwealth
– Consulus, FoRB Foundation and Religious Freedom & Business Foundation
The newly launched AI-Powered Common Growth Fund, the first Shape the World initiative by Consulus, the FoRB Foundation and Religious Freedom & Business Foundation, is designed to provide strategic capital and support to social and faith-based enterprises. Leveraging cutting-edge AI technology, the fund aims to identify and scale ventures that generate both economic value and significant social impact, contributing to a more equitable and compassionate global community. It was launched as a response to Pope Francis who in 2017 challenged the global EoC movement to be more than a good samaritan and aim to change the rules of the socio-economic system so that no victim can be found. As 90% of capital is not accessible to faith-friendly social enterprises, this will be the aim of this fund and it is done in loving memory of the late Pope.
See link to dedicated Press Release here.
Shape the World Summit Pledge to Pope Leo XIV
The changemaker leaders also penned this letter to Pope Leo XIV as a sign of their commitment:
“A Pledge for Creative Leadership: Social Impact and Dialogue
Dear Pope Leo XIV
We, participants of this Shape the World Summit at the Vatican, pledge creative leadership for social impact and dialogue.
Inspired by wisdom from your call for unity, we commit to championing economic inclusion, ensuring dignified participation and shared prosperity for all.
Recognizing AI’s transformative power, and guided by Antiqua et Nova, we seek to pursue its ethical and responsible development, ensuring it serves humanity and never deepens inequalities.
Our leadership will prioritize the common good through open, inclusive dialogue and collaboration. We aim for a future where justice, peace, and prosperity are realities for every person.
We wish you all the best in your unifying papacy.
Signed and Issued by 200 changemaker leaders from 35 nations on 12th June 2025
Pontificia Università Urbaniana”
The summit sent on to listen to 6 impact projects and among them, the audience gave an emotional standing ovation to Roberta Pirone, Co-Founder, Ruote a spasso, a social enterprise helping people navigate streets with disability. She herself is an example of resilence and strength as a person with disability yet a leading changemaker.
And on the 13th of June, a number of Shape the World Summit participants joined with Ruote a spasso to experience their work through the winding streets of Rome, to experience how difficult it is to get around if you are a disabled person.
Book Launch of Creative Change Leadership
One of the standout moments of Shape the World Summit 2025 was the official launch of Creative Change Leadership. Co-authored by Lawrence Chong, Group CEO, Consulus and Jim Funk, Global Senior Fellow, Leadership, Consulus, the book distills two decades of experience into a practical framework for changemaker leaders navigating the age of AI grounded in unity, purpose, and creativity. Published by Consulus Press in collaboration with LID Business Books, the book serves as both a guide and a call to action for those seeking to lead change with authenticity and impact. Commenting on the launch, Jim Funk noted:
“In an age of complexity and artificial intelligence, it is more challenging to lead. This is a book to help leaders discern. It is not a book of solutions, but a formative book to help leaders learn, navigate and serve in today’s world.”
Readers may pre-order the book here.
Announcement of Next City for STWS2026 and Theme
Building on the momentum of this year’s success, Consulus is thrilled to announce that the Shape the World Summit 2026 will be held in Nigeria from 18-19 June. The theme for Shape the World Summit 2026 will be Creative Change Economy, focusing on how values-based innovation and inclusive economic models can drive systemic transformation across emerging markets. The Summit will highlight collaborative approaches that bridge purpose and profit, while empowering local enterprises, youth, and communities to lead economic change rooted in dignity, sustainability, and shared prosperity.
The Shape the World Summit concluded with a Gala Dinner Reception overlooking St. Peter’s Square. Among the distinguished guests were Davide Bergami, Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation for Economic and Financial Affairs; Freddy Nicolas, Newly elected Chairman of Consulus Global Network and CEO and General Director of ProLingua International. Together with all the participants it was an evening of deepening connections to shape a better world.
The next day, as Shape the World Summit is also a Jubilee Event of the Catholic Church, about 100 participants from Shape the world Summit, participated in the pilgrimage through the Holy Door. It was a moment of prayer for peace and unity in a time of conflict.
In the News: Shape the World Summit 2025 Media Coverage
The Shape the World Summit 2025 has garnered international media attention for its timely focus on creative leadership, inclusive economies, and faith-inspired innovation. Notably:
- Emirates News Agency WAM – Abu Dhabi Forum for Peace participates in ‘World in the Making Summit 2025’ in Vatican
These features underscore the growing global interest in the summit’s mission to foster dialogue and collective action across sectors and faith traditions.
About Shape the World Summit
Shape the World Summit (STWS) is a global impact investment and changemaking platform for leaders, innovators, and change-makers to come together and collaborate on shaping a better world. Through keynote speeches, panel discussions, networking opportunities,and now an impact fund. Inspired by the vision of Chiara Lubich, the summit aims to inspire action towards an Economy of Communion. Since 2005, more than 7,000 leaders have participated in STWS. The summit was first launched in Singapore and has been held in the Philippines, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, Malaysia, and now Italy. In 2026, it will go to Nigeria.
About Consulus
Founded in Singapore in 2004, Consulus is a global creative change firm working with persons, organisations, and cities in their transfiguration toward an Economy of Communion. With a presence in 23 countries, Consulus believes that purpose and unity are essential to innovation and inclusive growth.
Consulus’ six practice areas: :
- Consulus Capital – Consulus Capital facilitates strategic opportunities, guided by the principles of the Economy of Communion, to address global challenges in Food, Environment, Data, and Space.
- Consulus Changemakers – Consulus changemakers facilitates a global network of changemaking organisations and individuals from companies, academia and non-profit who share in Consulus theory of change
- Consulus Consulting – Practice areas in Business, Digitalisation, Place & Cities, Sustainability, and Impact Transformation
- Consulus Press in partnership with LID Business Books – Books for changemaking
- Creative Change Tools – Personal books and creative aids for changemaking
- Creative Changemakers School – Leadership workshops and learning circles
🌐 Website: www.consulus.com
📺 YouTube: youtube.com/@consulusglobal
Media Contact:
Quynh Anh Ly
Email: quynhanhly@consulus.com
