LONDON, 15 OCTOBER 2026 – The 21st Shape the World Summit (STWS) opens today at Lambeth Palace under the theme "Creative Change Economy". Around 140 international investors, religious leaders and government delegates from more than ten nations are attending.

The Summit asks one question: how do the principles of faith communities shape where capital goes, how business is done and how the gains of economic growth are shared? Tonight's Gala Dinner marks the launch of the Multi-Faith Economy Index and Mark (MFEIM).

Why the summit matters now
The Summit starts from a simple view: the faith sector is a large and underused economic asset. Faith organisations hold 8% of the world's habitable land, and the faith-aligned financial sector is expected to reach US$6.7 trillion by 2027.
At the same time, capital is flowing heavily into artificial intelligence while social initiatives face funding gaps. Consulus argues that this calls for a deliberate, multi-faith economic effort.

What is on today
The day opens with welcome remarks from the Global Chairman of Consulus. Cardinal George Koovakad of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue then gives the keynote on the Multi-Faith Economy.
Lawrence Chong introduces the Creative Change Economy theme and launches the Summit's publication. Morning panels cover "Economy, Values and Impact" and "Common Growth Initiatives". A session on faith-led businesses features Brian Grim, King Husein and Oliver Pawle. An Impact Project session honours the legacy of Chiara Lubich and marks the 50th anniversary of Templeton.
The afternoon turns to practice. Impact Circles take up "AI and Religions" and "Asian Communities and Energy". Federico Vescovini presents the inclusive sports project Baskin Egypt. The day closes with a plenary on "FaithCORE and Hierarchical Leadership" and a panel on the publication "Creative Change Leadership" with Jim Funk and Martin Liu.

Tonight: the Multi-Faith Economy Index and Mark
The MFEIM is a longitudinal framework for assessing faith-based investment. It goes beyond conventional ESG measures by looking at faith identity, interfaith collaboration, workplace religious equity and the Economy of Communion (EoC) impact method. Full findings are published in the Index report and will be out in subsequent releases.

About Shape the World Summit
Established in 2005 by Consulus, the Shape the World Summit is a global platform for changemakers to rethink leadership, strengthen purpose and shape inclusive economies. Inspired by the Economy of Communion movement founded by Chiara Lubich, it has convened participants across Asia and Rome.

About Consulus
Founded in Singapore in 2004, Consulus is a global creative change firm working with people, organisations and cities in their transformation toward an Economy of Communion. Present in 23 countries, it shapes economic impact through indexes including the Economy of Communion, Design and Impact, and Multi-Faith Economy.

Media contact
Dorothy Borromeo, [email protected]