Conference Overview
From October 1 to 3, Rome will host an international conference titled “Our Refugees and Migrants in Our Common Home.” Organized by the Augustinians and the Patristic Institute, the three-day gathering brings together scholars, religious leaders, policymakers, and practitioners to address migration in a global context. The event aims to translate the urgency of displacement into practical, education-informed responses that communities can apply locally and across borders.
Theme: Our Refugees and Migrants in Our Common Home
The conference centers on a shared responsibility for people on the move. Delegates will explore how education, research, and faith-based initiatives can contribute to dignified solutions, from protection and shelter to integration and opportunity, all within the frame of human fraternity and social inclusion.
Dates, Hosts, and Scope
The program runs October 1–3, with sessions hosted by the Augustinians and the Patristic Institute. Delegates from roughly 40 countries—about 200 participants in total—are expected to attend. The gathering also serves as a prelude to the Migrants’ Jubilee on October 4–5, a period of reflection and renewed commitment to vulnerable migrants around the world.
Organizers and Significance
By bringing together academics and practitioners, the conference seeks to shape a global dialogue on how higher education, civil society, and religious institutions can respond responsibly to migration. The program features keynote addresses, panel discussions, and case studies that examine protection, access to education, health care, and social inclusion, underscoring the idea that
“our common home” is inseparable from the well-being of all people on the move.
What to Expect
Participants will engage in substantive discussions on policy recommendations, research collaborations, and community programs designed to improve outcomes for refugees and migrants. Expect deliberations on how universities can bolster migration-related scholarship, how cities can expand inclusive services, and how faith-based groups can support resilience and empowerment without discrimination.
Global Context and Looking Ahead
Migration remains a defining global issue, driven by conflict, poverty, and displacement. This Rome conference aims to strengthen the role of education and cross-sector collaboration in crafting humane, effective responses. By linking scholarly insight with on-the-ground practice, the event champions solutions rooted in dignity, solidarity, and practical support for refugees and migrants across borders.
Staying Informed
Readers can stay updated through Vatican News’ free newsletters and press briefings as the conference unfolds. The organizers emphasize transparency and shared learning, inviting a broad international audience to follow the conversations and outcomes as they emerge.
