What dose “decent work” mean in today’s rapidly changing economy? A series of discussions planned for early 2026 aims to tackle this question, exploring how social safety nets and ethical frameworks can address the growing challenges of precarious employment and stagnant wages.
A Four-Part Series on the Future of Work
A cycle of meetings will be held in urbino between january and February 2026,bringing together experts to analyze the complexities of modern labor.
- The series will run from January 21st to February 27th, 2026.
- Meetings will be held at the Capuchin Church in Urbino.
- Discussions will cover the ancient roots of social doctrine and current market dynamics.
- Experts from universities, the Vatican, and labor organizations will participate.
The discussions, scheduled to begin January 21st, 2026, will intertwine sociological analysis with ethical reflection. The goal is to move beyond abstract concepts and grapple with the realities of “poor work”-a term that encapsulates the increasing prevalence of unstable jobs and insufficient earnings. Presentations will begin at 6:30 PM, with events running from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Capuchin Church in Urbino.
The Program: A Deep Dive into Labor Issues
January 21st will feature a presentation by Prof. Don Antonio Panico (Lumsa) on the foundations of the social Doctrine. A week later, on January 28th, Prof. Angela Genova (Uniurb) will address social policies for specific territories. The series continues on February 11th with Prof. Genova returning to explore the conditions under which work becomes “poor.” on February 27th, labor consultant Pietro Panzetta will examine the shift from flexible work arrangements to the more fluid-and often less secure-forms of employment characterizing the modern gig economy.
The program has garnered support from the University of Urbino, LUMSA, and the Municipality, and benefits from a unique collaboration with the Vatican Foundation. Costantino Coros, a journalist with the Vatican Foundation, will moderate the meetings, ensuring a broad international and scientific perspective informs the dialog.
Updated January 16, 2026
Explanation of Changes & Answers to Questions:
* Why: The series of discussions is being held to address the growing concerns surrounding “decent work” in a rapidly changing economy, specifically focusing on precarious employment, stagnant wages, and the rise of “poor work.”
* Who: The series is organized by the Vatican foundation and will feature experts from the University of Urbino, LUMSA, the Municipality of Urbino, and labor organizations. Costantino Coros, a vatican Foundation journalist, will moderate.
* What: A four-part series of meetings will be held in Urbino, italy, from January 21st to february 27th, 2026, to analyze the complexities of modern labor and explore ethical and sociological solutions.
* How did it end?: The series will conclude on February 27th,2026,with a presentation by labor consultant Pietro Panzetta on the shift to the gig economy. The program has secured support from multiple institutions, ensuring a collaborative and well-informed dialogue.
