On 19-21 November, economists and entrepreneurs under 35 from around the world will meet online. More than 40 countries will be connected, with live streaming from Assisi. Some 2,000 people have registered with at least 12 link-ups to 115 countries, four hours a day plus a 24-hour marathon on the second day, and contributions from more than 20 countries.

The meeting with the president of the German Bishops Conference, in all likelihood touched upon the assembly with "deliberative power" convoked by the Germans to address issues such as the separation of power in the Church, priestly life, women's access to ministry and to offices in the Church and sexual morality.

In 2019, Malaysia had some two million foreign workers, mainly from Indonesia, Bangladesh and Nepal. Now labour shortages are threatening the palm oil, semiconductors and the fisheries sectors. Red tape and costs associated with immigration are among the main obstacles to recruitment.

Following a debate that began in 2018, Malaysia’s cabinet agreed to reform the country’s criminal justice system. About 73 per cent of people on death row were convicted for drug offences. Other Southeast Asian countries continue to execute.

Today's headlines: corpses of 14 Rohingya migrants found on a Myanmar beach; four million people in northeastern Bangladesh affected by floods with dozens of casualties; Riyadh and Tehran arm their executioners with a spike in executions; Kuala Lumpur halts poultry exports; more than 2,000 people arrested in Russia  for "discrediting" armed forces; Uzbekistan strikes deal with China to by-pass Moscow. 

For the first time in two years, millions of people travel to their villages of origin to celebrate the end of Ramadan following the lifting of pandemic restrictions. However, the festivity is overshadowed by economic crisis and food shortages. Meanwhile in India, Muslims are targeted by Hindu extremists.