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 Manila, in taking the oath of office the new president is back in Malacanang Palace together with his mother Imelda. Marcos Jr appoints himself Secretary of Agriculture. In his maiden speech, he slammed the mechanisms of global trade. He praised Duterte for infrastructure development, but pointed to shortcomings in the fight against COVID-19.

Both countries claim the islet, which is part of the Spratly Islands, but is manned by Taiwan Coast Guard personnel. Naval drills by Taiwan sparked the row. China is not alone in occupying disputed areas.

President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. plans to confirm Duterte's executive order to include nuclear power in the country's energy mix. The first step could be repurposing a plant already built under Marcos Sr by US company Westinghouse in the early eighties not far from the capital, but which was never fuelled. In Southeast Asia, the Philippines’ energy costs are second only to Singapore’s.

The ruling will be used to prevent the Chinese from trampling on Manila's maritime rights. It is a change compared to the policy of outgoing Head of State Duterte. However, Marcos Jr does not want to take sides in the geopolitical confrontation between China and the US, like most leaders in Southeast Asia.