The General Objective is: Animate JPIC coordinators (at the Conference, Provincial, Custody and Foundation levels), to identify our Franciscan ministry in JPIC and to develop practical action plans for JPIC work at local and international levels.

Special attention will be given to the following themes:

• Spirituality underpinning JPIC animation and the praxis of animation.
• Refugees, internally displaced, migrant workers, landless and ethnic minorities.
• Integrity of Creation/Ecological Justice
• Peacemaking/Reconciliation
• Human rights
• Globalisation and the effects on the poor.
• Economics/Solidarity

Around seventy Provinces have already confirmed their participation and it is hoped that all other entities of the Order will also be present. The Animation Committee of the International Council for JPIC is preparing the Congress. The "See, Judge and Act" methodology will be used. What is happening in the world, the Franciscan response, including the work of the JPIC commissions will be examined. A look at the development of JPIC in the Order will be an important moment. All issues will be examined in light of our Franciscan spirituality and lead to some plans of action. The symbolic nature of the event is important. At the beginning of a new millennium it will send a message to the Order of the importance of the JPIC dimension in our Franciscan spirituality and ministries. As with all missionary activity the event itself is important, but preparation and follow up are equally important. We will look for ways of involving the brothers of the provinces and not just JPIC commissions, in order that Provincial representatives will come expressing ideas and energies resulting from a reflective process.

The Animation Committee also decided the following with regard to the meeting:

• to invite additional friars as well as JPIC coordinators,
• to use the OFM JPIC Resource Book throughout the meeting,
• other friars with experience in and commitment to JPIC issues will also attend.