A HOME FOR DIALOGUE
The opening of the central headquarters of the Maison
de la Méditerraneé, on 22.06.2002, is an
important and necessary action for the promotion of the dialogue
between Mediterranean societies and cultures.
The Regione Campania, fulfilling an undertaking given last October,
sees this organism become a reality in Naples.
Thanks to the intense work of the Fondazione Mediterraneo, with its Euro-Mediterranean network, which since 1994
has identified dialogue between cultures and civilizations as
the key to promoting peace and progress in the Mediterranean basin
- the Regione Campania has recognised in the Accademia del Mediterraneo
e Maison de la Méditerranée a structure for promoting
concrete initiatives - at the level of States, Regions and Civil
Society - fostering cultural, political and social dialogue between
the various cultures which exist side by side in what is indeed
a crucial area of the world.
We reached our aim: especially thanks to the extraordinary political,
institutional and organizational skill of Michele Capasso.
After this beautiful central headquarters, restored and renewed
in a very short time, we will have in Caserta the Office of Euromedcity
and in Benevento the Office of Food Security.
Now this structure is endowed with its own venue, where it will
be possible to work on activities fostering contacts between the
various cultures and creating opportunities for dialogue in the
respect for differences. It will be inspired by the culture of
the polis and ensure relationships, encounters and a fair hearing
for others.
Such encounters and relationships are all the more important in
the current situation, characterised by deep-seated uncertainties
and an increasing sense of fear among European citizens. These
feelings have arisen as part of the process of globalisation,
which brings with it risks and also extraordinary opportunities.
It is a mistake to focus exclusively on only one of these features
of the process.
Globalisation needs to be governed, with rules and criteria. Indeed
this new governance should extend to all the processes of internazionalization,
able to broaden the fundamental liberties of individuals in the
spheres of political participation, education and health care.
It is particularly important to build links at both the local
and global levels to face up to issues of development and redistribution
in a context of dialogue and peace.
The Maison de la Méditerranée,
with branches in various Euromediterranean countries and the invaluable
experience already acquired, can prove a vital instrument in this
process, paving the way for highly significant projects, reinforcing
the Barcelona Process. Such initiatives take on particular significance
in the current phase of international relations. In the wake of
Manhattan all are called on to take up new and onerous responsibilities.
Campania is in the forefront in committing itself to developing
its traditional, historic role as crossroads for the Mediterranean.
The referendum confirming the will for federalism creates exciting
new possibilities, for the Regions can stipulate international
protocols and agreements.
Considerable progress has been made over recent months, with the
opening of the Maison in Amman and Marrakesh and other topical
venues throughout the Euromediterranean area and Regione Campania,
and this spurs us onward.
The Regione Campania, with the collaboration of prestigious cultural
and university institutions, has a prime role to play in the Mediterranean
area, on the strength of its geographical location and cultural
traditions of tolerance and integration.
We find further stimulus for our efforts in the Euromediterranean
Free Trade Area which, in the intents of the declaration of Barcellona
of 1995, is currently being prepared and will be instituted in
2010.
In particular Campania is keen to commit itself in favour of fundamental
human rights and political liberties in these countries, fostering
the acceleration of economic growth and the reduction of the present
socio-cultural divide.
We are faced by stirring challenges, involving first and foremost
the economic and civil development of areas and territories which
are now particularly strategic, requiring commitment and dedication
from every one of us.
We can and must take up these challenges as our political mission.
Antonio Bassolino
President, Regione Campania
and
Maison de la Méditerranée