22 Sep 2004 | Non categorizzato
I send my greetings to all who have gathered in Rome to mark the Second Interdependence Day. All around you in this eternal city are reminders that this was once the centre of an empire in which all roads led to Rome, all inhabitants lived under the Pax Romana, and the Roman Army watched the frontiers to keep outside threats at bay. Today, no nation or group of nations, not even the most powerful, can protect itself from threats by turning itself into an impregnable military fortress. No army can prevent capital movements, stop the spread of AIDS, reduce the impact of global warming, halt the flow of information, or reverse the spread of radical violent ideologies which threaten us all. Nor can any society hide safe behind the veil of ignorance or fear of the unknown, oblivious to the daily fight for mere survival that many in other countries face every day. For good or ill, we live in an age of interdependence, and we must manage it collectively. The peoples of Europe have advanced further down the path of integration than any group of nations in history. Globally, the most important instrument States have to manage interdependence is the United Nations. It is far from a perfect Organization. But it is the locus of international legitimacy, and it must be the vital centre of multilateral action. To make it work better, I have asked a panel of eminent persons to help us generate a shared analysis of the threats we face – including the threat of global terrorism – and a set of recommendations on how we should face them. I will be calling on the nations of the world to respond to those recommendations with vision and a sense of responsibility and solidarity. The same sense of responsibility and solidarity must be brought to bear to deal with old dangers that, alas, are still with us – the horrors of genocide and massive violations of human rights, the miseries of poverty, disease and hunger, the tragedies of ignorance and discrimination. All of these challenges are related. Both moral standing and the security of the community of nations will be determined, in large part, by how well we meet these challenges, and by whether we bring hope to the billions in our world who still struggle for life and justice. It takes more than far-sighted governments acting together to meet these challenges. It also requires men and women everywhere to deepen their sense of global citizenship and engage in this task. That is one reason the United Nations reaches out to civil society organizations, and why efforts such as yours are so vital. I mentioned at the outset that the structure of the Roman Empire could never work today. But the ideals of the res publica, to which the people of ancient Rome were also intimately attached, can continue to inspire us, as we look for ways to expand our sense of citizenship to the global level. In that spirit, I send you my best wishes for a successful Second Interdependence Day. The Secretary General, Kofi Annan
22 Sep 2004 | Non categorizzato
The numerous facets of interdependence I am particularly at ease today in reflecting on, from many different perspectives, the numerous facets of interdependence that we have decided to consider together, in order to better understand how to direct them towards the ultimate good of the human family. From my point of view, I would like to underline an aspect of interdependence already mentioned in my message for the first World Day of Interdependence held in Philadelphia on September 12th, 2003. I am referring to the fact that the reality of interdependence stirs within many the urgent need for that ideal for which people of goodwill worldwide have decided to spend their lives: to contribute to bringing about universal fraternity through which the unity of the human family can then become a reality. Yes, because interdependence implies a rapport of mutual exchange between two realities that condition each other reciprocally. This relationship cannot be lived out perfectly between individuals or among nations if it is not characterized by mutual respect and understanding, by the capacity to embrace the difficulties and issues that the other faces, and by welcoming the other’s unique gifts. Practically speaking, it requires mutual love as it is lived out between two brothers. Fraternal interdependence presupposes, in fact, the choice of a respectful dialogue to that of hegemony, the way of mutual sharing to that of concentrating resources and expertise predominantly in certain parts of the world. Fraternal interdependence is rightfully “mutual dependence” as it implies that my own identity cannot be affirmed through a form of defense, or opposition, but is rather reached through a communion: of resources, of civic virtues, of cultural riches, of experiences lived in the social and political spheres. These are not merely my own thoughts. They are the fruit of the experience lived within the Focolare Movement of which I am part, the effects of a charism of the Holy Spirit: a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic and religiously diverse movement that has now spread to more than 182 nations, with millions of adherents who strive to build relationships of fraternity, in fact, to bring about universal fraternity. September 11: paradoxically a step forward towards universal fraternity It is this same experience that gave me the certitude and a renewed confidence in assessing, for example, what occurred after the twin towers were destroyed: that tragic event, clearly one of the lowest moments in history for fraternal relationships among individuals and peoples, seemed paradoxically to me as the moment when the world could also take a step forward towards universal fraternity. The numerous impressions and witnesses that I received from many members of the Focolare in the hours immediately following this terrible event confirmed what I was thinking. From the United States, they informed me that even in the midst of the drama that had shaken the whole nation, the American people were experiencing an unprecedented solidarity, an openness to sharing on a totally new scale. The Christians and African American Muslim friends of the Movement were united in reacting to the backlash of hate by visibly demonstrating the deep fraternal bond already existent between them. Similar reactions were shared with me by people in Algeria, by those in the Palestinian territory, in Jerusalem, as well as in South Africa and all the European nations. Young and old, members of different faiths, assumed the responsibility to bear witness in a more incisive and cognizant manner. From that day on, our commitment to build unity among all peoples took on a greater decisive thrust. This was also the reason behind our full adherence to the goals and the content of the Day of Interdependence. We cannot, in fact, but recognize that interdependence and fraternity are two necessary stages of humanity’s journey towards its complete reconciliation. As John Paul II wrote on the occasion of the World Day of Peace in 2001, it is precisely the “present reality of global interdependence that makes it easier to appreciate the common destiny of the entire human family.” We chose the highest form of interdependence: unity On this basis, in agreement with Dr. Barber with whom I immediately found a deep affinity of thought, I would now like to offer you some ideas about the principles, on both the human and spiritual level, on which our experience rests. Sixty years ago, we were just a few young women, but one of our first intuitions still stirs strong within me. In the midst of WW II, under the fire of a fierce bombardment, we took refuge in a dark cellar. Aided by the light of a candle, we read in the Gospel – the only reference point for our lives – Jesus’ testament where he proposed universal fraternity: “That all may be one” (Jn 17:21). We understood that the nascent movement had come to life to fulfill this goal. The word “ALL” would become the new horizon before us: unity, the reason for our lives. Making this dream of God our own linked us to Heaven and at the same time immersed us completely in the affairs of humanity, so as to help indicate the way to universal fraternity. In the midst of the war, the most painful of divisions, we paradoxically chose to live for unity, the highest form of interdependence. The possibility of fulfilling this ideal found its roots in what seemed to us as an authentic discovery: God is Love! Love that embraces every era and makes all men and women brothers and sisters to one another. This love immediately was converted into mutual love by us, generating a profound communitarian experience. That same loved urged us to reach out to those most in need, in order to resolve – as we then said – the social problems of our small city of Trent. This inclusive way of looking onto our city immediately caught on and within a few months, we were more than 500 people – of every age, professional and social background – living with this vision. Unity is therefore at the heart of the Focolare Movement, the specific “symbol” of its physiognomy, but it is also a “vocation,” a calling for all people of goodwill. As time went on, certain specific dialogues and forums of mutual exchange emerged. We found ourselves creating spaces and occasions of encounter within the Church of which we are members, so as to foster an always greater “communion.” We then lived an experience among Christians of different traditions, united as a people, sharing the specific gifts of each Church, prelude to a doctrinal unity. But there is a certain front that we feel particularly called to operate on, especially after September 11th – an arena which we had already begun to work in more than 20 years ago. I am referring to our work in interreligious dialogue. With those of other faiths, we focus above all on each one living the so-called “Golden Rule”: “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” This means to love the others, a norm which is present, with varying nuances, in all the great faith traditions. Lastly, we have always joined forces, in a concrete collaboration, with those who perhaps have no precise religious affiliation. We are united through our common love for humanity and those noble values which regard the human person. Fraternity applied to economics and politics as an answer to today’s compelling questions The constant search for that which unites us, the conviction that unity is possible, over the years has given life to small and large-scale initiatives. I will mention two, as an example of the surprising capacity that fraternity has (when lived out) to respond to the overwhelming problems of our day. In 1991, the Project for an Economy of Communion was born and today includes 797 businesses throughout the world. These enterprises operate in the current market and divide their profits into three parts: one part is used to assist those in need, giving them the necessary help until they find a job; another part is used to build structures which then form people to the “culture of giving”; finally, one part is used for the growth of the firm. Some economists foresee that the inspiring idea and the experience that undergird the Economy of communion contain a new paradigm which could contribute to overcoming the individualistic mentality that prevails in our contemporary culture. In 1996, the “Movement for Unity in Politics” (one of the expressions of the Focolare Movement) was consolidated, bringing together those with a specific interest in political activity, understood from the start as an essential calling to build up the human family. Today, this Movement constitutes an international workshop which gathers political efforts to work together among citizens, officials, scholars, politicians at various levels representing different political persuasions and parties, who choose to give fraternity priority, and then make their political decisions. The fundamental values present in their political cultures then become the pivotal force which guide their actions.
22 Sep 2004 | Non categorizzato
Futuristic setting The futuristic Auditorium in Rome’s Parco della Musica provided a marvellous setting for the opening session of the Interpendence Day meeting. “The interdependence of peoples, which has become an urgent necessity through the globalisation of trade and through… terrorism, was sung and played in all sorts of variations in the Sinopoli Hall of the Auditorium. It was a dialogue made up of many voices and many faiths and political standpoints, all in unison with the idea of a ‘virtuous system of interdependence’ which all are aiming for, from the UN to the world’s religions”. So wrote Orazio Petrosillo in Il Messaggero (Rome) on 13 September. “Those who have come to Rome for Interdependence Day have done so because they believe that peoples, individuals and states really can become more united.”
Benjamin Barber: Virtuous interdependence as an answer to today’s global challenges American politician, Professor Benjamin Barber, founder of Interdependence Day said, in an interview: “Interdependence means that either we can create a world that is safe for everyone, or one that is not safe for anyone.” And, in welcoming the delegates he affirmed: “Because the challenges that face us today are global challenges, the answers too must be global. This is why the need for Interdependence Day and for a Declaration of Interdependence came about. Our answers must be the fruit of a virtuous interdependence system, a new transnational system of international law, multi-lateral cooperation and global social governance.”
A document for a new world based on interdependent living The European Charter for the politics of Interdependence has as its priority a new world based on interdependent living. Before everything else, it affirms that this is indispensable for eradicating terrorism and that it can achieved by building a strong social and linguistic network, one that favours intercultural and interreligious dialogue, as well as international cooperation to combat the north-south divide in the world. It also encourages the free movement of individuals, the right to vote for foreigners, access to drinking water and the universal right to health. It also demands that the right of asylum be strengthened. Prodi: overcoming division between peoples President of the European Commission, Romano Prodi, said in his message, that “the times in which we live require us to take the long view, to overcome the divisions that have marked our past. Now we know which path we must follow: that of unity in diversity, dialogue between cultures, sharing resources.” Kofi Annan: a new awareness of being world citizens is needed To resolve the inequalities and the tragedies that afflict the world, UN secretary general, Kofi Annan said in his message that “we need men and women who develop the awareness of being world citizens. No nation, on its own, can protect itself from the dangers that threaten it from outside.”
Veltroni’s definition of Interdependence: an alternative to the north-south divide The Mayor of Rome, Walter Veltroni, said that interdependence is an alternative to that form of globalisation which increases the north-south divide: “The latest report on human development says that in 26 countries, mostly in Africa, wealth has decreased rather than increased.” Bodies like the UN, that govern our planet must be strengthened.
Chiara Lubich: Interdependence and fraternity needed to set in motion positive processes For Chiara Lubich, founder of the Focolare Movement, interdependence has a very precise meaning: it involves choosing the way of a dialogue rather than that of dominance, the way of sharing rather than that of concentrating resources and knowledge in just one part of the world. Enlivened by fraternity, interdependence as a simple ‘fact’ or ‘instrument’, can become the driving force for positive processes… not just of a single people, but of all humanity. Andrea Riccardi: all are called to work for peace “Just a small number of people can destabilise the world with arms,” said Andrea Riccardi, founder of the St Egidio Community, “and this is the story of terrorism. But it is also true that everyone can work for peace. We need a new culture, new initiatives.”
22 Sep 2004 | Non categorizzato
Dear Friends, Interdependence Day is a praiseworthy and uplifting event that deserves to be celebrated and supported wholeheartedly. So I congratulate the organisers for their initiative and I send my warmest greetings to all present. I am only sorry I cannot be with you for the whole day, but I am glad to say I will be present for some time later on this evening. On this day, our first thoughts must be for the victims of the tragic events of a few days ago in North Ossetia. Those events bring home to us the dramatic need for tolerance and peace in our societies. They remind us how important it is to work for peace and fraternity among peoples. Interdependence Day has a twofold significance and meaning here: first, as a day of remembrance; and second, by forcing us to reflect on our common future and on how to avoid giving in to the temptation of hatred and violence, and instead on how to bolster cooperation and solidarity. Today, more than ever, we must not simply remain on the defensive, comforted by a false, superficial analysis. We need to seek the real causes of these tragic events and tackle them at their roots. It would be a terrible mistake to underestimate the potential contagion of such violence. And while we need to respond to violence and terrorism swiftly and vigorously, we also need to find long-term answers to them. Because our hopes of putting an end to such outrages once and for all lie in the long term. The times demand we be capable of far-sightedness. They demand we be capable of overcoming the divisions that have beset our past, and they demand we respond to the requirements of this point in history by developing a new, mature project for our common future. We need vision and powerful ideas. And interdependence is one such powerful idea, because it transcends technicalities, raising issues that go beyond the Union’s institutional architecture or the way it is run. Interdependence is much more important and essential, raising the issue of the principles and values that should guide our action. Fifty years ago, Europe’s Founding Fathers embarked on an incredibly ambitious project and set in motion the process of European integration that has brought us the European Union of today. They knew there was no alternative to integration and interdependence, to the pooling of resources for the benefit of all. They knew that prosperity cannot last so long as poverty is allowed to fester and thrive. European integration began in the aftermath of what is probably mankind’s greatest tragedy—World War II. Thanks to the Founding Fathers’ intuition and courage, we have enjoyed fifty years of peace. The latest enlargement that has embraced central, southern and eastern Europe has unified the continent, putting an end to decades of artificial partition. It is the first time in our history that the process of unification is carried out peacefully, democratically, and with the direct participation of Europe’s citizens. And we know these are not just empty words, because the European integration process has made a tangible, concrete contribution to peace and this is clear to all. But there are now new threats hanging over Europe and the whole world. The situation we face is dramatic and unprecedented. It calls for intuition, courage and initiative—just like half a century ago. We know what the way forward demands: unity in diversity, dialogue among cultures, the pooling of resources and joint action. We need to promote these values globally, for there is no alternative if stability, development and peace are to be safeguarded. At the same time, we need to think long and hard about the sort of institutional architecture and governance that can best serve the spirit of dialogue and peace. We need to ensure that economic, social and political interdependence is constantly promoted through effective and strengthened multilateralism. We need men and women of goodwill who are committed to economic and social progress for the common good. We need new forms of partnership between public institutions and civil society that can breathe new enthusiasm and life into the making and implementing of public policy. We need to strengthen civic participation to ensure our democracies are sound and healthy. Participation gives people at national, European and international level a role in shaping their own future; it gives people the feeling that they are part of a larger community, that peace and prosperity are a shared goal and a joint endeavour. Today we must not only speak out but also effectively act in favour of revitalising the political and social alliance that is the basis for positive, fruitful interdependence among cultures, peoples and States. In favour of a more peaceful, united and cohesive world. I extend my best wishes to you all for a resoundingly successful day. Romano Prodi
19 Sep 2004 | Non categorizzato
18 Sep 2004 | Non categorizzato
Poverty to eradicate and poverty as an option
There is a kind of poverty that one succumbs to, which should be eradicated; it is synonymous with misery, which is unjust and inhuman. But “there exists another kind of poverty, the kind a person freely chooses, one that is the premise to defeating misery.” This is the vision of poverty and wealth which has developed from the experience of the Economy of Communion throughout its 13-year history in different parts of the world. This was the subject developed by Professor Luigino Bruni, political economics expert and one of the directors of the Economy of Communion Movement. “All that I have and am has been given to me, therefore I should give it in return,” Prof. Bruni added. Here lies the root of the option to share, and this is how “goods can turn into bridges.”
Timeliness of the EoC experience
Chiara Lubich pointed this out, saying that “it can invert the course of terrorism,” because in union with “other positive forces,” EoC contributes to that kind of brotherhood which makes the communion of goods possible and erases social disparities. “In fact,” Chiara continued, “one of the root causes of terrorism is the tremendous inequality between the rich and the poor countries,” which “generates hostility and revenge.”
The primary idea of the Economy of Communion – to bridge the gap between rich and poor
The Focolare foundress addressed over 700 economists, researchers, entrepreneurs, laborers, students and shareholders, coming from such diverse points as USA, India, Eastern and Western Europe and many other parts of the world for their convention at the Mariapolis Center of Castelgandolfo (Rome). She recalled that the primary idea of the Economy of Communion came up in 1991, during her trip to Brazil; while flying over San Paulo, she was “struck by the contrast between the jungle of skyscrapers and the misery of the surrounding slum areas.” It was then that she challenged businessmen to produce profits, destined partly to the benefit of the needy, partly to the formation of people according to a “new” mentality for a “new economy,” and partly to the development of the business enterprise itself.
Evaluating 13 years of EoC
Just before Chiara’s address, EoC’s 13-year experience was evaluated under various aspects: the business enterprises being managed along EoC guidelines are 800, present all over the world, of which 470 are in Europe, and 270 in North and South America.
The Economic Movement
Chiara Lubich had encouraged the growth of a real economic movement which could also be expressed in cultural and scientific terms, of which academic seminars, publications and theses (166 from all over the world) developed over these 13 years “are already a promising start.”
As Prof. Bruni underscored, “Without a new culture, there would be no new economic system.” “In EoC,” he continued, “we can foresee the concrete possibility of giving rise to a new humanism; we can perceive the way to a new economic order which is more just and more inclined towards solidarity,”
A new vision of work
In the EoC perspective, work, too, assumes another significance. Taking the Gospel as a model, Chiara Lubich offered a precise strategy: “transform every working hour into a masterpiece of precision and harmony.” “Make use of one’s talents and aim at perfection.” “Work not just to earn” but “to transform whatever our hand produces into love.” “The receivers of our labor are our brothers.” Jesus considers whatever we do to them as done to himself. “The burden of work, difficulties in working relationships, contradictions are the typical penance which a Christian shoulders.” In working relationships, “Reciprocal love which attracts Christ’s presence in the collectivity comes first,” and serves as a light “to discover together new ways to organize, to include all staff levels in running a business.” In this way, “business enterprises shall become the dwelling places of God with his people, a true foretaste of Paradise.” The prolonged applause that followed expressed everyone’s adherence to this envigorating proposal.
The afternoon program consisted in a series of experiences of business enterprises in different countries.
