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Conclusion of the convention – “For the common good; to treasure the heritage of humankind”.
“Our National and International scenarios discourage us. Civic values of equality and fraternity exist, but how are they put into practise? The fact that we are here is in itself a way to bringing these values about and showing that they are not just utopian ideals”. These were the opening lines delivered by Marcella Ferrari, president of AMU- “Azione per un Mondo Unito” or “Action for a United World” a non-profit organisation- at the convention that celebrated AMU’s 25 years of activity. It was entitled “For the common good; to treasure the heritage of humankind” and took place from 5th– 6th March in Rome.
AMU, an NGO born in 1986, takes its inspiration from the Focolare Movement. It seeks to foster the culture of dialogue and unity between peoples through development projects throughout all five continents and through development education and training.
To celebrate this milestone AMU wanted to give voice to groups from Brazil, Burundi, Lebanon and various European countries with whom it collaborated over these past 25 years. Many communities and associations gathered for the event; groups who, thanks to AMU, benefited not only from simple development aid but who, above all, received support in assuming a collective consciousness about their rights and potentials.
Feedback and questions from around 200 of the association’s collaborators and members of the public in response to talks given by professors and experts on the subject. A renewed desire in everyone to continue working for the preservation of common goods: water, flora and fauna, as well as human rights, brotherhood and peace.
Amongst the guest speakers, Luigino Bruni- director of the Economy of Communion’s central committee- who commented that the whole concept of the common good, in the era of modernity, went into ‘crisis’ and now needs to be readdressed by some fundamental ‘prophetic minorities’ who want to promote change and rediscover the ideal of fraternity.
Stefano Zamagni, professor of political economics in Bologna, in a fascinating lecture, proposed the communitarian solution in the perspective of common good management, appealing to civil society and public enterprise as the most apt instruments.
Other contributions included: scholar Preeyanoot Surinkaew who spoke about economics and Buddhism; Rosario Lembo (National Secretary the World Water Contract Campaign) and Telma Rocha (Avina Fondation – Brazil) who spoke about water conservation; professors Vincenzo Buonuomo and Alberto Lo Presti; Guido Barbera, president of CIPSI which coordinates 40 odd associations involved in international aid.
Links:
Convention’s Program – http://www.amu-it.eu (where the acts of the convention are available)
