ROME, MARCH 14, 2005 (Zenit.org).- If ethical investment is possible, then it is a duty, says Francesco Alemani Molteni, vice president of Grupo Re.
This Italian institution offers technical solutions to religious and ecclesiastical institutions, from the organization of congresses to the sale of land.
Alemani, who founded Grupo RE in 1984, made his comment amid ongoing debates in Italy over the ethics of investing.
He told ZENIT: «It is not easy to describe in a few words what is understood by ethical finance. But I like to think that all of us, when we take our savings to the bank and decide on the ways to invest, should have the opportunity to control» the way the investments are made and their final destiny.
«In this way, the simple gesture of investing does not contribute to fuel conduct that is against our consciences, above all in regard to human rights, social justice, protection of the environment and peace among individuals and nations,» said Alemani, who is also president of the Italian companies Castelli Re Holding, Server, and E. Capital Partners.
«The investor,» he said, «must take care that ethical finance is not limited to being described as such only because part of the interest — our own — is allocated to some predetermined profitable initiative.»