«We are firmly convinced that Africa and Europe could become the engines for the revitalization of multilateral cooperation», say the Bishops of Africa and Europe in a declaration signed by Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich and the Cardinal Philippe Nakellentuba Ouédraogo, respectively President of COMECE (Commission of the Episcopal Conferences of the European Community), and of SECAM/SCEAM (Symposium of the Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar), reported Fides News Agency.
The declaration is a contribution of the African and European Bishops to the next summit between the African Union and the European Union to be held in Brussels in October. The document, entitled «Justice will flourish and peace will abound», proposes to establish a fair and responsible partnership centered on citizens.
Bishops recommend the establishment of policies that allow for a fairer partnership between Europe and Africa. In the investment sector, they propose to «promote sustainable investment as a tool to remove persistent obstacles to fair access to basic social services and to promote human development by reflecting local needs, creating decent jobs and providing impartial access to entrepreneurs on both continents».
In the field of education, they propose to «support the creation of schools and health institutions in rural areas, equipped with modern and functional structures and personnel». It is also necessary «to promote the application of new technologies to overcome the gap between rural and urban areas».
In the area of natural resource development, it aims to promote biodiversity conservation, improve ocean management, and invest in innovative green technologies, while supporting efforts to improve resilience and adaptation to the climate».
Peace on the African continent is also a crucial issue, which is why the Bishops draw attention to the need for an «integral approach, giving priority to promoting the safety of people and property, families and communities, intensifying prevention and construction efforts peace, in particular through actions to be implemented in the early stages of a conflict in order to be able to stop it in time».
