ISLAM-CHRISTIAN DIALOGUE

195 of the two shores of the Mediterranean. These exchanges should encourage a rapprochement between the working for- ces; they would give the push to develop the immense territories of Africa and the Middle East, providing work and wealth to the local population without the need to emigrate. Every African graduate who comes to Europe without returning to his country of origin, which he has invested for his growth and training, represents an economic damage difficult to make up for by any remittances to his family of ori- gin. The European Union has the neces- sary means and capabilities to launch an "economic and cultural" plan that allows Africans to avoid having to emigrate to feed their families, avoiding the dramas of the division of the family unit caused by emigration. The European Union is an economic and financial giant that can in- crease the immense wealth of the land, its beauty, the energy of young people, the experience of technology, and the human contribution, all combined with exchanges to enhance mutual knowle- dge. A long term path to achieve solid growth, combined with greater equity. It is to be hoped that the Arab world of Isla- mic culture will accept religious and gen- der diversity, aspiring to build, together with the European states, the basis for a long-term partnership. Of course, stabi- lity, security, precise political agreemen- ts, international coverage, are indispen- sable factors for the realisation of these projects. Rotary peace ambassadors have the human potential to play the role of a bridge to lasting peace.