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Global Governance, Global Justice: Africa as a Symbol and a Reality - Final Statement

  1. More than 300 participants from all Catholic dioceses of Kenya and representatives of more than 40 countries of all continents gathered in Nairobi, Kenya from July 20 to 26, 2008 around the theme of "Global Governance, Global Justice: Africa as a Symbol and a Reality" for an International Conference organized by Pax Romana ICMICA MIIC.
  2. We recalled that our world today is facing, more than ever, pressing challenges that require urgent responses at all levels of governance to bring about justice for all, in a manner that respects human dignity and promotes sustainable development.
  3. With hope, we discovered that we are citizens of the world, and from this perspective we think and act glocally searching for common goals even though we still have to learn how to work together.
  4. We stated our disagreement with a globalization exclusively connected with the “market utopia” that characterizes the neo-liberal perspective. Such ideology of globalization is detrimental because it does not offer choices for all, and without freedom of choice there is no place for ethics neither for politics. We emphasized the idea that the principles that must guide global governance are subsidiarity and participation in order to develop global democratic governance.
  5. We were aware of the facts that globalization presents a negative side, but we recognized that it offers tremendous opportunities for global change, through the recreation of global institutions that can be the expression of global democratic governance that is able to provide global justice. Moreover, for us the role of the global civil society is crucial in order to promote, monitor, and asses public policies oriented to development and peace.
  6. In order to get global justice – the fair redistribution of the fruits of creation- we need a global democratic governance, guided by the principles of common good, integrity, solidarity and service, in recognition of the sacramentality of the human person and the common fate of humanity.
  7. We met in Nairobi, Kenya for a few days and we enjoyed the Kenyans´ hospitality, and their commitment to life. It was our first Congress and Assembly in Africa; it will not be the last one. We commit to a continent that has suffered so much, but it has the potential to teach us all the essentiality of life, the simple sense of human joy, and all the meanings of hope.
  8. This congress assumed the idea that the global solutions to global challenges must meet the following requirements:
    • The recognition that poverty and impoverishment of masses is a scandal.
    • The pressing need to reform the International Institutions.
    • The promotion of effective local governance institutions.
    • The promotion of human rights and the rule of law.
    • The commitment to promote peace.
    • Immigration policies with a human face.
    • Rethinking Mission to promote “inculturation”, that implies, among other major points: respect for the culture and traditions of others;
      • sincere acceptance of the otherness;
      • serious attentions to the work of God’s Spirit among all peoples, cultures and worldviews;
      • Humility in our religious claims vis-à-vis those of others. Religions cannot be used as a justification for human rights abuses or support to despotic governments.
      • Environmental governance.
      • The role of civil society.
  9. We defined a plan of actions for Pax-Romana –ICMICA for the period 2008-2012:
    1. In the struggle to eradicate poverty we will assume a more substantial role in the Millennium Goals campaign, organizing in each country where we are present an event in coordination with the local representatives of the Global Campaign. In addition we will promote an International Conference in coordination with other International Catholic NGOs to assess the process and the role of the Catholic Church. The conference will be in Africa in July 2010.
    2. To deepen the common reflection and action in the institutions of global governance with our sister movement Pax Romana – IMCS – MIEC.
    3. For the reform of the International Institutions we will join the Ubuntu Campaign getting at least 10,000 signatures for the manifesto.
    4. For the promotion of effective local governance we will continue with our Internship for African leaders in Europe, having one group each year.
    5. The promotion of peace is intrinsically connected with the promotion of human rights and the rule of law. Education and special training in these areas is essential so we will continue with our Internship Programmes and study sessions: UN Human Rights Council in Geneva; UN Headquarters in New York; Inter-religious and Culture Dialogue Internship in Bilbao. As well, we will try to develop an Internship at the African Commission on the Human and Peoples rights and at the Interamerican Court on Human Rights. In all our internships we will guaranty the presence of interns from different countries. And continue to organize them in collaboration with Pax Romana – IMCS – MIEC.
    6. Immigration and environmental governance are very specific problems that required further analysis. The international team will generate documents about these topics in order to be discussed by the Movement during this period.
  10. We endorse and support the Final Declaration of the “Youth Internship Programme on Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship 2008”, which was organized by Pax Romana – ICMICA – MIIC before the congress.
  11. Above all we proclaim that a mindset change is urgently needed for us and for the world leaders in order to acknowledge that poverty eradication is possible in our generation. We must recover the politics as the only space to peacefully negotiate our different needs and interests. To do so, we must review our practices, praying for conversion; experiencing politics as a service to the common good.
  12. As Pax Romana we assumed the call for global justice, and we will commit to this cause, and reaffirm that another just world is possible. This commitment for justice for all is based in the liberating message of the Gospel and the teaching of the Church and it is our spirituality, our way to witness the presence of the kingdom of God, who makes us recognise each other as sisters and brothers in solidarity.