For the aim steeped in the the scriptures of the three religions was not one of confrontation but one of community. Manifestations of these faiths may be different but in essence the sense of community they propagate is common to all. The right to education is a noble ideal and a fundamental human right integral to the notion of human dignity. Education is also the key to freedom. It frees the individual and society from the scourge of ignorance, an ignorance which breeds prejudice and intolerance an ignorance which mistakes the outward manifestations of the different faiths for the fundamental messages that they propagate.
Education opens the doors to a world of opportunity and understanding.
Education teaches us to explore those universal values which unite us and not to exploit those differences which set us apart. This has always been the ultimate purpose of education the building of a society able to appreciate and understand the universality of values we share in our region, and in our world. In this respect, the role of the universities and academic institutions from around the Mediterranean is an important one in seeking to engage in constructive and sincere dialogue. Holding true to the fundamental values of community enshrined in these three monotheistic religions, you are successfully bonding your heritage and building bridges of peace and stability, of understanding and hope, to be shared by present and future generations. For understanding is a common heritage we seek to bequeath to future generations because the building of peace remains our common goal and responsibility.