Mediterranean studies chair opens program

The Averroes Mediterranean studies chair opened its 2000-2001 program over the week end Marrakesh by an exposé on the social contract.

The intellectuals participating in the discussion of this topic are called to meditate over the thought of Jean-Jacques Rousseau and to discuss various works dealing with life in society. "Al madina Al Fadela" (The Ideal City) by Muslim philosopher Al Farabi is among these works.

The opening of the program was chaired by Moroccan minister of higher education, staff training and scientific research, Najib Zerouali, in the presence of secretary general of the Mediterranean academy, Nadir Mohamed Aziza.

The Averroes Mediterranean studies chair was dedicated in October 1999 by the Mediterranean academy set up a year before in Naples, Italy, by delegates of 67 national and regional academies from all Mediterranean countries.

The Mediterranean academy, whose headquarters for the southern shore are located in Marrakesh, seeks to promote studies on Mediterranean culture, to encourage creativity in the fields of literature, arts, and science and to defend human values and ethics.

The academy also seeks to promote scientific and technological research and to contribute to fulfil the goals of Euro-Mediterranean partnership.