On the occasion of the visit to Egypt of the distinguished Spanish philosopher Adela Cortina two events were organised in the Cairo Opera House and in the Swedish Institute of Alexandria by a number of institutions including Al-Azhar University, the Spanish Embassy in Egypt, the Anna Lindh Foundation and the Instituto Cervantes.

The debates, that gathered intellectuals, social activists and representatives of local and foreign institutions, evolved around the topic of the construction of ethics and social values in contemporary societies, especially discussing how different moral codes can enable people to live together and build a common future.

In her intervention, Ms Adela Cortina highlighted that for a contemporary citizenship “the most suitable model is the one of ‘pluralistic ethics', in which people have different ideas of happiness but share a common understanding of the basic principles of justice. A complex and comprehensive model of citizenship must be developed, in which ethnic, political, religious and ethic pluralism is accepted“.

Dr. Mahmoud Azab, counselor of the Great Iman and Sheikh of Al-Azhar for Dialogue, added that “Egypt has always witnessed diversity due to its remarkable geographical location, connecting Africa, Europe and Asia. Islam is a religion of great deepness that in all it's aspects respect diversity. Throughout history, the diversity of Islam was translated and brought to Europe from its different Moslem scholars.”

The keynote interventions were followed by a debate with questions from the participants, that focused mainly on the relevance of these concepts to the current Egyptian reality.

The debate in Cairo was introduced by H.E. Fidel Sendagorta, Ambassador of Spain in Egypt, Mr. Andreu Claret, Executive Director of the Anna Lindh Lindh Foundation, and Ms. Magda Zaki of the League of Arab States, and was chaired by Prof. Ali Menufi of Al-Azhar University.

The panel in Alexandria was chaired by Mr. Andreu Claret and included Prof. Ali El Menufi, Prof. Franco Greco, President of the Association of Italians in Egypt and Ms Sarah Hegazi, Cultural Activist and Teacher Assistant at Alexandria University.