Intl conference on classics set for Athens

The Chinese Academy of Social Sciences announced on Monday that the second World Conference of Classics will be held on June 9 and 10 at the century-old Academy of Athens in Greece.

Under the theme "Dialogue between Ancient and Modern: Contemporary Inspirations from Classical Wisdom", the conference will explore the relevance of classical studies in today's world, the CASS announced at a news conference in Beijing on Monday.

Participants will examine how the enduring insights of classical wisdom can be reinterpreted to address contemporary challenges, inspire innovation and contribute to the progress of human society and civilization.

The event is jointly organized by the CASS, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Greek Ministry of Culture and the Academy of Athens. Around 200 scholars and experts in classical studies, civilization, culture, archaeology and related fields from 20 countries will attend.

Yue Yunxia, deputy director of the CASS Bureau of International Cooperation, said, "Through dialogue and scholarly exchange, attendees will discuss key issues related to classical civilizations and their contemporary significance, fostering greater understanding and consensus in the study of classical world civilizations."

The program will include an opening ceremony and a plenary session on the morning of June 9 and four parallel subforums running through the afternoon of June 9 and throughout June 10, followed by the closing ceremony that evening.

The four subforums will focus on "Virtue and Paideia: A Modern Interpretation of Classical Education"; "Friendship and Community: The Ethical Community in the Transition from Ancient to Modern Times"; "Peace and Order: Civilizational Solutions to the Shifting Global Landscape"; and "Technology and Civilization: Humanism in the Age of Digital Intelligence".

"Classical studies are not only about ancient thoughts that merit specialized research, but should also involve placing ancient wisdom within the context of contemporary global concerns," said Liu Zuokui, director of the Institute of World History of the CASS, which will host the "Peace and Order: Civilizational Solutions to the Shifting Global Landscape" subforum.

"This includes discussing how classical traditions can address current issues such as war and peace, power and justice, order and freedom, and the clash and mutual learning of civilizations," Liu added.

Li Guoqiang, deputy director of the CASS' Chinese Academy of History, which will host the subforum "Technology and Civilization: Humanism in the Age of Digital Intelligence", said: "Today, artificial intelligence and big data algorithms are deeply integrated into all aspects of our life, profoundly changing the way society operates."

"Therefore, our forum starts from the perspective of classical studies, linking technological transformations throughout history with the evolution of humanity, and connecting classical wisdom with contemporary humanistic spirit. We aim to use the classical humanistic spirit to respond to modern technological challenges, exploring the convergence between instrumental rationality and humanistic values."

The conference will release a joint initiative highlighting the role of classical wisdom in addressing global challenges, along with a new international visiting scholar program launched by the Chinese School of Classical Studies at Athens.

During the conference, an exhibition titled Bringing Classics into the Modern World will showcase classical texts and research publications from China and elsewhere, representative works of traditional Chinese art, achievements in archaeological science and cultural heritage preservation, and interactive experiences featuring intelligent technologies. Visitors will also be able to engage with traditional Chinese medicine through a range of immersive displays and activities.