The inaugural World Conference of Classics, a significant gathering of global experts in classical studies, commenced on Thursday in Beijing. Bringing together 485 scholars from over 30 countries and regions—including 186 international scholars—the conference aims to foster cross-cultural dialogue and collaboration in the field of classical studies.
Running from November 6 to 8, the event is co-hosted by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, the Ministry of Education of China, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China, the Ministry of Culture of Greece, and the Academy of Athens. This collaboration underscores the shared heritage and scholarly interests between China and Greece, two civilizations with rich classical traditions.
A key highlight of the conference was the establishment of the China Classical Civilization Research Institute in Athens. Gao Xiang, president of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, and Lina Mendoni, minister of culture of Greece, exchanged documents to officially establish the institute. This milestone signifies a new chapter in Sino-Greek cultural and academic exchanges, promoting deeper understanding and cooperation between the two nations.
During the opening ceremony, renowned scholars from Greece, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom, the United States, and China shared their insights on various aspects of classical studies. The diverse perspectives fostered a rich dialogue between different academic traditions, highlighting the universal relevance of classical civilizations in the modern world.
Prior to the conference, international participants toured the provinces of Shandong, Henan, and Sichuan to explore the openness and inclusiveness of Chinese civilization. These visits allowed scholars to experience firsthand China’s historical sites and cultural heritage, enriching their understanding of its classical roots.
Additional activities related to the conference include special exhibitions on themes such as archaeological achievements, classical studies in higher education, and scholarly collaborations. On Friday, the conference will host multiple sub-forums, providing platforms for in-depth discussions on various topics within classical studies.
Themed “Classical Civilization and the Modern World,” the conference aims to explore the origins of human thought, summarize the wisdom of human history, and unearth the traditions of human civilization. By strengthening academic foundations for cultural exchange and providing insights for solving modern world problems, the event seeks to promote human development and advance the construction of a global community with a shared future.
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Global scholars gather in Beijing for 1st World Conference of Classics
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