Scholars from over a dozen countries gathered at the 11th Nishan Forum on World Civilizations this week, breathing new life into ancient teachings through cross-cultural dialogue. Participants from the U.S., UK, Switzerland, El Salvador, North Macedonia, India, Ethiopia, and other countries and regions examined how Confucian principles like harmony and mutual learning could address modern challenges.
"Confucius' emphasis on collective responsibility speaks directly to today's climate crisis," noted Dr. Priya Sharma from New Delhi, while Swiss philosopher Markus Bauer highlighted the "timeless value of ethical leadership" in governance discussions. The forum particularly resonated with younger attendees, with El Salvadoran graduate student Carlos Mendez asking: "How would Confucius advise Gen Z to balance tradition with technological change?"
CGTN host Merna Al Nasser facilitated discussions connecting 2,500-year-old axioms to contemporary issues, from artificial intelligence ethics to intergenerational communication. The event concluded with participants drafting "A Letter to Confucius" – a symbolic collection of modern-day questions for the philosopher, to be ceremonially presented at next year's forum.
