China and Greece Co-Host Second World Conference of Classics to Bridge Civilizational Dialogue
Event summary
- The second World Conference of Classics opened in Athens, Greece, on June 9, 2026, with scholars from around 20 countries.
- The conference focused on the theme 'Dialogue Between Ancient and Modern: Contemporary Inspiration from Classical Wisdom.'
- China and Greece have jointly hosted two editions of the conference, emphasizing civilizational exchanges.
- Four parallel forums addressed modern interpretations of classical education, ethical communities, civilizational solutions, and humanism in the digital age.
- Roger T. Ames, vice president of the International Confucian Association, highlighted the need for deeper civilizational dialogue to counter zero-sum thinking in international relations.
The big picture
The conference underscores China's strategic emphasis on cultural diplomacy and civilizational exchanges as a means to address global challenges. By leveraging the shared wisdom of Eastern and Western classical civilizations, the initiative aims to build a community with a shared future for humanity. This aligns with broader trends of using cultural and philosophical frameworks to navigate complex geopolitical and technological landscapes.
What we're watching
- Cultural Diplomacy
- How China's Global Civilization Initiative will influence international relations and civilizational exchanges.
- Academic Integration
- Whether the integration of Chinese classical studies into the global academic landscape will gain momentum.
- Civilizational Dialogue
- The pace at which deeper civilizational dialogue can mitigate geopolitical conflicts and foster mutual understanding.