Chongqing - From July 1 to 3, 2024, a symposium themed "Chinese and Greek Civilizations from a Global Perspective" organized by the Center for Chinese and Greek Civilizations (Chinese KELKIP), was held at Southwest University in Chongqing. This symposium aimed to foster exchanges and mutual learning between diverse civilizations in China, Greece, and globally, to advance the diversity of world civilizations.

Evgenios Kalpyris, Greek Ambassador to China, Jin Ling, Deputy Director of the Chongqing Municipal Education Commission, and Zhang Weiguo, Party Secretary of Southwest University, addressed at the opening ceremony on July 2.

In his address, Ambassador Kalpyris highlighted that the cultural interactions between Greek and Chinese civilizations extend beyond the realm of philosophy, encompassing a multitude of other domains, underscoring their undeniable significance. As quintessential global civilizations, Greek and Chinese cultures share common values, philosophies, and historical connections. He emphasized, "We highly value the establishment of the Center for Chinese and Greek Civilizations at Southwest University in Chongqing. We are equally pleased to see the corresponding Center for Chinese and Greek Civilizations established at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. I believe these two centers will collaborate closely to foster comprehensive research on Greek and Chinese philosophy."

Evgenios Kalpyris, the Greek Ambassador to China, delivered a speech at the opening ceremony. (Photo/Deng Yan)

The forum transitioned to keynote speeches and thematic panels following the opening ceremony. Sixteen distinguished experts from Greece, the United States, Germany, Belgium, and China delivered insightful presentations. They engaged in profound academic discussions covering a broad spectrum of fields, including Chinese and Greek philosophy, traditional Chinese classics, Confucianism, Western philosophy, linguistics, philology, classics, cultural studies, and ethics. Their contributions showcased the rich heritage of Chinese and Greek civilizations and exemplified the exchange and mutual learning among different civilizations and cultures worldwide.

The successful convening of this forum provided a valuable platform for scholars from China, Greece, and around the globe to exchange ideas and learn from one another, infusing new energy into the development of world civilization diversity. Participants expressed their hope that such forums could further deepen understanding and respect among different civilizations, collectively promoting the advancement of human society.

Group Photo of Participants. (Photo/Li Xinyi)

As the forum concluded successfully, participants expressed their anticipation for more similar events in the future, contributing greater wisdom and strength to global civilization exchanges. Meanwhile, as the host city, Chongqing highlighted its pivotal role and unique allure in global cultural exchanges. Chongqing is not only a key city in Southwestern China but also a vibrant and diverse international metropolis. By hosting such international forums, Chongqing demonstrated its proactive stance and capability in promoting the exchange and mutual learning of world civilizations.

(Wang Haibo and Huang Zhuoyue, as interns, also contributed to this report.)