Beijing became the epicenter of classical scholarship as the first-ever World Conference of Classics kicked off on Thursday. The groundbreaking event welcomed 485 scholars from over 30 countries and regions, including 186 international experts, setting the stage for a vibrant exchange of ideas.
Held from November 6 to 8, the conference is a collaborative effort between 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 international partnership underscores the event's significance in bridging diverse academic traditions.
A standout moment of the conference was the official 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, jointly announced the institute, marking a pivotal advancement in Sino-Greek cultural and academic collaboration.
The opening ceremony featured esteemed scholars from Greece, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom, the United States, and China. Their presentations delved into various facets of classical studies, fostering a rich dialogue that highlighted the interconnectedness of different scholarly perspectives.
Prior to the conference, participants explored the provinces of Shandong, Henan, and Sichuan, experiencing firsthand the openness and inclusiveness of Chinese civilization. The event also showcased special exhibitions on archaeological achievements and the latest developments in classical studies within universities. Additionally, multiple sub-forums scheduled for Friday provided platforms for in-depth discussions on specialized topics.
Under the theme \"Classical Civilization and the Modern World,\" the conference aims to trace the origins of human thought, distill the wisdom of history, and uncover the enduring traditions of human civilization. By doing so, it seeks to reinforce the academic foundations for cultural exchange, offer solutions to contemporary global challenges, and promote the development of a unified 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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