International Conference on Ancient Wisdom for Global South

25 June 2025

Chongqing, China

Video Remark

by

Prof. Shahbaz Khan

Director and Representative

UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia and Representative to China, DPRK, Japan, Mongolia and ROK

Distinguished Guests, Scholars, and Friends,

It is with great pleasure and honor that I stand before you today, representing UNESCO, to inaugurate the International Conference on Ancient Wisdom for Global South. I would like to extend my warmest greetings to all the participants, including esteemed scholars, government officials, and distinguished guests from around the world.

First and foremost, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Center for Chinese and Greek Civilizations in Chongqing, China, and the Archai UNESCO Chair at the Universidade de Brasília in Brazil for their tireless efforts in organizing this remarkable event. Your dedication to fostering inter-civilizational dialogue and mutual understanding is truly commendable and aligns perfectly with UNESCO's mission to construct the defenses of peace in the minds of men.

The theme of this conference, "Ancient Wisdom for Global South," is particularly timely and relevant. In an era of increasing globalization and interconnectedness, it is crucial that we draw upon the rich intellectual heritage of ancient civilizations to address contemporary challenges. The wisdom of Plato and the profound insights of Greek and Chinese philosophies offer timeless lessons that can guide us in building a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable world.

I am particularly impressed by the two major forums that will be launched during this conference: "Reading Plato from the Global South" and "Studying Modern Greece Globally." These initiatives, along with the establishment of the Plato’s Global Scholarship Network and the Global Network on the Study of Modern Greece, will undoubtedly create new avenues for cultural exchange and scholarly collaboration. By bringing together scholars from diverse backgrounds and regions, especially those from the Global South, we can enrich our understanding of these ancient philosophies and their relevance in today's world.

UNESCO has always been a strong advocate for intercultural dialogue and the promotion of cultural diversity. We believe that through the exchange of ideas and the sharing of knowledge, we can foster mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation among different cultures and civilizations. This conference is a testament to the power of such exchanges and the potential they hold for building a more harmonious global community.

I would also like to commend the support from international academic partners, including the International Plato Society, De Gruyter/Brill, and the Center of Greek and Chinese Ancient Civilizations. Your contributions are vital in enhancing the academic rigor and global reach of this conference.

To the scholars, officials, and participants from around the world, I encourage you to engage in open and meaningful discussions, to share your insights, and to learn from one another. Let us use this opportunity to explore how ancient wisdom can inform our actions and policies today, and how we can collectively work towards a brighter future for all.

Once again, I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to the organizers for their hard work and dedication. I am confident that this conference will be a resounding success and a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to promote cultural dialogue and cooperation.

Thank you.