International Conference "What is Civilization? Envisioning the Future of Humanity" Held in Kathmandu

From October 4 to 6, 2024 in Kathmandu, Nepal, David A. Palmer hosted co-hosted the International Conference on "What is Civilization? Envisioning the Future of Humanity," bringing together leading scholars from around the world to explore the essence, evolution, and future of human civilization.

The event was organized by the ASIAR Research Cluster of the Hong Kong Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences (HKIHSS) at the University of Hong Kong, in collaboration with the Asian Institute for Advanced Research (AIFAR) in Kathmandu, the Center for Science and Humanities at Beijing Normal University, and the Center for Modern Transformation Studies (COMIT) in the United States. The Institute for Global Civilization (IGC) sponsored the conference.

More than 30 distinguished scholars from China, India, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, Hong Kong, and Nepal convened to discuss key questions on civilization’s nature and trajectory. Drawing from diverse fields—history, philosophy, sociology, anthropology, and religious studies—they engaged in keynote speeches, roundtable discussions, and breakout sessions, exploring the unity and diversity of world civilizations.

Key Themes and Discussions

Over the three-day conference, scholars examined topics such as:

• The Definition and Diversity of Civilization

• The History and Contemporary Relevance of Civilizational Exchange

• Conflicts and Integration of Civilizations in the Era of Globalization

• Pathways for the Future of Civilization

Discussions also touched on the philosophical insights of figures such as Martin Heidegger, Rabindranath Tagore, and Kang Youwei, offering reflections on the challenges and possibilities for civilizations moving forward.

A Shared Vision for Civilization’s Future

A central theme that emerged from the conference was that, despite differences in cultural expressions, values, and social systems, civilizations across the world share fundamental aspirations for peace, development, justice, and fairness. Participants emphasized that in an era of globalization, embracing cultural diversity while fostering dialogue and mutual understanding is essential for a harmonious future.

Scholars called for greater international cooperation to build a more open, inclusive, and equitable framework for civilizational exchange, working together to shape a shared global future.

Dr. David A. Palmer on the Importance of Common Ground

As one of the conference’s initiators, Dr. David Palmer from the University of Hong Kong underscored the importance of focusing on commonalities between civilizations rather than divisions. He remarked: "In today’s world of uncertainties and conflicts, we must prioritize the values that unite us rather than dwell on what divides us. The concept of ‘civilization’ is crucial for imagining a global society and establishing the ideals and principles that guide our collective progress."

A Successful Gathering for Global Dialogue

The conference provided a valuable platform for scholars to share research, exchange ideas, and contribute to a deeper understanding of civilization’s past, present, and future. The ASIAR Research Cluster at the University of Hong Kong reaffirmed its commitment to advancing global conversations on civilization and expressed gratitude to all co-organizers, sponsors, and participants for their support and engagement, which made the event a resounding success.