Peking University November 8, 2024: The inaugural World Conference of Classics opened on November 7, 2024, with Peking University (PKU) playing a role in exploring the theme “Classical Civilizations and the Modern World.” Held at Beijing’s Yanqi Lake International Convention & Exhibition Center, the conference is co-hosted by Chinese and Greek cultural and academic institutions and has drawn over 600 scholars, cultural figures, and young professionals from around the world. 

This forum brought together 29 esteemed scholars from countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Greece, and Japan to discuss the contemporary relevance of classical studies in addressing global issues. President Gong Qihuang and Vice President Wang Bo of Peking University attended the opening ceremony. Before the forum, President Gong joined a leadership meeting and visited a classical studies research exhibit, underscoring the university’s commitment to advancing international academic exchange.


Hosted by Peking University, the Parallel Forum VIII titled “Classical Studies and the Future of Humanity” commenced on the afternoon of November 7. In his opening remarks, PKU Vice President Wang Bo emphasized that classical studies are essential for understanding and shaping the future of humanity, highlighting Peking University’s interdisciplinary approach that combines philosophy, history, Chinese studies, and archaeology. Wang expressed hope that discussions within the parallel forum would yield valuable insights into modern civilization’s pressing issues.


Moderated by Professor Peng Xiaoyu of PKU Department of History, the opening ceremony of the parallel forum featured keynote speeches by distinguished speakers, including Professor Lisa Raphals from the University of California, Riverside, Professor Fritz-Heiner Mutschler, an emeritus professor at Dresden University and humanities chair professor at Peking University, and Professor Xu Xingwu from Nanjing University. The speeches covered topics such as “The Future of Sino-Greek Studies,” “Peace and War in Ancient Chinese and Greco-Roman Historiography,” and “The Knowledge and Spirit of Chinese Classical Studies.”





The Parallel Forum VIII continued with three sub-forums, “Writing and Classics: The Material Form of Texts and Their Future,” “Nature and Norms: Reflecting on the Future through Classical Thought,” and “Universal Love and Peace: Political Ideals of Pre-Modern States.” These sessions allowed scholars to discuss how classical traditions can inform future challenges and solutions.




In addition to the main conference agenda, several enriching activities have been organized. From November 3-5, international attendees were invited on field trips to Shandong, Henan, and Sichuan to experience China’s cultural heritage firsthand, part of an immersive “Discover China” tour. Throughout the conference, special exhibits such as the “Archaeology and the Origins of Chinese Civilization” exhibit, the Classical Studies Research Results Showcase, and “The Diversity of Beauty: Greek Art and Life” exhibition are on display. An array of “Classical University Visits” events is also being held across partner universities.

This conference marks a significant step in Sino-Greek cooperation and demonstrates a shared commitment to leveraging ancient insights for modern challenges.


Written by: Sean Elijah Tan
Edited by: Zheng Simo, Zhang Jiang
Photo credit to: Xu Yizhen, China Xinhua News
Source: China Xinhua News, World Conference of Classics, PKU News (Chinese)