International Conference on Language, Culture and Education: The Dialogue and Transformation between Chinese Traditional Wisdom and Contemporary Values

Perspectives and Foci

The disciplinary purview of this conference spans language, culture, and education. Framed by the United Nations’ Five Ps—namely, People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace, and Partnership—these themes underpin the comprehensive deliberations on how traditional Chinese wisdom can be harnessed to address contemporary global challenges and engender new opportunities.

1. Disciplinary Perspectives

Language: The role of language in the preservation and transmission of traditional wisdom through generations; and the translation and interpretation of classical Chinese texts and concepts into modern linguistic and value systems

Culture: The historical-cultural context of Chinese traditional wisdom; exploring how cultural values and practices inform the understanding and application of this wisdom in contemporary world

Education: The role of education in transmitting and sustaining Chinese traditional wisdom; pedagogical approaches and curriculum development strategies for the effective integration of this wisdom into educational systems, embracing the UNESCO’s vision of improving teacher quality (Tzannatos, 2024).

2. Thematic Dimensions

People: One of the fundamental values of human development promoted by the United Nations is that of ‘all human beings can fulfil their potential in dignity and equality and in a healthy environment’ (United Nations, 2015, p. 2).

Planet: Our planet, upon which humanity depends for survival, is enduring various environmental and ecological challenges. The role of education emerges as a pivotal force in building the human capacity to grapple with these challenges and to advance the imperative of global sustainable development (UNESCO & MECCE, 2024).

Prosperity: The value of prosperity encapsulates the aspiration for individuals not merely to survive but to live a better life, ensuring that all people have the opportunity to ‘enjoy prosperous and fulfilling lives’ (United Nations, 2015).

Peace: The 21st century confronts global threats in peace building. The pursuit of peace must be ‘a holistic and comprehensive endeavour,’ grounded in the normative and ethical standards of human wisdom (UNESCO, 2024, p. 3).

Partnership: Achieving the United Nations’ (2015) vision of strengthening ‘global solidarity’ and promoting ‘the participation of all countries, all stakeholders, and all people’ facilitates our negotiation of value systems in a culturally diverse world.

References

Tremblay, D., Fortier, F., Boucher, J. F., Riffon, O., & Villeneuve, C. (2020). Sustainable development goal interactions: An analysis based on the five pillars of the 2030 agenda. Sustainable Development, 28(6), 1584-1596.

United Nations (2015). Transforming our world: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Resolution 70/1 adopted by the General Assembly on 25 September 2015; available at: https://sdgs.un.org/2030agenda (last accessed on 4.7.2024).

UNESCO & MECCE. (2024). Education and climate change: Learning to act for people and planet; available at: https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000389801.locale=en (last accessed on 28.8.2024).

UNESCO (2024). Peace education in the 21st century: An essential strategy for building lasting peace; available at: https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000388385.locale=en (last accessed on 28.8.2024).

Tzannatos, Z. (2024). Supporting education and skills development systems for informal workers: Recovery after the pandemic. UNESCO.