On December 13th, the fifth International Conference on Confucianism came to a successful end. Director of UIC Chinese Language Center Prof. Wu Hongyu hosted the conference. Scholars discussed topics about Confucian Thought and Ecological Civilization in groups. Approximately 100 pieces of conference papers with diversified content presented universal values of Confucian. Further, the scholars jointly proclaimed an Ecological Declaration.
The Ecological Declaration appealed to a deeper understanding of Confucianism and joint efforts for ecological protection. It called for more people in the field of Confucian studies to conduct researches on ecological issues. People were encouraged to explore the Confucian wisdom in relation to ecology, to learn from other cultures and integrate innovation into the construction of ecological Confucian, which would advance development of modern Confucian. In addition, all Confucian researchers are urged to take practical actions in daily life to set good examples for the populace.
Professor Gong Pengcheng, Chairman of International Conference on Confucianism stated that, Confucianism could meet a bright future only if it won wide support from the populace. He also pointed out that, the conference had a significant impact on social reality as well as conforming to the spirit of Ancient Confucians. The conference was also given financial support by President of Hong Kong Confucian Academy Tang Enjia and Shanghai Mingde foundation. Great efforts from home and abroad led to a successful ending.
Chairman of Malaysia Confucian Studies Society Prof. Lin Jinhua said the prevalence of Confucian education was possible because previous conferences had paved a way for the future.
American Professor Cheng Zhongying said the return of the International Conference on Confucian to mainland China was an indicator of the growing cultural awareness of Chinese people. He hoped the conference would expand its influence in the future.
Reporter: Cheryl Chen
Translator: Huang Shanqing
Editor: Richard Xu
Photo: Chen Xin, Jin Tian
Media and Communication Office
