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International Symposium on Buddhism and Global Governance: Artificial Intelligence, Regional Conflicts, and Climate Change

International Symposium
July 8–11, 2025
Inalco, Paris, France

This conference is sponsored by the Glorisun Charity Foundation 旭日慈善基金, administered by the Glorisun Global Network for Buddhist Studies 旭日全球佛教研究網絡 (https://glorisunglobalnetwork.org) at Peking University (represented by its Research Center for Buddhist Texts and Art 北京大學佛教典籍與藝術研究中心) and at the University of British Columbia (represented by its FROGBEAR project www.frogbear.org), and hosted by the Centre d’études interdisciplinaires sur le bouddhisme (CEIB) and the Institut national des langues et civilisations orientales (Inalco) in Paris, France. It will take place from July 8, 2025 (arrival) to July 11, 2025 (departure) in Inalco.

In an age defined by rapid globalization and technological advancement, the global community confronts a host of unprecedented challenges. These include the swift evolution of artificial intelligence, the rising frequency of regional and religious conflicts, and the accelerating threat of climate change. Such issues not only transcend geographical borders but also deeply impact the stability and well-being of nations and regions, ultimately affecting the very fabric of human existence. As we navigate the intertwined crises of technology, resources, and ecology, the imperative to seek peaceful and sustainable pathways forward has never been more pressing. This is a challenge that demands our collective attention and action in the international arena.

Buddhism, as an ancient and profound system of thought, embodies a rich ethical wisdom and a compassionate perspective that transcends individualism, providing a unique and valuable viewpoint for global governance. Buddhist tenets such as ‘compassionate heart’ (慈悲為懷), ‘selflessness for the benefit of others’ (無我利他) and ‘equality of all beings’ (眾生平等) emphasize harmonious coexistence among people and between humanity and nature, providing a new intellectual foundation for addressing global challenges.

For instance, the Buddhist concept of ‘selflessness’ emerges as a potential strategy for alleviating competition over global resources, while the teachings of non-violence and peace offer alternative pathways for resolving regional conflicts and fostering social dialogue.

In an era marked by the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, the principles of compassion and causality in Buddhist ethics can also provide constructive insights into ethical dilemmas within this field. Questions surrounding how to uphold human dignity, privacy, and security amidst technological progress, as well as how to infuse humanistic values into the decision-making processes of intelligent machines, urgently require exploration from the perspectives of ethics and religious philosophy.

Simultaneously, the ecological crisis driven by climate change is escalating, marked by the frequency of extreme weather events, a decline in biodiversity, and significant degradation of ecosystems worldwide. The ecological perspectives and reverence for nature advocated by Buddhism provide robust support for global environmental governance. By integrating individual cultivation with collective responsibility, Buddhism offers a path towards an ‘inner cultivation and outward service’ (內修外化) model of environmental protection. This approach fosters active participation in conservation efforts, motivating individuals to adopt environmentally sustainable practices that extend from personal lifestyles to broader societal initiatives.

Therefore, the upcoming symposium aims to explore the application potential of Buddhist teachings in addressing significant global issues through interdisciplinary and multi-perspective dialogue. We aspire to leverage the wisdom of Buddhism to consider how to foster a higher level of ethical consensus and sustainable responses within the current global governance framework, providing new directions for human society in navigating the challenges of our time.

We warmly invite scholars from around the world to participate in this symposium, fostering in-depth dialogue on the intersection of Buddhism and global governance. Together, we aim to contribute new academic insights toward the promotion of peace, equality, and sustainable development within the global community.

The scope of this conference includes, but is not limited to:

• The role of Buddhist lay practitioners, past and present
• Dialogue between monastics and lay people
• Liturgy and religion on the ground
• Pilgrims and pilgrimage
• Intersection of different religious groups and systems of belief
• Relation between religion and the state
• Reception of Buddhism in society
• Buddhism and activism
• Buddhism and civil society

The organizing committee cordially invites the submission of papers related to the conference theme. We are now enrolling about 10-15 scholars from all over the world to join the approximately 20 scholars whose participation has been confirmed. All associated costs, including room and board during the conference, will be covered by the host institutions. Depending on necessity and the availability of funding, some travel cost may also be covered. Please email proposals and CVs to frogbear.project@ubc.ca by January 6 (Monday), 2025.

The conference will result in the publication of two collections of papers, one in Chinese and the other in English. Scholars who are confident in completing a draft of their papers by the end of June 2025 and can complete a publishable paper by the middle of October, 2025 are encouraged to apply.

This conference is planned as part of the annual International and Intensive Program on Buddhist Studies.