Inaugural Kyoto Conference Conludes After 2 Discussion-filled Days with Understanding of Need to Recognize Multilayered Values
The Inaugural Kyoto Conference—Toward the Realization of a Multilayered Society of Values—which took place at the Kyoto International Conference Center in Sakyo Ward , Kyoto (hosted by the Kyoto Institute of Philosophy, co-hosted by Kyoto University, and supported by the Japan Business Federation (Keidanren), the Japan Association of Corporate Executives (Keizai Doyukai), the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Kyoto Prefecture, and Kyoto City), concluded its two-day schedule on the afternoon of September 24. NTT Executive Chairman Jun Sawada, a Co-chairperson of the KIP, stated in the comprehensive closing session, "I am grateful that we had such lively dialogues. We are considering holding the second Kyoto conference two years from now, and we will strive to create a declaration from here in Kyoto that can be announced to the world."
Details
On the second day of the conference, three panel discussions were held under the titles: "The Creative Leap: Value through Arts and Culture," "Toward a Network of Networks," and "Shaping Our Global Agendas." Speakers included Professor L. A. Paul of Yale University and Stéphane Decoutère, Secretary General of GESDA (Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator), a foundation established by the Swiss Federal Government and the Canton and City of Geneva. Afterward, Professor Yasuo Deguchi of Kyoto University and NTT Executive Chairman Jun Sawada, who serve as Co-chairpersons of the Institute, and Professor Markus Gabriel of the University of Bonn in Germany, who is also a Senior Global Advisor for the Institute, summarized the two days of discussions.
The two-day program, which centered on dignified keynote lectures and diverse panel discussions, was attended by a total of approximately 600 people from across academia, industry, religious world, government/local authorities, and private organizations. Participants gathered from approximately 18 countries, including Japan, as well as countries in the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Africa, and engaged in a rich and international exchange of ideas. They shared the understanding that it is crucial to recognize and accept the multilayered values inherent in each person in order to overcome the social challenges facing the world and the deepening divisions and conflicts.
The Kyoto Institute of Philosophy will accelerate its efforts to further expand its cross-disciplinary international network together with all those who participated in the Kyoto Conference. The 2nd Kyoto Conference is planned to be held in two years.
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