Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni opened the 2nd World Conference on Classical Studies, co-organized by the Academy of Athens and the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), in Athens, with the theme “Dialogue between Ancient and Modern: Contemporary Inspirations from Classical Wisdom.”

In her opening remarks, the Minister of Culture noted that holding the conference in Athens, “in the city where the foundations of political thought, political philosophy, democracy, and the principles of participatory governance, dialogue, and collective social responsibility were laid, lends special symbolism to our work,” while emphasizing that its co-organization by the Academy of Athens and the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences “highlights in the most meaningful way the power of cooperation between two countries that represent two of humanity’s oldest and most influential civilizations.”

The Minister emphasized that “classical studies are now a truly global field of research and dialogue” and that “the study of the great civilizations of antiquity does not concern exclusively their heirs; it concerns the entire international community, humanity, which continues to draw from them knowledge, inspiration, and guidance.”

Referring to the theme of the 2nd World Congress of Classical Studies, “Dialogue between Ancient and Modern: Contemporary Inspirations from Classical Wisdom” (“Διάλογος μεταξύ Αρχαίου και Σύγχρονου: Contemporary Inspirations from Classical Wisdom,” she pointed out that “the past is not a closed chapter of human history. On the contrary, it remains a constant and living source of ideas, principles, and values, as well as answers to timeless and fundamental questions,” emphasizing that the great challenges of our time make the contribution of classical thought more relevant than ever.

Artificial intelligence and its impact on modern society featured prominently in her speech, with the Minister noting that “we are living in an era of rapid, profound, and largely unprecedented transformations for humanity,” where “the digital revolution of artificial intelligence, rapid developments in biotechnology, as well as environmental and energy challenges, the climate crisis, and ongoing global geopolitical upheavals are rapidly altering the landscape of human experience.” The Minister posed the following question: “Humanity today possesses more technological knowledge and power than ever before. But does it possess the corresponding maturity and self-awareness to manage it?” placing the ethical dimensions of technological progress at the center of the discussion.

“Artificial intelligence and new technologies,” the Minister continued, “force us to reexamine the boundaries between technical capability and moral responsibility,” reframing in modern terms the fundamental questions that preoccupied the great thinkers of antiquity: “How should this power be used? What are the limits of progress? What is the relationship between knowledge and virtue? How is a balance achieved between individual and collective interests?” Lina Mendoni emphasized that contemporary concerns regarding scientific, political, and social ethics remain linked to the thought of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, while at the same time the teachings of Confucius, Laozi, and the great thinkers of the Chinese tradition offer valuable guidance for social harmony, social cohesion, and good governance in the new digital age.

In the same vein, highlighting the pivotal role of classical studies in the modern era, he emphasized that “classical studies do not offer ready-made solutions. However, they offer something perhaps even more important: the depth of historical experience and the foundations of critical thinking,” while clarifying that “classical studies are not a relic of the past. They constitute a necessary investment in the future.”

Regarding cultural and academic relations between Greece and China, the Minister emphasized that “we attach particular importance to cooperation between academic and research institutions in both countries,” describing the establishment of the Chinese School of Classical Studies in Athens as “a historic step” that “strengthens Athens’ role as an international center for research and dialogue on classical civilizations.”

At the same time, he highlighted the importance of intercultural dialogue, noting that “cultures do not clash when they communicate directly and honestly, when they engage in dialogue with an open mind and receptiveness, free from prejudice,” but rather “lay the groundwork not merely to coexist, but to learn from and complement one anothe

n closing her speech, Lina Mendoni emphasized that “memory must evolve into relevant knowledge and a shared vision for the future. Heritage, in turn, must serve as the raw material for creativity, progress, and innovation,” expressing her confidence that the Conference will make a substantial contribution to strengthening the global dialogue on the contemporary significance of classical civilizations.

Finally, invoking an ancient Chinese proverb, the Minister of Culture stated: “When the winds of change blow, some build walls and others build windmills. In an era of great change and even greater challenges, let us choose to build windmills. Let us choose dialogue over isolation, knowledge over prejudice, and cooperation over confrontation.”

The opening ceremony was attended by Hu Heping, Executive Deputy Head of the Publicity Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC); Nikiforos Diamandouros, President of the Academy of Athens; the Deputy Minister of Education, Religious Affairs, and Sports, Nikos Papaioannou, as well as the President of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Gao Xiang. The conference proceedings are being attended by distinguished academics, researchers, and scientists from Greece, China, and many other countries, underscoring the international nature of the event and the importance of dialogue between classical wisdom and the modern challenges of the 21st century, among which artificial intelligence, new technologies, and the ethical issues they raise.