Members of Academia Europaea are invited to participate in the 1st Dialogues4Peace Conference, to be held in Athens, Greece, on October 25–27, 2026. Abstracts for 5-minute oral presentations and poster submissions on topics including ancient ethical systems and peacebuilding, cultural heritage and intercultural understanding, archaeology and heritage as reconciliation tools, education for peace, and environmental stewardship are invited.

At a time when our world is engulfed by polycrisis, from war and climate disruption to the erosion of shared values and the breakdown of global cooperation, the call for peace has never been more urgent. Yet true peace cannot be achieved through politics alone; it must be rooted in wisdom. This conference, organized under the auspices of the European Academy of Sciences & Arts (EASA) and the National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, seeks to rediscover the timeless principles of harmony, balance, and justice found in ancient civilizations, from Greece, Egypt, China, and India to Israel and its biblical wisdom, as well as Indigenous and spiritual traditions across the world.

Why Athens? Why Now?#

Athens, the cradle of democracy, philosophy, and the Olympic and Pythian ideals of truce and peaceful competition, is the natural birthplace of this global initiative. It was here, 2,500 years ago, that the ancient Greeks articulated the moral logic of Nemesis: that hubris leads to downfall. This message resonates with unprecedented urgency today, as we witness the consequences of unbridled ambition, militarism, and the neglect of human dignity.

Call for Abstracts and Posters, Extended Opportunities#

Although the main program has been developed, we have deliberately reserved time slots for 5-minute presentations and poster sessions. We believe that these concise, impactful formats are powerful vehicles for strong messages, effective triggers for forging pathways through conflict and polemical crises.

We warmly invite you to submit:

• Abstracts for a 5-minute oral presentation
• Posters (to be displayed throughout the conference)

Topics of Interest Include (but are not limited to):#

• Ancient ethical systems and their relevance to modern peacebuilding
• The role of cultural heritage in fostering intercultural understanding
• Education for peace: curriculum design and pedagogical innovation
• Archaeology and heritage as tools for reconciliation
• The moral economy of peace: addressing inequality, hunger, and resource conflict
• The psychology of conflict and the cultivation of empathy
• Philosophical foundations of global citizenship
• Case studies of successful peace initiatives inspired by ancient traditions
• The role of media, arts, and technology in promoting peace
• Environmental stewardship as a pathway to peace

Submission Guidelines:#

• Abstract length: 250–300 words
• Deadline: October 10, 2026 (or until slots are filled)
• Submission link
• Poster dimensions: A0 (841 × 1189 mm) portrait

Conference Highlights#

• Plenary Sessions featuring distinguished speakers from the EASA, the National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, and other partner institutions.

• Interdisciplinary Panels and workshops bring together scholars, educators, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and practitioners.

• Poster Sessions and 5-minute presentations, ideal for sharing innovative ideas, preliminary research, or grassroots initiatives.

• Networking Opportunities, connect with leading thinkers and practitioners from around the world.

• Certificate of Attendance, all participants will receive a certificate recognizing their contribution to this global dialogue.

• Abstract Book, all accepted abstracts will be compiled and published in a dedicated conference abstract book.

Practical Information#

• Venue: Athens, Greece, Eugenides Foundation
• Dates: October 25–27, 2026
• Registration: via https://www.dialogues4peace2026.com/register
• Accommodation: A list of recommended hotels will be provided upon registration.
• Travel: Athens is easily accessible by air and sea.
• Conference website

Join Us in Shaping a New Global Dialogue#

We cordially invite you to be part of this historic endeavor. Whether you choose to present a paper, share a poster, or simply participate in the discussions, your presence and contribution are invaluable.

Let us gather in Athens, the cradle of democracy and the birthplace of the Olympic truce, to affirm that the wisdom of the past is not a relic but a living force for transformation. Let us demonstrate that a peaceful future is not a utopian dream but a practical possibility, grounded in the enduring principles of justice, balance, and harmony. We look forward to welcoming you to Athens and to embarking together on this journey toward a more humane and peaceful world.

Prof. Dr. Ioannis Liritzis MAE
Hon. Prof. h.c. mult., Dist. Prof. mult.
Vice President, European Academy of Sciences & Arts (EASA)
Conference Co-Chair

Prof. Dr. DDr. h.c. Klaus Mainzer MAE
Hon. Prof. h.c. mult.
President, European Academy of Sciences & Arts (EASA)
Conference Co-Chair

For inquiries and submissions, please contact:#

Thanasis Liagkis tli@zita-congress.gr
Gerasimos Kouloumpis k.ge@zita-congress.gr

Download the call.

---