Rhodes Forum 11th Annual Session October 2-6, 2013 “The Age of the World Picture”

The 11th Annual Rhodes Session of the WPF “Dialogue of Civilizations” is seen as a series of comprehensive dialogues devoted to a most timely public understanding of the integral picture of the world, its vectors of development and natural evolution, as well as possible various projects of world structuring. Such subjects as self-destruction of mankind and degradation of its habitat, the barbaric demolition of its cultures remain crucial and demanding intent attention.

All these processes are continuing to snowball because of the purposeful activities on the part of advocates of worldwide consumerism, and by those who are trying to wreck human integrity, and by those who are now threatening the very notion of Life.

In the opinion of the Organizers of the Forum, the integrity of civilizations and cultures, as real participants of the world historical process, might be fruitfully supported and intensified by the already adjusted communications, by the mutual exchange of goods and services, and by jointly conducting worldwide economic practices of peoples and nations.

This colossal potential, directed towards future, would obtain a needed capacity to achieve its objective on condition it will not be turned into a new version of colonialism. Because only natural diversity of peoples, nations and cultures activates long-term social practices based on a common understanding of spiritual and material resources, and tasks of developing human civilization.

Rhodes Forum calls upon its participants not only to feel, but also, through communicating with one another, try and find a proper way of realizing one’s self-identification. And the World Public Forum “Dialogue of Civilizations”, expanding its experience that has been accumulated for over ten years now, has got dialogue to offer as the most effective instrument of self-identification as it allows to feel and enjoy the atmosphere of direct, non-censured, joint creativity and an in-depth participation. Besides, it makes one, out of respect, shoulder as much  responsibility for other cultures as we usually do when protecting our own cultural code.

Forum Participants of this year are offered the following (among others) subject-platforms for discussion:

• Rhodes dialogue and the political picture of the world;

• Rhodes dialogue on development and economics;

• Rhodes dialogue on the family, education and family economics;

• Rhodes dialogue on contemporary Islam;

• Rhodes dialogue on contemporary Christianity;

• Rhodes dialogue on “the awakening of Asia” (traditional roundtable in memoriam of Jagdish Kapur);

• Rhodes dialogue on “the Chinese dream”;

• Rhodes dialogue on Russia (Workshop on Eurasian integration); • Rhodes dialogue on music and environment;

• Rhodes dialogue on digital society.

As a result of political and economic developments exerting a growing influence on the entire Eurasian area, national governments, international organizations, and civil society institutions are facing crucial challenges. The expected 500 participants from some 80 states will address these current global challenges in international politics, economics, social relations and culture.

The conference will officially be opened on October 2 in the city of Rhodes. From October 3 to 6, the conference will continue in plenary sessions and roundtable discussions at the Paradise Royal Mare Hotel.

The detailed program can be found at www.rhodesforum.org or www.wpfdc.org.

Media representatives are cordially invited and kindly asked to register.