On November 2, 2024,Conference on Mutual Learning of European and Asian Civilization was launched in Tianjin Normal University. The Conference was organized by IEC,Institute of Area Studies of TNU and the editorial board of the Economic and Social History Review. It received extensive media coverage, with three major central media outlets—People’s Daily,Xinhua News Agency, and China News Service.
Link to People’s Daily App:
https://www.peopleapp.com/column/30047237745-500005891512
Link to Xinhua News Agency App:
https://h.xinhuaxmt.com/vh512/share/12264137?d=134dad0&channel=weixin
Link to China News Website:
http://www.chinanews.com.cn/cul/2024/11-03/10312681.shtml
Details of the Conference:
On November 2, 2024, Conference on Mutual Learning of European and Asian Civilization was launched in Tianjin Normal University. The Conference was organized by IEC, Institute of Area Studies of TNU and the editorial board of the Economic and Social History Review. It featured a four-day series of academic events, with a mentor team comprising 20 distinguished historians from universities and research institutions both domestically and internationally. Some of the mentors, along with 30 young participants selected from across the country attended.
Civilizations become more vibrant through exchange and are enriched through mutual learning. The Conference was based on The Global Civilization Initiative, which advocates respect for the diversity of world civilizations and sets a clear direction toward building a community with a shared future for humanity.
Professor Hou Jianxin, the founder of the academic series and senior professor of TNU, stated that this initiative represents a significant academic endeavor by the scholars of world history studies to directly address major national needs and serve society. It holds substantial practical significance for the development of the disciplines of world history and area studies in China. By comparing and assimilating the advantages of other civilizations and promoting outstanding aspects of traditional Chinese culture, this effort laid foundation in advancing China’s disciplinary, academic, and discourse systems.
Qu Kai, Secretary of the Party Committee of Tianjin Normal University, introduced that the university has always been attaching great importance to international communication and cooperation, actively leveraging the advantages of disciplines such as world history. TNU contributes to enhancing cultural confidence, promoting mutual learning among civilizations, and serving the overarching goal of building modern Chinese civilization. Nowadays, with the future and destiny of all countries are closely intertwined, the importance of mutual learning among civilizations has become increasingly prominent. The hold of the Conference on Mutual Learning of European and Asian Civilization is a valuable exploration of the university’s efforts to integrate academic research with talent cultivation.
Zhao Wenhong, former Secretary of the Party Committee of the Institute of World History and the Institute of World Religions at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, stated that Chinese civilization and European civilization share some common characteristics, such as their long histories and brilliant cultures. Both have created world-renowned miracles during the process of modernization and continue to have a significant impact on the world today. However, they also possess some very distinct traits, which suggests that research into the mutual learning between them may lead to important academic achievements.
Li Zhenhong, a professor at Henan University and former editor-in-chief of History Monthly, indicated the significance of organizing the event. He hoped the conference would cultivate more talents grounded in China and specialize in the study of European history and civilization, contributing to the future of the country.
As the host and organizer, Professor Hou Jianxin delivered two academic reports, highlighting the crucial role of the mid-medieval period in the formation of European civilization. His presentation challenged the conventional linear chronological understanding of scholars and the public and generated strong responses. The attending experts, scholars, and participants will then engage in academic discussion on topics including "Re-examining the Genesis of European Civilization", "The Primitive Democratic Thought in the Spring and Autumn and Warring States Periods," "Conducting Thoughtful and Enlightening Historical Research," "Is History a Science?" and "Analysis of the Feudal Concept—A Historical Examination of Europe and China". They will explore major issues such as mutual learning among civilizations, promoting the innovative development of Chinese culture, and advancing Chinese-style modernization. This event marks the opening ceremony and inaugural activity of Conference on Mutual Learning of European and Asian Civilization.
It is reported that the Conference will become a permanent platform, regularly holding professional academic training activities, with the goal of becoming a leading institution for cultivating high-level talents in Eurasian civilization and a renowned academic brand in China’s world history research.
