Rhodes Forum - World Public Forum "Dialogue of Civilizations"

Shapovalova Olena - Post-graduate student,
V. N. Karazin Kharkov National University (Ukraine)

The great achievements of science and technology have not resolved the crises of the modern world. I believe that these crises can be overcome only when unity between the generations on the basis of the values is reached. One must agree with Berdyayev, who said that “when such a great power is given to the hands of man, the human destiny depends on the inner state of people”, on the ability to tell good from evil. Therefore everyone must work on the tasks of the generation – the youngsters and the authorities together. This is a hard, but rewarding labour – it will surely bring its fruits in the future. So let us “minister… one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God”.

Note: Document is presented at our web-site in the Russian translation.

Jeffrey J. Langan - Chairman, Program of Liberal Studies
Holy Cross College at Notre Dame (France)

The hypothesis of this paper is that in order to build a true dialogue among civilizations we need to establish a culture among the youth that seeks in solidarity to discover the truth. Failing to do this will lead to the tendency for one nation or a group of nations to seek hegemonic status among the world of nations. Establishing this culture is of extreme importance because without it, the youth could easily be manipulated by a hegemonic power or they could see the aspiration to hegemony as the one thing that gives meaning to their lives.

My paper will examine the ways in which a hegemonic power can appeal to so as to control the young. Then, it will examine the ways in which the appeal to seeking and discovering the truth is the peaceful response to such efforts. This begins with an education in aesthetics, which gives the young the power to recognize the ugly forms in the media which are often used to manipulate them.

Eduardo Missoni - Professor, Management of International Institutions
and Non Profit Organizations Bocconi University, Milano (Italy)

Times of globalization
The present phase of globalization is one of unprecedented acceleration with drastic changes in the temporal, spatial and cognitive dimensions of life. Speed and frequency of exchanges, the growing transnational integration of world economy and market mediated push toward cultural homogenization, are but a few examples. Increased political and economic liberalization has provided some with greater freedom of choice but, at the same time, a higher degree of uncertainty challenges humanity, challenged by competition for energy and water, demographic changes and flows, climate change and conflicts.

Globalization has created tremendous potential for economic and social development, particularly in Asia, but it has contributed to heightened inequality and insecurity as well. Globalized western cultural and socio-economical development models have imposed themselves to former norms and values.