A Liberian scholar and Assistant Professor of International Relations at the Ibraham Badamasi Babangida (IBB) Graduate Program of International Studies of the University of Liberia, Professor Josephus Moses Gray, will this week address an International Academic Symposium jointly organized by Mohammed V University of Morocco and International Confucian Association.
Professor Gray, who departed the country on Monday via Paris, France, will join over 50 scholars and academics from across the globe including China, South Korea, Japan, US, Germany, Singapore, Vietnam, Hong Kong, and Africa. The symposium is being held at the Mohammed V University In Rabat, the Kingdom of Morocco.
The UL professor will deliver an instructive paper on the theme: “Safeguarding World Peace, Promoting a New era of a Common Development and Belt and Road: The Construction of a Community of a Shared Future for Mankind”. Professor Gray will address the first Plenary Session of the International Academic Symposium which runs from November 13-17.
Professor Gray who holds a doctorate degree in Intentional Relations, Diplomacy and Foreign Policy Studies from Paris, France was extended an official invitation which reads: Because of your outstanding academic achievements and extensive experience, you are cordially invited and honored to attend and deliver Nine Thousand Words Research Paper at the International Academic Symposium.
The International Academic Symposium will hold five Sessions under the sub-themes: Historical experiences on the contact and mutual learning among Asian, African and European civilizations along the ancient Silk Road”; 2. Historical figures and tales of outstanding contributions for the contact and dialogue of different civilizations, countries and regions in Asia, Africa and Europe along the ancient Silk Road; 3. Safeguarding world peace, promoting an era of common development and discussing on the implementation of ” the Belt and Road” construction as well as on building a community of shared future for mankind; 4. Pondering which international conventions and considerations must be present on “the Belt and Road” new model of international cooperation and Opinions, perspectives and suggestions by the Asian, African and European Academia and all sectors of society upon “The Belt and Road construction & Building a community of shared future for mankind”.
This is Professor Gray’s second time in less than four months to deliver an important paper at an international conference. Last July he was officially invited by the Government of the People’s Republic of China to attend the 7th Meeting of China-Africa Think Tanks Forum in Beijing. During the Think Tank Forum, he delivered the 4th address of the First Plenary Session on the theme: China and Africa Countries’ Independent Exploration of Development Paths: Experience and Inspiration”.
At the end of official activities of the International Academic Symposium, Prof. Gray at the head of a delegation from the International Confucian Association will pay a courtesy call on His Excellency Ambassador Richelieu A. William at the Embassy of Liberia in Rabat, Morocco.
The International Confucian Association (ICA) was jointly initiated by the academic societies of Confucianism in China, South Korea, Japan, the US, Germany, Singapore, Vietnam and the Chinese territories of Hong Kong and Taiwan. Although Confucianism originated in China, it has long transcended national boundaries and has become a global culture, playing an important role in driving the development and progress of human civilization.
The specific work of the ICA includes: organizing international academic conferences and lectures; carrying out academic research; integrating academic information and resources; promoting the exchange of ideas and sharing experiences in the popularization of Confucianism; advancing education and faculty training in Confucianism; publishing academic works, periodicals and popular books; promoting friendly international exchanges and cooperation; raising funds for international Confucian studies; and exploring other undertakings conducive to the development of Confucianism
After coming into being in China, Confucianism soon spread throughout Northeast and Southeast Asia and around the globe through assimilation and integration with existing cultures, Confucianism took on distinctive local features and had a tremendous and valuable impact on local politics, the economy, and culture. It had once become the guiding thought in governance on the Korean Peninsula, and in Japan, Vietnam and other countries and regions.
As an international academic and cultural organization, the ICA is a community of Confucian societies and scholars. With the purpose of “studying and carrying forward Confucian thought in order to push for the freedom and equality of mankind and the peaceful development and lasting prosperity of the world,” the ICA strives to unite Confucian societies, scholars and professionals to boost the study, dissemination, popularization, and application of Confucianism in the international community.
From the later medieval age on, Confucianism and Chinese civilization were introduced into Europe by Chinese and Europeans traveling to each other’s countries. Missionaries of the Society of Jesus who had stayed in China returned to Europe, introducing and advocating Confucianism and other Chinese ancient books and records, which exerted significant influence on the philosophical and cultural communities of Europe. Between the 16th and 18th century, a “Chinese Culture Wave” swept Europe.
A great number of prominent scholars in Germany, France, Britain, Italy, and Russia paid close attention to and studied Chinese philosophy, literature, history, economy, politics, and the military and demonstrated a great wisdom and far-sightedness in their interpretation and admiration of Chinese civilization. The fifth Congress of the International Confucian Association has 143 advisors, 314 council members, 51 member organizations and 525 individual members across 50 countries and regions of the world.
Since its founding 20 years ago, the ICA has been carrying out the study and dissemination of Confucian thought, all the while promoting the practical use of Confucianism together with Confucian societies, scholars, and professionals worldwide. With its growing influence, the ICA has become an established international academic authority.
The International Conference in Commemorating the Anniversary of Confucius’ Birth, co-hosted by the ICA, UNESCO and other institutions every five years, has become a symbolic gathering in the international Confucian community.
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