With a focus on dialogue between the two oldest civilizations of the East and the West—China and Greece—the event titled “Meeting & Inspiration: Dialogue Across Time and Space” took place on June 8 at the Estia of Nea Smyrni. It preceded the 2nd World Conference on Classical Studies.

The event was organized under the guidance of the Press Office of the State Council of China and the Embassy of China in Greece, with the participation of representatives from the provinces of Shandong and Jiangsu, as well as academic and cultural institutions from both countries.

The opening ceremony was attended by Hu Heping, Deputy Head of the Publicity Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China; Fang Qiu, Ambassador of China to Greece; and Georgios Daskalou, Secretary-General of the Greek Ministry of Culture. In total, more than 150 representatives from academic, cultural, and media sectors in Greece and China participated in the event.

Socrates and Confucius “met” in Athens in a celebration of Greek and Chinese culture

The 2nd World Conference on Classical Studies is themed “Dialogue Between Ancient and Modern Times: Contemporary Interpretation of Classical Wisdom” and aims to serve as a meeting point for researchers and academics from around the world.

Within the framework of the event, shared values between the two civilizations were highlighted through exhibitions, presentations, and innovative digital applications, including interactive artificial intelligence experiences that allowed visitors to “converse” with ancient philosophers.

A particularly notable moment was the presentation to Academy of Athens academic Manolis Korres of the book “An Example of Greek and Roman Architecture – The Roof of the Odeon of Herodes Atticus”, published by the Shandong Friendship Publishing House. The publication is linked to Mr. Korres’ visit to China in 2024, during the first World Conference on Classical Studies, and is the result of cultural cooperation between the two countries.

At the same time, Kastaniotis Editions received copies of the documentary and book “Encounters of the Gods: When Socrates Meets Confucius”, produced by Jiangsu Broadcasting Corporation. Following the successful screening of the first part of the series in Greece, the second part is expected, titled “When Herodotus Meets Sima Qian”, focusing on the dialogue between the two great historiographical traditions of East and West.

Closing

During the event, the “China–Greece 2026 Joint Audiovisual Cultural Cooperation Plan” was also presented. It foresees co-productions of documentaries, exchange of programming, and collaboration in the field of intellectual property rights, aiming to further strengthen cultural ties between the two countries.

At a forum titled “Modern Echoes of Classical Culture,” Greek and Chinese academics and cultural representatives discussed contemporary approaches to promoting classical heritage and ways to enhance intercultural dialogue.

Socrates and Confucius “met” in Athens in a celebration of Greek and Chinese culture

The exhibition accompanying the event includes thematic sections dedicated to Chinese philosophical schools, cultural exchanges between East and West, as well as dedicated spaces for digital immersion and traditional Chinese craftsmanship, combining cultural heritage with new technologies.

The event will remain open to the public until June 10, reaffirming the continuously strengthening cultural cooperation and dialogue between China and Greece.