"The world today more than ever needs peace, solidarity, justice and social equity," said former Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos, adding that sustained dialogue between Greece and China, two of the world's oldest civilizations, could help bridge divides, reduce misunderstandings and expand common ground.

ATHENS, June 10 (Xinhua) -- In the shadow of the Acropolis, where ancient philosophy once shaped early understandings of the world, scholars and policymakers have gathered to revisit a question that continues to resonate: what role can the wisdom of early civilizations play in a world marked by growing uncertainty?

At the Second World Conference of Classics, held in Athens on June 9-10, participants from around the world emphasized that dialogue and mutual learning among civilizations are becoming increasingly important in addressing global challenges, including armed conflicts, climate change and rapid technological transformation.

Civilizational exchanges offer an important pathway toward peace, mutual understanding and shared development, they told Xinhua in interviews during the conference.

Former Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos said the conference carried special significance amid a turbulent international landscape. Discussions under the theme "Dialogue Between Civilizations: Classical Wisdom For Today's World" highlighted the continuing relevance of ancient thought in addressing contemporary challenges.

"The world today more than ever needs peace, solidarity, justice and social equity," he said, adding that sustained dialogue between Greece and China, two of the world's oldest civilizations, could help bridge divides, reduce misunderstandings and expand common ground.

"We must remember that humanity has already created many disasters. We should not add new ones," he said, stressing the importance of drawing lessons from history.

Egyptian historian Ashraf Abu El-Yazid said ancient civilizations were never isolated; they evolved through continuous exchanges and interactions.

He said the conference provided an important platform for dialogue among civilizations such as Egypt, Greece, China and India, enabling the participants to revisit historical experiences and contemporary challenges from a broader perspective.

At a time of persistent conflict and instability, he said, dialogue based on reason and mutual respect can offer an alternative to confrontation, contributing to greater stability and understanding in international relations.

Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni noted that participants at a previous conference in Beijing had reached consensus that studying ancient civilizations is essential not only for understanding the present, but also for shaping the future.

She said the growing recognition of classical civilizations reflects an understanding that their accumulated wisdom and experience can help humanity navigate today's complex transformations from geopolitical shifts to technological change.

Roger T. Ames, a humanities professor at Peking University and professor emeritus at the University of Hawaii, said Greek philosophical traditions emphasize universal principles and holistic thinking, while Chinese philosophy places greater emphasis on relational contexts and harmony within diversity.

He said the two traditions are not contradictory but complementary, offering valuable intellectual resources for understanding a rapidly changing world.

China's growing role in global affairs makes its participation in international intellectual dialogue increasingly important, Ames added, calling for civilizational exchanges to move beyond discussions toward practical engagement.

He urged policymakers to take part more actively in such exchanges, so that insights from different traditions can be translated into governance practices that support peace, cooperation and sustainable development.