The 13th international scientific conference For Humanity 2025 will bring together distinguished academics and experts from various fields between March 14 and 19, 2025, who will highlight the challenges and opportunities presented by social and technological sustainability for health and sustainable development.
The focus of the discussions will be artificial intelligence, geopolitical shifts, and the role of science in shaping a sustainable future.
The key question remains the impact of artificial intelligence on society, as we have already seen its significant influence in political campaigns, such as in the elections of Trump and Biden, which only confirms its power.
"Europe's future now rests on competitiveness, where innovation becomes key to economic growth and prosperity. Artificial intelligence will play a central role in this, so we must invest in our own talent, education, and research in Europe, as even the most advanced AI tools are merely a reflection of human development," emphasized today at the opening of the plenary session of the conference For the Sake of Humanity 2025 Prof. Dr. Klaus Mainzer , president of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts .
Donato Kiniger-Passigli , president of the World Academy of Arts and Sciences , emphasized the responsibility of the academic sphere in shaping the future: "Academics have a unique responsibility to leverage technological innovations, recognize trends, anticipate changes, and contribute to conflict prevention and peace education. By promoting intercultural understanding, especially among younger generations, they play a key role in ensuring peaceful coexistence."
The time for a coordinated, knowledge-based peace effort is now.
"We talk a lot about peace, but when it is talked about a lot, it means it is far away. Peace can only be achieved with the motivation of the youth. Youth is the key. Without young people, we cannot achieve anything," highlighted in his address Prof. Dr. Felix Unger , honorary president of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts .
The importance of social and technological sustainability for health and sustainable development was also addressed by the Rector of Alma Mater Europaea University, Prof. Dr. Ludvik Toplak : "In-depth discussions on social and technological sustainability are crucial for shaping solutions that will improve the quality of life for future generations. Peace is not only a fundamental value but also a condition for health and sustainable development. Diplomacy through science, education, culture, and economy strengthens trust and promotes cooperation. Artificial intelligence and social networks increasingly influence diplomatic processes and political decisions."
Geopolitical tensions and their role in shaping the international order were highlighted by Prof. Dr. Ferenc Miszlivetz from the University of Pannonia : "In this new global turbulence, it is unclear who will set new rules at the global and regional levels and under what conditions. Facing geopolitical challenges, energy dependence, and military tensions, the world is at a crossroads where decisions by great powers will shape the future of the international order."
Prof. Dr. Andrei Marga , former rector of the Babeș-Bolyai University and former Romanian Minister of National Education, warned about the importance of historical experiences in ensuring lasting peace: "Lasting peace in today's Europe is only possible by respecting fundamental truths from historical experiences: war cannot be unequivocally won, ceasefire is the only alternative to continuing conflicts, and genuine peace requires cooperation and negotiations among all involved parties."
From the perspective of scientific research and innovation, artificial intelligence is a central topic of modern development. Prof. Dr. Alberto De Franceschi (University of Ferrara, KU Leuven) pointed out: "Artificial intelligence has tremendous potential to promote sustainability across various sectors, but without proper governance, it risks inequality, human rights violations, and negative environmental impacts. It is crucial to balance technological progress with moral responsibility and ensure legislative frameworks that guide AI for the benefit of present and future generations."
Prof. Dr. Aleksander Zidanšek , researcher at the Jožef Stefan Institute, emphasized that science is becoming increasingly important as changes occur at an ever faster pace: "It is important to be the first to apply new knowledge. They say those who learn to use new insights fastest will also succeed best."
The conference For the Sake of Humanity 2025: Social and Technological Sustainability for Health and Sustainable Development, which will run until March 19, will offer an in-depth insight into the key challenges of modern society with its interdisciplinary design and open space for discussion on possible solutions that will guide the future development of science, technology, and social systems.
The full conference program is available HERE , where you can also find links to online panels for direct participation in discussions.
The World Academy of Arts and Sciences (WAAS) and the European Academy of Sciences and Arts (EASA), within the plenary part of the conference, reaffirmed their commitment to implementing the Global Peace Offensive adopted on October 21, 2024, in Maribor, by signing a joint statement on the importance of the active role of the academic community in peace dialogue.
The Global Peace Offensive strategy is based on three key pillars:
1. Strategic de-escalation – strengthening diplomacy in the fields of culture, science, economy, education, and environment.
2. Building trust – promoting cooperation among stakeholders and cultural exchanges for sustainable peace.
3. Enhanced dialogue – integrating innovative educational programs, artificial intelligence, and social networks into peace decision-making processes.
Signatories of the statement:
Klaus Mainzer, president of EASA
Donato Kiniger Passigli, vice president of WAAS
Ludvik Toplak, rector of Alma Mater Europaea University
