Aristotle-Confucius Dialogue

If Aristotle and Confucius were able to come together to talk about globalization today, could they ultimately resolve some of its most pressing challenges? This dialogue imagines the two philosophers debating and determining the ways models of democracy and governance need to evolve.

Ban Ki-moon, 8th Secretary General of the United Nations; Chair, Ban Ki-moon Foundation for a Better Future

Jeffrey Sachs, Director, Center for Sustainable Development, Columbia University

Moderated by Roger Cohen, Paris Bureau Chief, The New York Times and Host of the Athens Democracy Forum

A Decade of Democracy: China and Russia

Ten years ago, Xi Jinping ascended to national leadership in China and Vladimir Putin began his second stint as Russia’s president. Over the next decade, both have consolidated power over their countries, and today both unapologetically and jointly proclaim their autocratic, ruthless, macho rule as a more effective model of democracy, winning admirers and imitators the world over. As Putin has pushed this model to unthinkable extremes, what has the effect been on fellow and aspiring autocrats? What is the best way to prevent the template from replicating even further?

Jaroslaw Kuisz, Editor in Chief, Kultura Liberalna

Jeffrey Sachs, Director, Center for Sustainable Development, Columbia University

Su Yun Woo, Postdoctoral Researcher, Institute of Political Science, University of Zurich

Moderated by Steven Erlanger, Chief Diplomatic Correspondent, Europe, The New York Times

Panel Discussion: Preventing Nuclear War and Securing the Future

How should the international community respond to the rising risks of a nuclear war and WMD terrorism? This session will explore the mounting threats of a nuclear war and terrorist attacks involving chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear weapons. What must be done to enhance the mechanisms and institutions necessary to prevent disastrous consequences, intentional or not? And what should the roles of the United States and China be in such an endeavor?

Ban Ki-moon, 8th Secretary General of the United Nations; Chair, Ban Ki-moon Foundation for a Better Future

Ambassador Angelina Eichhorst, Managing Director, European External Action Service

Jeffrey Sachs, Director, Center for Sustainable Development, Columbia University

Moderated by Steven Erlanger, Chief Diplomatic Correspondent, Europe, The New York Times

News about Prof. Sachs’ participation in the Forum:

A Time of Unease and Challenge for Democracy by Roger Cohen, New York Times, Oct 6, 2022.

With Ukraine War, Europe’s Democratic Project Takes on New Urgency by Celestine Bohlen, New York Times, October 6, 2022.