The world is facing a serious ecological breakdown, shown in climate change, loss of biodiversity, and crises in water, food, and energy. These problems do not only come from technology or economics, but also from the way humans think about nature. An anthropocentric view—where humans place themselves above all other living beings—has encouraged exploitation and harmful development. This session will explore how ecological ethics can guide us to move from exploitation toward sustainability, and how deep ecology and the philosophy of nature offer a more respectful and balanced way of understanding the relationship between humans and the environment. The crises we face today can also be seen as moral crises, because they challenge our values, priorities, and responsibilities.

From a theological perspective, many traditions teach that the Earth is a gift that must be cared for, not used without limits. Ideas such as stewardship, the integrity of creation, and responsibility toward future generations can help shape a new ethical attitude toward the environment. Theology can enrich ecological discussions by reminding us that caring for nature is part of caring for human dignity and the common good. 

Possible topics include: 

• Ecological Crisis and Human Responsibility

• Anthropocentrism and Environmental Damage

• Ecological Ethics for Sustainability

• Philosophy of Nature and Deep Ecology

• Water, Food, and Energy as Moral Issues

• Theological Views on Creation and Stewardship

Rapid technological developments—such as artificial intelligence, automation, and digital systems—are changing many aspects of human life and the way societies function. While technology offers comfort and efficiency, it also brings new challenges related to the erosion of humanity and its connection to the ecological crisis. Technology often supports lifestyles that are more virtual, individualistic, and consumption-driven, which distance people from the natural environment. When machines replace human roles, communication becomes less personal, and work loses meaning, people may experience dehumanization and digital alienation. At the same time, technology can be used for social control, similar to a “digital panopticon,” where data surveillance influences behaviours, choices, and even climate-related decisions.

This session will explore how technological progress affects human dignity, identity, and our relationship with nature, as well as how the rise of transhumanism challenges the limits of what it means to be human in an ecological world. It will consider whether a technology-driven future risks separating humanity further from the Earth, or whether technology can be guided toward ecological responsibility. From a faith-based perspective, religious traditions teach that human advancement should not disconnect people from moral responsibility, compassion, and care for creation. Faith can offer ethical guidance to balance innovation with human dignity and ecological sustainability. 

Possible topics include: 

• Dehumanization in the Age of AI

• Digital Alienation and Disconnection from Nature

• Technology, Social Control, and Environmental Governance

• Transhumanism and Human–Ecological Limits

• Faith Responses to Technology and Ecological Responsibility

Growing social inequality continues to shape the lives of millions of people around the world, and this inequality becomes even more visible during ecological crises. Issues such as poverty, forced migration, and global injustice are often made worse by climate change, environmental degradation, and unequal access to natural resources. Many vulnerable communities face the highest risks—such as food insecurity, water scarcity, and climate-related displacement—despite contributing the least to environmental damage. This suffering is not only caused by direct conflict or physical violence, but by structural violence: unfair political, economic, and social systems that keep certain groups excluded from safety, resources, and opportunities. The global capitalist model, which prioritizes profit and exploitation of natural resources, often deepens both humanitarian and environmental crises. Social exclusion also appears in knowledge production, seen in epistemic injustice, where the ecological wisdom of Indigenous, local, or marginalized communities is ignored or undervalued.

This session will invite reflection on how societies can promote ecological justice through fairer systems, cross-border solidarity, and an ethics of care for people affected by environmental harm. It will encourage discussion on how sustainable schemes must also address inequality, not only environmental protection. From a theological perspective, many faith traditions emphasize a “preferential option for the poor” and the moral duty to care for both the oppressed and the Earth. This view challenges believers to transform unjust structures, protect creation, and ensure that sustainability includes compassion, equality, and human dignity. 

Possible topics include: 

• Climate Poverty, Migration, and Global Justice

• Ecological Crises in Global Capitalism

• Social Exclusion and Epistemic Injustice in Environmental Decision-Making

• Cross-Border Solidarity and the Ethics of Ecological Vulnerability

• Theological Responses to Structural and Ecological Injustice

Many societies today are experiencing cultural and moral disorientation, which affects the way people understand values, relationships, and their place in the world. The loss of shared meaning, weakening of community bonds, and increasing individualism contribute to a crisis of values that also influences how humans treat the environment. Consumerism and the search for quick satisfaction often replace a deeper sense of purpose and responsibility, leading to lifestyles that harm both personal well-being and the planet. The weakening of families, communities, and solidarity makes it harder for people to work together for the common good, including efforts to respond to climate change and ecological damage. In this context, education as a humanizing practice becomes important to rebuild empathy, critical thinking, and a sense of responsibility for others and the Earth.

This session will explore how cultural values, morality, and shared meaning shape ecological attitudes and sustainable living. It will reflect on how personal and social transformation is necessary to support ecological transformation. From a theological perspective, many religious traditions remind us that true human flourishing includes harmony with others, with creation, and with the Creator. Faith can offer a moral compass that encourages simplicity of life, care for creation, and commitment to the common good. 

Possible topics include: 

• Cultural and Moral Disorientation in the age of Ecological Crisis

• Value Crisis and the Loss of Shared Meaning

• Consumerism and Spiritual Emptiness

• Crisis of Family, Community, and Solidarity

• Humanizing Education for Ecological Awareness

• Theological Foundations for a Culture of Care and Sustainability

As the world faces ecological, social, and moral crises, many people are questioning what kind of future humanity is moving toward. Philosophy and faith can offer important guidance for imagining a future that protects human dignity, the Earth, and the common good. Philosophical reflection helps society think critically about values, human purpose, and ethical responsibilities, while spiritual and religious traditions offer hope, meaning, and moral strength. Ecological spirituality, for example, encourages people to see the Earth as a shared home and to act with responsibility toward future generations. In this way, both philosophy and faith invite us to imagine new possibilities for a more just and sustainable world.

This session will explore how dialogue between religion, philosophy, and science can support global sustainability and inspire a renewed ethical vision for humanity. It will reflect on how global ethics, interfaith cooperation, and shared moral principles can guide society through current crises and toward a better future. The discussion will also consider whether a “new utopia” is possible—one grounded not in unlimited progress, but in sustainability, justice, and shared humanity. 

Possible topics include: 

• Ecological Spirituality and Transgenerational Responsibility

• Interfaith and Philosophical Dialogue for Sustainability

• Hope and the Reconstruction of Global Ethics

• New Utopias for a Just and Sustainable Future