Philosophical Foundations, Cultural Dimensions, and Societal Values of Ecological Civilization and Sustainable Development

Call for papers

International Conference
“Philosophical Foundations, Cultural Dimensions, and Societal Values of Ecological Civilization and Sustainable Development”
Sofia, Bulgaria
7 – 10 October 2025

Rationale:

The conference will explore the philosophical and cultural roots of the ideas of ecological civilization (e.g., Confucian harmony, Taoist balance, etc.) and of sustainable development in Europe, America, Asia, Australia (e.g., Enlightenment rationality, anthropocentrism, EU green deal and green transition initiatives, etc), while also examining how these concepts shape and are shaped by societal values, norms, and collective behaviours. It further investigates how these ideas influence social cohesion, identity, and community practices in the above-mentioned regions, offering insights into the role of culture in environmental stewardship, social sustainability of workforce, etc. The conference also examines the policy frameworks and governance structures that support sustainable development and green transition.

Call for participation:

 We invite scholars and all interested parties to submit proposals for presentations and share insights and research findings that contribute to the ongoing conversation surrounding ecological civilization and sustainable development. We welcome different types and formats of research approaches, therefore, your proposal may be a standard presentation of research results, a presentation of a research concept, a work in progress or a theoretical reflection.

Candidates are asked to send an abstract (max 250 words) indicating the topic, the main research question(s), the methodology and the results (if the study has been completed).

📌 Submit your proposal here: Submission Form

 Practical information:
 Format:

The conference will be held in person in Sofia, Bulgaria, but online participation is also possible. Upon registration, you will be asked to indicate your preference.

Conference Venues:
07 October: Grand Hall “Prof. Marin Drinov,” Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (1, 15 November Str., Sofia)
08-09 October: SoHo Conference Hall (4 Iskar Str., Sofia)
10 October: Cultural Event – “History, Culture, and Sustainability: Walk Through Time in Plovdiv’s Old Town”

Program Highlights:

• Each conference day will start with a 60-minute keynote lecture.
• Individual presentations will be 30 minutes, including discussion time.

Registration fees:

 🎓 Students & PhD candidates – 100 EUR

👩‍Other participants – 150 EUR

🏛 Cultural visit to Plovdiv – +50 EUR (includes transport, lunch, and guided tours of selected attractions and museums)

📌 Participants are responsible for their own travel, accommodation, and dinners (except the official conference dinner).

Important dates:

 📌 Abstract submission deadline: 31 March 2025

📌 Notification of acceptance: 1 May 2025

📌 Registration deadline: 1 August 2025

📌 Conference dates: 07-10 October 2025

Conference committee:
Program Committee:

Prof. DSc Vesselin Petrov (Bulgaria)
Prof. DSc Rumyana Jeleva (Bulgaria)
Prof. Dr. Zhihe Wang (China)
Prof. Dr. Meijun Fan (China)
Prof. Dr. Maria-Teresa Teixeira (Portugal)
Prof. Clifford Cobb (USA)

Local Organizing Committee:

Prof. DSc Vesselin Petrov (IPS-BAS) – head
Prof. DSc Rumiana Zheleva (IPS-BAS)
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lyuba Spasova (IPS-BAS)
Dr. Diana Petrova (IPS-BAS) – technical secretary

Contact us

For any questions or inquiries, please contact us at:

 Preliminary Program of the conference