Cultivating Wisdom: UH philosophers’ conference unites global thinkers

MEDIA ADVISORY

WHAT: University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa will host the East-West Philosophers’ Conference (EWPC) where participants will discuss a wide array of themes on trauma and healing, including the repercussions of the Lahaina fires and Native Hawaiian disparities. 

WHO: More than 300 attendees including some of the world’s leading philosophers from 30 countries 

WHEN: May 24–31 (See Full Schedule) 

WHERE: Multiple locations on UH Mānoa campus and Imin Conference Center (East-West Center)

PANELS OF NOTE: 

• Indigenous Women’s Network: Roundtable on “Intergenerational Transmission of Trauma Healing Through Art,” organized by: Mililani Trask (Office of Hawaiian Affairs Trustee) and Meleanna Meyer (Artist and Professor of Art) 
  • Panelists: Brandy Nālani McDougall (Hawaiʻi State Poet Laureate, Associate Professor in Indigenous studies at UH Mānoa), Māhealani Ahia (PhD candidate, English at UH Mānoa). Chair: Suzanne Vares-Lum (President, East-West Center) Wednesday May 29, 7–9 p.m. UH Mānoa Art building 132
• Extreme Weather Events such as Lahaina fires, (East-West Center, Pacific Room) May 31, 8–10 a.m.

MORE INFORMATION:

• The EWPC is a premier forum for cross-cultural philosophical exploration and is convening for impactful dialogues on globally significant themes.
• The EWPC was established in 1939, it is the oldest continuous international gathering in Hawai‘i. 
• There will be a wide array of topics covered including:
  • Hula as a means for healing
  • Hoʻoponopono (forgiveness)
  • Empathy and compassion
  • Spirituality
  • Classical Indian philosophy
  • Early Chinese philosophy
  • Confucianism
  • Contemporary Arab philosophy

All panels and events are free and open to the public. 

For more details, visit the EWPC website.