The Graduate Institute of Education at National Chung Cheng University (CCU) held the "International Conference on Philosophy of Education & the 10th Annual Meeting" on May 15 and 16. Centered on the core theme of "Bildung and Democracy," the event gathered esteemed scholars from Taiwan and abroad to explore the role and mission of education within a democratic society. Through transnational academic exchange, the conference aimed to offer new perspectives and directions for thinking in response to the various challenges facing modern society.

The theme focused on "Bildung," a pivotal concept in German educational thought that encompassed self-cultivation, rational critical thinking, moral practice, and the development of public participation skills. The conference sub-topics were both diverse and timely, covering issues such as freedom, human rights, equity, justice, peace, cultural identity, civic education, and moral and aesthetic education. The Graduate Institute of Education noted that in today’s rapidly changing global landscape, democratic systems faced numerous pressures—including increasing social polarization, information disorder, cultural conflicts, and human rights protection—underscoring the vital importance of education in deepening democratic literacy.

A highlight of the event was the participation of seven world-renowned international scholars. Four of these scholars represented TU Dortmund University in Germany, which signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the CCU College of Education on September 23, 2024. The remaining three scholars joined from the University of Birmingham (UK), the University of Tokyo (Japan), and Inha University (South Korea), demonstrating the fruitful results of the institute’s long-term commitment to internationalization and cross-border academic cooperation.

Furthermore, the conference showcased significant academic productivity, with over 80 research papers presented by university faculty, researchers, and graduate students. This diversity highlighted the generational succession and research energy within the field of philosophy of education. The event attracted more than 150 participants, fostering a vibrant atmosphere of academic discussion and enthusiastic intellectual exchange.

The CCU Graduate Institute of Education expressed its hope that this conference would deepen international academic dialogue, promote the exchange between educational theory and practice, and inject new energy into talent development and sustainable development for a democratic society. Under the leadership of President Shaw-Jenq Tsai, who assumed office in February 2024, CCU continued to advance its educational vision rooted in freedom, innovation, and humanity. The event was held with the collective support of the Philosophy of Education Society of Taiwan, the National Science and Technology Council, the Professor Huang Kun-hui Education Foundation, and various other sectors, demonstrating the power of the academic community in promoting public values.