|
Two important events took place in 1996. Frank Geerk, poet and
philosopher, launched the "Humanismus 96" project in Switzerland and
Germany. Under "Humanismus 96" hundreds of cultural events were
organised in order to underline the unity among cultures based on
understanding and tolerance. On successful completion of the project
a book in German, "Kultur und Menschlichkeit – Neue Wege des
Humanismus" edited by Frank Geerk was published by Schwabe & Co.
AG, Basel in 1999.
Around the same time in November 1996, the Maharashtra Institute
of Technology (MIT) in Pune, near Bombay, India organised the World
Philosophers Meet. The week-long conference, opened by His Holiness
the Dalai Lama, was attended by more than 700 delegates from
different continents. The Meet in Pune focussed on peace, and the
principle behind it. Philosophers and religious leaders each
compared and contrasted their viewpoints. The Meet made it quite
apparent that all the religions represented and described shared a
common interest in peace amongst people, peace between humankind and
the rest of creation, tolerance of those with different beliefs and
equality of value in individual human lives.
At the concluding session the participants unanimously decided to
hold another conference in two years' time in Geneva and assigned
the organisational responsibility to Professor R. Sampatkumar.
The theme for the 1998 Geneva conference was « Science,
Religion and Ethics in the Twenty-first Century » to deal with
issues that confront us today and have far-reaching implications
tomorrow. Topics for discussion were Religious Pluralism and
Tolerance, Individual and Environment, Ethics and Peace Education.
The participants included, in addition, scientists and opinion
leaders who could influence the future course of action.
Following the conference on "Science, Religion and Ethics in the
Twenty-first Century" in Geneva, in August 1998 and in consultation
with the organisers of "Humanismus 96", it was decided to form the
International Society for Human Values to follow up on the findings and
conclusions. With its Secretariat in Geneva, Switzerland, the International Society for Human Values has an International Advisory
Board comprised of Nobel Laureates, humanists and individuals who
have distinguished themselves by their commitment and work for the
betterment of humankind. Professor R. Sampatkumar was nominated to
the post of Secretary General.
|
| Through the efforts of Professor Kwame Gyekye, Ph.D. (Harvard),
FGA, Professor of Philosophy, University of Ghana, Legon, the
African Chapter of International Society for Human Values was formed
and registered under the Company Code, 1963 (Act 179) of Ghana.
The Executive Council is composed of
| - |
Professor Kwame Gyekye - President and Chairman |
| - |
Dr. Kwasi Agyman (Lecturer in Philosophy) - Member |
| - |
Mr. Kwasi D. Quarm (Priest) - Secretary &
Treasurer |
| - |
Ms. Remel Moore (Educationist) - Member |
| - |
Ms. Marian Thompson (Managing Director, SYTO) -
Member |
Auditors:
Asare Ayisi & Co.
Chartered
Accountants
P.O. Box AN1 1851
Accra North
Ghana
|
