The 14th International Whitehead Conference will be held July 17–20, 2026, in Zhuhai, China, at Beijing Normal–Hong Kong Baptist University (BNBU). Zhuhai is a vibrant coastal city in southern China, located on the Pearl River Delta neighboring Macau and Hong Kong.
This global gathering of scholars, educators, and practitioners marks a pivotal moment to engage Alfred North Whitehead’s philosophy in dialogue with the pressing challenges and transformative opportunities of the 21st century. The theme of the 2026 International Whitehead Conference is: “Process Philosophy in a Time of Polycrisis: Science, Meaning, and Civilization.” The conference will explore how process thought can illuminate the great transitions of our time—toward a more sustainable, creative, and compassionate world.
Building on the legacy of previous IWCs, the Zhuhai conference will highlight Whitehead’s continuing relevance for science and modernization, the integration of cultural traditions with contemporary innovation, and the construction of an ecological civilization and a community of shared future for humankind. Supporting China’s vision of harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature, this conference aims to advance creative dialogue between Chinese and global perspectives on civilization, ecology, and modernization.
With participants expected from more than 15 countries, the 2026 IWC will combine scholarly rigor with innovative collaborative formats. In addition to academic paper presentations, participants will engage in interdisciplinary roundtables, collaborative project incubators, publication workshops, and youth/talent cultivation sessions.
We invite proposals for 20-minute presentations for concurrent breakout sessions organized around 12 thematic tracks. Please submit proposals (250–300 words) including copy of passport, professional bio, headshot, and CV for government vetting by January 15, 2026.
Dr. Wm. Andrew Schwartz is an American philosopher and activist. He currently serves as Executive Director of the Center for Process Studies (CPS), Co-Founder & Vice President of the Institute for Ecological Civilization (EcoCiv), and Associate Professor of Process Studies and Comparative Philosophy at Claremont School of Theology (CST). His research and teaching covers a wide range of topics, such as environmental philosophy, philosophy of religion, Asian and comparative philosophies, metaphysics, economic philosophy, philosophy of mind, philosophy of education, and more. However, his current work mainly focuses the application of process philosophy in understanding reality, understanding humanity, and understanding how best to organize systems of society for ecological civilization. He is author/editor of 7 books, including What is Ecological Civilization (2019) and The Metaphysics of Paradox (2018). As Executive Director, Andrew has overall strategic and operational responsibility for CPS, including development and implementation of the CPS mission, programs, and strategic vision.