Towards peaceful ecological civilisations through plural pathways

From 5 to 7 November 2025, the Club of Rome convened the Earth–Humanity Reconciliation International Conference in Suzhou, China and online — the first event the Club of Rome has ever organised in China. Hosted by the Shanghai University of Engineering Science (SUES), it brought together leading thinkers, scientists, policymakers and practitioners to explore how humanity can live and prosper within the ecological limits of our planet.

The conference is part of the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (2024–2033) — a global initiative promoting science as a force for sustainability, transformation and peace. Within this framework, the conference sought to connect scientific knowledge with culture, ethics and practice, asking how human progress and wellbeing can be realigned with the health of Earth’s life systems.

Over three days, discussions explored what an ecological civilisation might look like in practice, particularly from Chinese perspectives. Participants considered how cultural values and worldviews can nurture regenerative ways of living; how science and innovation can serve ecological wellbeing; and how governance and finance can drive systemic transformation.

Speakers emphasised that reconciling humanity and the Earth requires more than technical solutions — it demands a deep ethical and cultural renewal, recognising that humans are part of, not separate from, the living planet. This shift must draw on plural pathways that integrate scientific, traditional and local knowledge to reflect diverse ecological and cultural realities.

The Suzhou conference marked an important milestone for the Club of Rome, deepening collaboration with Chinese and international partners. It reflected a shared commitment to build bridges across disciplines and regions in pursuit of a sustainable future for all. The conference was also the occasion for the Club of Rome to strengthen relations with the Club of Rome China Association, and to give a well-deserved tribute to Professor Jorgen Randers, distinguished member of the Club of Rome and co-author of The Limits to Growth and Earth for All: A Survival Guide for Humanity.

Event agenda

Watch the recordings of the Earth-Humanity Reconciliation conference

View the photo album of the conference

Symposium on Ecological Civilisation: From the Two Mountains concept to global action strategies

Prior to the conference, on 3 November, a special symposium was held covering the topics of sustainable education, responsible management, green finance, and urban development and mobility. Organised by the Shanghai University of Engineering Science, the symposium demonstrated the practice and development of the “Two Mountains” concept – with the aspiration to combine “lucid waters and lush mountains” with “golden mountains and silver hills”.

View the photo album of the symposium

Read more about the “Two Mountains” concept in a two part series written by David Korten, exploring the dilemma and the fate of the world’s poor majority.