The Centre of Buddhist Studies of The University of Hong Kong and the European SPES organized an international conference entitled “Buddhist Values and Economics: Investing in a Sustainable Future” in April 13–14, 2019 in Hong Kong.
The concept of wealth, its proper generation and application in the context of Buddhist values have been taught by the Buddha 2500 years ago. Yet the research on Buddhist values and economics has been an evolving interdisciplinary subject and gained significance over the last few decades. In view of the challenges and opportunities of market economy in the 21st century, this international conference invited leading scholars in Buddhist studies and economics as well as professionals from various fields including policy makers, corporates, social enterprises, and the non-profit sector to share their experience and expertise on this timely subject.
The keynote presentations in the conference included the following:
Clair Brown (University of California, Berkeley): Buddhist Economics: Individual and Government Actions to Create an Equitable, Sustainable Future
Peter D. Hershock (East-West Center, Honolulu): Valuing Intelligence: Buddhist Reflection on the Attention Economy and Artificial Intelligence
Laszlo Zsolnai and Gabor Kovacs (Corvinus University of Budapest): Buddhist Economic Thought and Action
John Paraskevopoulos (Buddhist Mission of Australia, Canberra): The Dharma of Economics: Challenges and Limitations
Richard Payne (Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley): Capitalism and Exchange: Economic Contexts of Buddhism
Dasho Karma Ura (Centre for Bhutan Studies & GNH Research, Thimphu): Buddhism and Economics—Pursuing Twin Goals of Prosperity and Happiness