Presentation

Abstract

In the opening presentation, Professor Abdel-Malek restated the main objective of the UNU-SCA project: “to evolve an international cultural and theoretical workshop for the formulation of new, creative positions on the problem of human and social development in the transformation of the world”. What is new and creative about the project is its aim of establishing joint action with key centres of scientific, cultural and intellectual activity to develop alternative perspectives. This has “first, deep roots in and genuine representation of existing prospective alternative potentials at work in different civilisations, cultures and national specificities in our world” as expressed in every arena of scientific and intellectual enquiry. “Secondly, the structural, continuous, dialectical links between concrete reality, ongoing and conflicting practices and the elaboration of concepts, theories and systems.”