His Holiness to take part in Conference on Educating World Citizens for the 21st Century

Tuesday, 25 August 2009 15:37 administrator

Dharamshala: His Holiness the Dalai Lama will participate in the 19th Mind and Life conference on the theme of 'Educating World Citizens in the 21st Century', in Washington, DC, from 8 to 9 October 2009, the organisers said.

The conference aims to explore the value of integrating emotional, intellectual and social learning into today's educational programs with the intention to promote education research into these areas.

Leading educators, scientists and policy makers will discuss the importance of researching what effects the inclusion of mindfulness-based curriculums and programs can have in educational environments, especially for students exposed to risk factors such as poverty, violence and divorce.

Research indicates that school-based programs may be the best way for children to develop the non-academic but equally important skills necessary to be successful in our society. Programs across the country that teach mindfulness of the self and others have significantly improved academic performance, work habits and self-esteem.

"We hope to draw more attention to expanding research into mindfulness-based educational approaches, such as social and emotional learning, and how such reforms can improve attention, self-motivation, self-esteem, and healthy decision-making skills among school-aged children and teenagers," said Adam Engle, Chairman of The Mind and Life Institute.

"Our goal is not to promote any particular educational approach, but to generate dialogue and new ideas from experts in this field," said Laura Baun, Operations Director of The Mind and Life Institute. "Ultimately, we want to know what the value of contemplative practice is to students, teachers and parents. Our dialogue with the Dalai Lama will look at what students need, and what we can learn by promoting research in these areas."

Participants in education, neuroscience, psychology, and philosophy will participate in four sessions during the conference. His Holiness the Dalai Lama will be active in each session, which include "Attention, Emotional Regulation and Learning," "Compassion and Empathy," and "Envisioning the World Citizen."

The 18th Mind and Life dialogue held in April this year in Dharamsala focussed on understanding the nature of reality and promoting human well-being.