VI International Conference for World Balance
The VI International Conference for World Balance stands as an esteemed platform devoted to
fostering meaningful discussions, cultivating partnerships, and formulating actionable strategies
to propel us towards a more equitable and just global community. Organised by the Office of the
Martí Program and co-sponsored by UNESCO and Soka Gakkai International, this conference
serves as a wellspring of inspiration and a catalyst for transformative initiatives, drawing
together an assembly of international leaders, advocates, scholars, and trailblazers united in the
shared pursuit of human advancement.
International Coalition of Humanity (ICoH)
The Commission of International Coalition of Humanity (ICoH) programme is a space within the
VI Conference that aspires to bring together a wide spectrum of international advocates,
organisations, and communities to deliberate on and enhance humanitarian initiatives. Founded
on principles like equality, solidarity, and joy, ICoH champions a diverse community dedicated to
comprehensive societal change. In line with the ethos of the VI Conference, ICoH’s mission
transcends geographic boundaries, uniting people in efforts to uplift communities, protect the
environment, and foster sustainable growth. As an agent of positive change, ICoH embodies
responsibility and stewardship, working towards a balanced world where every life is valued.
Violeta Bulc, Ecocivilisation
“The ICoH programme at the VI International Conference for
World Balance is a unique opportunity to co-create
collaborations and solutions that honour our planet and its inhabitants, foster collective responses to the pressing global and local challenges, ensuring a legacy of balance and harmony for generations to come.”
Ramit Singh Chimni, Eight Goals One Foundation
“The VI International Conference for World Balance is a testament to our collective resolve to forge a sustainable future. Together, we can build a world where balance and sustainability are not just ideals, but realities.”
International Coalition of Humanity
The International Coalition of Humanity (ICoH) is a program within the VI International
Conference for World Balance. It creates a space for participants to experience Cuba’s culture
and engage in meaningful conversations about global issues while being part of a learning
community. ICoH events are included in both the Scientific and General Program of the
conference, with details provided below.
Pre-conference Events
Day 01: Art and Culture Day & Plantation Drive
Before the official beginning of the conference, a day will be dedicated to the exchange of art and culture. This day will be devoted to meeting fellow Cuban and non-Cuban participants in a relaxed
and friendly atmosphere.
10:00 AM till 05:00 PM
- Art exhibition by local and international artists.
- Art and craft workshop around the theme of sustainability and environment.
- Exchanging knowledge about various edible plant varieties, and their relationship with nutrition and food security.
- Planting of edible plants and trees as a step towards achieving food security.
Day 02: Grow Zone Tour
It is organised in partnership with Sociedad Cultural José Martí, on the eve of the conference. The
whole day will be dedicated to exploring Havana’s neighborhoods, where individual and
community-driven food security efforts flourish. This also includes meeting the key individuals
and institutions behind Cuba’s efforts to address societal challenges.
10:00 AM till 05:00 PM
- Showcase of various local initiatives for community development.
- Interactions with the locals to understand the individual and collective efforts towards tackling challenges faced by society.
- Visits to Cuban universities, state institutions, collectives, and/or organizations.
- Visits to local neighborhoods and existing and potential cultivation zones to understand the efforts and possibilities of cultivation.
- Reflection session at the end of the day over dinner.
Conference Events
Day 01: Opening Ceremony of the Conference
The opening ceremony marks the official commencement of the VI International Conference for World Balance.
09:00 AM till 05:00 PM
- The VI International Conference for World Balance will commence with a formal opening ceremony, marking the start of the day's activities.
- A series of seminars, working groups, round tables, and commissions will take place throughout the day, covering a wide range of subjects.
- The day will conclude with the annual Torch March in the evening, and all participants are encouraged to take part.
Day 02: Movie Screenings and Group Discussions
On the first day of the conference, a movie screening will be organised around the themes of
Cuba, social and community development. The screenings will be followed by group discussions.
Post 06:00 PM
- Movie Screenings
- The movies will focus on social development in Cuba and around the world.
- The screening will be followed by discussions on the films and the relevance of films and film making in international collaboration and social development.
Day 03: Commission: International Coalition of Humanity
Morning Sessions (Spotlight)
The morning sessions of the ICoH program are structured to spark meaningful engagement and
innovation in societal and environmental sustainability. Through panel discussions, showcases
and public consultations, they provide insights and practical tools for initiating change, laying the
groundwork for the day’s further explorations and collaborations.
09:00 AM till 09:50 AM
Welcoming Ceremony and Opening Remarks
- Brief address by the special guests.
- Ecocivilisation and Eight Goals One Foundation, as facilitators, make introductions about the programme, International Coalition of Humanity, and how the upcoming sessions of ICoH align with the (eco)civilisational paradigm.
- Ecocivilisation Movement introduces the focus teams for the year 2025
10:00 AM till 10:50 AM
Panel Discussion: Exploring an Ecocivilisation
- A panel with Valerie Cathrin Voggernreiter (Germany), Arti Ahluwalia (India), Thomas Bruhn (Germany), Indra Adnan (India). Moderated by Violeta Bulc (Slovenia).
- During these conversations, themes, challenges, and opportunities for circular economies and permaculture may be introduced along with the area of focus of each panellist.
11:00 PM till 11:50 PM
Public Consultation: Building an Ecocivilisation Together
- Carrying forward the discussions from the previous session, the floor will be opened to the audience to engage in discussions, deliberations, and debates on the ideas shared across all sessions.
- The audience will also be invited to share their insights and experiences.
12:00 PM till 12:50 PM
Round Table Discussion: Overcoming Barriers to Humanitarian Collaboration
- Roundtable with Andrea Duffour (Switzerland), Natalie Cvikl Postruznik (Slovenia), Nataša Heror (Serbia), Jeff Camkin (Australia), Ramesh Moochikal (Rwanda), Edgar Villanueva (United States) and Marina Demchenko (United Kingdom)
- Emphasis on collaborative models, building connections, and overcoming barriers to humanitarian collaboration.
Lunch Break From 12:50 PM Till 2:00 PM
Afternoon Sessions (Collaboration and Action)
The afternoon sessions of the ICoH programme delve deeper into practical applications and
collaborative efforts. These segments are designed to transition from morning insights to
concrete actions and partnerships. They feature round table discussions, public consultations
and group activities aimed at fostering sustainable solutions and actionable commitments
among participants. This part of the day emphasises real-world impact, encouraging attendees to
apply learned concepts to initiate positive change.
Part I: Strategic Collaboration
2:00 PM till 2:50 PM
Public Consultation Session: Overcoming Barriers to Humanitarian Collaboration
- A collaborative session where attendees contribute to identifying challenges and crafting joint solutions.
- This session will create a space for all stakeholders to get together, stay together, and take action together to affect change in real time.
- Delegates and participants will be propelled into discussions leading to action oriented decisions, allowing for a breadth of ideas, and collective strategy formulation.
3:00 PM till 4:50 PM
Showcasing from around the World: Exploring Soil, Water and Air
- Showcases from around the world actively explore the themes: of soil, water and air as the nurturing forces for life on our planet and permaculture in practice, through short presentations of success stories. The session will be facilitated by Pina Maja (Slovenia).
- List of presenters: Ximena Zeballos (Bolivia), Michelle Nel (South Africa), Mansee Bal Bhargava (India), Khin-Ni-Ni Thien (Myanmar), Viviana Pinto and Gonzalo Escalona (Chile) Marina Demchenko (United Kingdom), Natalie Cvikl Postruznik (Slovenia), Catalina Droguett and Paola Quiroga (Chile), Manica Chelofiga (Slovenia).
Group-work: Fostering Collaborations
- In continuation of the previous session, the participants will engage and discuss the various success stories.
- The participants will engage amongst themselves to find various ways we can collaborate and undertake actionable steps towards tackling global challenges.
Part II: Commitment to Action
5:00 PM till 5:50 PM
Closing Remarks: Lessons from the Present and Plan for the Future
- This session will include each group from the previous activity summarising their discussions.
- 8one and Ecocivilisation will summarise the day’s events as learnings from the present and from within the discussions share a vision for ICoH’s future. This could also include a plan of action until the next Conference for World Balance.
Day 04: Closing Ceremony of the Conference
The closing ceremony marks the official conclusion of the VI International Conference for World Balance.
09:00 AM till 05:00 PM
- The VI International Conference for World Balance will conclude with a formal closing ceremony.
- A variety of seminars, working groups, round tables, and commissions will be held throughout the day, covering diverse topics.
- The day's program will include the presentation of concluding remarks summarizing the discussions and presentations from the conference.
Special Features
1. Idea Boards
Boards will be placed, inviting participants to write about topics, issues, and solutions they would like to engage with during the course of the conference.
2. Artistic Impressions: Capturing the Essence of Discussions Through Art
During each session, artists from Cuba will be invited to capture the events,
discussions, and deliberations on canvas in the form of paintings. These paintings
will not just serve as visual aids for members attending the sessions but will also be
presented to the people of Cuba as a token of ICoH’s appreciation to their society.
3. Public Consultations
Each session would have one public consultation enabling free flowing
conversations and exchange of ideas between participants.
4. Interest-Based Meetups
Over the course of the conference, participants will have the opportunity to learn
about various individuals, institutions, and initiatives both within and outside of
Cuba. Participants can arrange personal meetups with those they wish to know
more about, engage with, or collaborate with.
These meetups can be arranged during and/or after the conference.
These meetups can be arranged during and/or after the conference.
General Information and Logistics
Express Your Interest
If the vision and initiatives of the International Coalition of Humanity (ICoH) within the VI
International Conference for World Balance resonate with you or spark your interest, we warmly
invite you to express your enthusiasm and inquiries. Reach out to us at info@ecocivilisation.eu,
outreach@8one.org, or karthika@8one.org to explore how you can contribute to this meaningful
journey towards sustainable development and global harmony. Your insights, participation, and
support are invaluable as we work together to create a balanced and sustainable future for all.
Venue and Participation
- Venue: Havana International Conference Center (Palacio de Convenciones).
- Languages: Spanish, English, Portuguese, with interpreting in French and Russian during plenary sessions.
- Submission of Papers: Deadline November 30, 2024; requirements include title, author details, abstract of upto 100 words (in Arial 12), and audiovisual needs.
- Publication of Papers: Post-event digital publication for wider distribution.
- Credits: Certification of academic credits in accordance with international standards.
Registration Fees*
- Delegates: US $150.00
- Undergraduate Students: US $80.00 (proof required)
- Companions: US $60.00
*Includes lunch, access to cultural events, and final cocktail party.
Contact Details of the Organising Committee
- Email: hpardo@cubarte.cult.cu / rogialmeida65@gmail.com / hpardo2006@yahoo.es
- Phone: (+53) 7833 9818, 7836 4756, 7838 2233, 7838 2297
- Address: Oficina del Programa Martiano, Calle Calzada No. 803, e/ 2 y 4, Vedado, Havana, Cuba. Postcode 10400
Payment and Registration
- Online payment can be made via www.porelequilibriodelmundocuba.com . You will receive the confirmation document immediately after payment is made and will also be registered as a delegate.
- In case of any questions or difficulties, please contact Ms Yanet Bellón at +53 55159873 and yanet.bellon@solways.com
- On-site registration will be available on January 27, 2025, at the International Conference Center.
Accommodation Bookings
For reservations of special tourism packages, highly varied, including accommodation, transfers
in/out (airport attendance on arrival and departure) and other options before during and after the
event, contact:
Juan Carlos Govea
Main Specialist
CUBATUR Travel Agency
Telephone: (+53) 78650221 – (+53) 54709342
Email:
ep.eventos@centra.cbt.tur.cu
Majeslis Gonzalez Guilot
Commercial Specialist
CUBATUR Event Market
Telephone: (+53) 55819156
Email:
eventos2@centra.cbt.tur.cu
Solidarity movement
Solidarity movements are recommended to contact Amistur agency for their stay:
Amistur Agency
Lic. Thailyn Ravelo Imbert
Commercial Specialist
Address: Calle 13 No. 504 / D and E, Vedado, Havana, Cuba
Telephone: (+53) 50939620
Email: eventos@amistur.cu
Telephone: (+53) 50939620
Email: eventos@amistur.cu
