As the ISUD Constitution states, ISUD is striving to help generate universal world consciousness towards the gradual emergence of a decent, peaceful, and just world order. It is aspiring “to actualize the highest and richest human values in art, science, politics, education, and social life.” The purpose of the Society is “to evoke and invigorate a global consciousness; that is, the existential awareness that all the peoples of the world belong to one species, the human species, and, accordingly, have the same fundamental stock of needs, aspirations, and capacities,” which can be adequately realized only under conditions of peace, cooperation, and freedom. (ISUD Constitution.)

BEGINNINGS
ISUD was founded in November of 1989 at Warsaw University in Poland on the same weekend that the Berlin Wall came down, signaling the end of the cold war confrontation and stalemate. The philosophers of the East and the West worked together in dismantling the “wall” of mistrust and confrontation from both ends, doing the same work of liberation. At that time the society was named The International Society for Universalism. Its founder and first president was Janusz Kuczynski, head of the Philosophy Department at t he University of Warsaw. In 1989 it was renamed the International Society for Universal Dialogue to emphasize the importance of international dialogue regarding fundamental questions of universal concern, which affect all humanity. In 2003 ISUD became a member of the International Federation of Philosophical Societies (FISP).

CONGRESSES
The ISUD has hosted seven world congresses since 1993. The first ISUD World Congress was held in Warsaw, Poland,1993, and the subsequent congresses have been held in Orlando, Florida, USA,1996; Babson College, Massachusetts, USA,1998; Krakow, Poland, 2001; Ancient Olympia, Greece, 2003; Helsinki, Finland, 2005; and Hiroshima, Japan, 2007.
The theme and location of each ISUD World Congress is chosen to promote international and intercultural dialogue among philosophers in search for solutions to the social and global problems facing the humanity. The theme of the ISUD Forth World Congress in Krakow was Mythos and Logos: How to Regain the ‘Love of Wisdom’. The theme of the Fifth World Congress in Ancient Olympia was Religion, Politics, and Suffering: Intercultural Dimensions and Challenges for Philosophy. The theme of the Sixth World Congress in Helsinki was Humanity at the Turning Point: Rethinking Nature, Culture, and Freedom. The Seventh World Congress in Hiroshima was devoted to the theme After Hiroshima – Collective Memory, Philosophical Reflection and World Peace.

MEMBERSHIP
The Society is mostly composed of professional philosophers but is open
to anyone with an interest in philosophical or academic approaches to
understanding the belief systems and values that separate or unite
humankind. Many members are trained in the social sciences, the
humanities, literature, and the arts.

DUES
Dues are $35 US for each two-year cycle. Checks or money orders are
payable to ISUD and may be sent to the ISUD Treasurer, Douglas Shrader
at Department of Philosophy, State University of NY, Oneonta, NY 13820, USA.

SUPPORTERS
ISUD receives substantial financial support from the Jacobsen Trust, and
is supported by the dues from its members.

HEADQUARTERS
ISUD is incorporated in the state of Maine, USA. All mail relating to
ISUD should be sent to the Secretary General, Leonidas Bargeliotis,
9, Aristotelous St., 151 24 Amaroussion, Greece;

E-mail: lbargel@cc.uoa.gr

Tel. and Fax in Athens: (30-210) 80.29.313

JACOBSEN RESEARCH AWARDS
ISUD presents up to ten awards ($1500 USD) for outstanding papers at each
congress.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Executive Committee:

Edward Demenchonok, Fort Valley State University USA, President

Charles Brown, Emporia State University USA, Vice President

Leonidas Bargeliotis, University of Athens Greece, Secretary General

Douglas Shrader, State University of NY at Oneonta USA, Treasurer

Topi Heikkerö,University of Helsinki Finland Review Panel Coordinator

Zhong-ze Li, Beijing International Studies University China, Site Coordinator

Keping Wang, Beijing International Studies University China, Site Coordinator

Mitsuo Okamoto, Hiroshima Shudo University Japan, Global Participation Committee

Ignatius Bambang Sugiharto, Parahyangan Catholic University Indonesia, Travel Stipend Committee

Boardmembers:

Ronni Alexander, Kobe University Japan

Alyssa Bernstein, Ohio University USA

 Kevin Brien, Washington College USA

 Catherine Firpo,The Art Institute of California at San Francisco USA

 Ellen Hansen, Emporia State University USA

 Edith Krause,Duquesne University USA

 Werner Krieglstein, College of DuPage USA info

 John Lizza, Kutztown University of Pennsylvania USA

 Marc Lucht, Alvernia College USA

 Elizabeth Okeke, University of Port Harcourt Nigeria

 Chioma Opara, Rivers State University Nigeria

 Jenny Tillmanns, University of Berne Switzerland