Irina Bokova, former Secretary-General, UNESCO, said that philosophy confers humility and is a means to take a step back and engage in reasoned dialogue to build solutions to challenges beyond our control. Audrey Azoulay, current Director General, UNESCO, said philosophy is a bastion against the narrowing of opinion and of minds. Malaysia subscribes to such statements.

Activities between Asia (Kuala Lumpur) and Europe (Athens and Belgrade) are through facilitating a new global dialogue between Christianity and Islam with a guiding principle of equity and compassion found in the Holy Bible and the Quran. Malaysia is pioneering philosophical studies, which is beautifully expressed as turning institutions of higher learning into pleasant gardens that revive the spirit of humanity through showers of philosophical study.

The Inaugural Ceremony of Eurasian Bridges for Peace took place in Kuala Lumpur on World Philosophy Day, 2022, and constituted a unique moment when Europe and Asia came together after a long journey 2020-22 through an intense didactic program. These innovative activities, we believe, should be celebrated globally as Europe and a Christian country recognize the achievements of postgraduate students in an Asian and an Islamic country. Surely, this is a model worthy of much greater application. Its spirit is surely reflected in Goethe’s Al Quranic expression: To God belongs the Orient, to God belongs the Occident. Northern and southern lands rest in the peace of His hands.

In 2018, I brought about an interaction between the Gual Periok Foundation (GPF), Malaysia, and the ECPD in Belgrade, Serbia, to undertake a project entitled Eurasian Bridges for Peace, whose first educational outcome was the receipt of an Advanced Diploma in Philosophy and the Al Quran by 14 individuals. The course is conceptualized as the basis for a new global dialogue between Christianity and Islam, a most meaningful aid to bridge divides among religious, geopolitical, and cultural entities, and as an essential ingredient for a well-balanced order and world peace. Its guiding principle is equity and compassion.

In Malaysia, activities with the socially responsive Gual Periok Foundation brought added recognition of the inherent dignity and the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family and reasonable support for freedom, justice, and peace in the world. Within a framework of the wisdom inherent in philosophy, one gateway to world peace can be routed through the concepts of global citizenship and the golden mean.

The World Philosophical Forum Athens (WPF), an international, independent non-governmental, nonprofit organization (NGO) registered in Athens, Greece, in 2009, has branches in many countries, one of which is Malaysia. Mohammad Nizar Mat Nor is the Head of the Malaysian National Branch. He is one of the 14 above-noted graduates and my student who has forwarded his and the following message under the banner of philosophy: the key to wisdom for the 21st century.

Dear Earth-XXI Citizen,

In celebration of World Philosophy Day 2024, I offer you the following: Philosophy is the gateway to wisdom, born from experience, reflection, and deep contemplation. As Aristotle once said, "Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom." Philosophy opens the path to self-awareness, understanding life, and shaping a broader perspective on the world.

What Aristotle expressed aligns with the philosophy of the Quran, which emphasizes this importance: "We will show them our signs on the horizons and within themselves, until it becomes clear to them that it is the truth." (Chapter: 41; Fussilat: 53). The Quran invites humanity to reflect on the essence of life and uncover the meaning behind every creation. Philosophy encourages us to question and examine life boldly. Socrates famously stated, "An unexamined life is not worth living," while Immanuel Kant urged, "Dare to know!" Through philosophy, we are inspired to seize every opportunity to uncover the wisdom hidden within challenges and experiences.

Philosophy also helps us look to the future with courage, as the Quran advises: "Do not lose heart and do not grieve, and you will be superior if you are [true] believers." (Chapter 3: Ali 'Imran: 139). This encouragement fosters confidence to see opportunities within challenges, transform difficulties into strengths, and bring greater meaning to life. The fear of uncertainty often shackles the human mind and soul. However, philosophy teaches us to face fear with wisdom, viewing every obstacle as an opportunity to learn and grow.

The Quranic philosophy, as articulated in Chapter 24: An-Nur: 37, guides humanity to face future uncertainties with knowledge, experience, and vigilance—like a wise merchant navigating market instability and economic uncertainty. This embodies the spirit of living courageously, recognizing that to embrace life is far wiser than fearing death. A balanced understanding ensures we avoid actions that lead to unnecessary losses. Life’s challenges are part of the laws of nature. In philosophical inquiry, every hardship carries an opportunity, and every destruction paves the way for new growth. Philosophy, therefore, guides humanity in transforming adversities into a foundation for universal wisdom. Thus, as the Earth-XXI Citizen, we bear the responsibility to apply philosophy in our daily lives. Practical steps include:

Practice daily reflection

Dedicate time each day to reflect on life experiences and seek the wisdom they offer. This deepens self-understanding and enriches our view of the world. (Quranic Philosophy Concept—Chapter 3: Ali 'Imran: 191)

Learn from diverse philosophical traditions

Study philosophical works from various civilizations, including those of the Quran, the West, and the East. Understanding different perspectives enhances our worldview. (Quranic Philosophy Concept—Chapter 49: Al-Hujurat: 13)

Share wisdom with others

Be courageous in sharing wisdom through discussions, writing, or mentorship. The world needs individuals who can enlighten others. (Quranic Philosophy Concept, Chapter 38: Sad: 20)

View challenges as opportunities

Shift your perspective on difficulties by asking, "What hidden opportunity lies within this challenge?" (Quranic Philosophy Concept—Chapter 2: Al Baqarah: 216)

Philosophy is not merely an intellectual discipline but a tool for creating a better life. It connects humanity with its innate essence, as taught in the Quran: "The Most Merciful, who taught the Quran, created man, and taught him Al-Bayan (philosophy)." (Chapter 55: Ar-Rahman: 1-4)

On this World Philosophy Day 2024, let us embrace philosophy as a guide to personal growth and global contribution. Philosophy is the light that illuminates life’s path, empowering us to seek wisdom and apply its meaning for the greater good. Life is a search for meaning, and philosophy is the instrument to advance it.

From Malaysia, Happy World Philosophy Day, 2024.

This article was authored by Mohammad Nizar Mat Nor, a graduate student under the mentorship of Jeffrey Levett.