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Only if China and India (as well as America) soon start to make the postmodern turn does our planet have hope.

—David Ray Griffin

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The 20th century is often called the American century. And the 20th century is now giving way to the 21st century, which is recognized to be the century in which, if there is a world leader at all, it must be China.

—John B. Cobb, Jr.

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The philosophy of organism seems to approximate more to some strains of Indian or Chinese thought than to Western Asiatic or European thought.

—Alfred North Whitehead

Who We Are

We are a nonprofit organization rooted in Whitehead’s process philosophy and constructive postmodernism. Our mission is to build bridges between China and the West and advance ecological civilization.

What We Do

We produce high-impact conferences and forums, projects and programs, and publications and resources. Through these efforts, we connect individuals and communities committed to ecological civilization

Why It Matters

The world faces urgent challenges, such as social fragmentation, ecological degradation, and spiritual disconnection. Addressing these issues requires a new worldview and a profound paradigm shift.

Work With Us

We welcome individuals, organizations, and institutions who share our vision of an ecological civilization. Whether you are a scholar, educator, activist, student, or community leader, there are many ways to get involved

Latest News & Updates

14th International Whitehead Conference

This global gathering of scholars, educators, and practitioners marks a pivotal moment to engage Alfred North Whitehead’s philosophy in dialogue with the pressing challenges and transformative opportunities of the 21st century. The theme of the 2026 International Whitehead Conference is: “Process Philosophy in a Time of Polycrisis: Science, Meaning, and Civilization.” The conference will explore how process thought can illuminate the great transitions of our time—toward a more sustainable, creative, and compassionate world.

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March 20, 2026
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Creating a Sustainable Future: The Core Mission of Contemporary Leaders: From Volvo and Ikea to Ecological Civilization

The Cobb Eco-Academy Lecture #55 features Dr. Göran Carstedt, former President of IKEA North America & Volvo Sweden and Chairman of The Natural Step International, and Dr. Meijun Fan, Board Member of the Cobb Eco-Academy & Institute for Postmodern Development of China

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March 10, 2026
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Ecological Civilization: Thirty Years of Work in China: A Webinar Series on Ecological Civilization

Over the past three decades, the idea of Ecological Civilization has moved from philosophical and cultural discourse into public policy, education, and civic imagination across China. Featuring Zhihe Wang and Meijun Fan, this forum traces that longer arc—how a “civilizational” framing of ecology took root, what currents of thought and practice helped it spread, and what we can learn from its evolution in a rapidly modernizing society.

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February 5, 2026
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John B. Cobb Jr.: An Eco-Sage of Our Time | Online Memorial Gathering

The Center for Process Studies and Institute for Postmodern Development of China will host an online memorial gathering on February 7th to mark the first anniversary of the passing of John B. Cobb, Jr.

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January 23, 2026

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