Decision makers from around the world met in Athens for the Second International Conference of the Biopolitics International Organisation (B.I.O.). These distinguished leaders explored new dimensions of technology. They exchanged views on the future of bios (life) as related to ethical values, theology, philosophy, health, the bio-environment, bio-arts, bio-literature, bio-architecture, bio-communication, bio-linguistics, bio-agriculture, bio-athletics, bio-economics, bio-legislation and bio-diplomacy. Special emphasis was placed on the participation of youth.
The survival of man will depend on an increased respect for life. In order to promote the correct perspectives and constructive future trends, more information about bios will be required. The appreciation of life through global education can induce nations into dialogue and cooperation. Bios provides a field of credibility for international cooperation and allows for the penetration of technological progress into all aspects of future society. New values may flourish and lead to perspectives of progress in every human endeavour. The greater appreciation of bios may enhance the restoration of past erosions by establishing a link between technology and ethical values.
BIOS Rights provide the opportunity to face the future with a new vision, allowing for technology to be seen as the revelation of the truth. Present society resembles an inverted pyramid, with human rights representing the tip and technology expanding the unstable base which stands in the air. This imbalance may be changed, if we invert the pyramid and place bios rights as the wide base of our society. Human rights will then occupy the stable tip of the pyramid.
Bios has evolved in hundreds of millions of years. If we consider the evolution of bios as a twenty-four hour day, the appearance of human beings is realised only during the last few minutes. A new vision is required for the next millennium, which represents only a few seconds in terms of bios evolution. We possess the knowledge to provide abundant nourishment to all the children of the world and heal our planet from the wounds to the bio-environment. Satellites may be used for immediate information and education of the public on problems concerning bios. Let us hope that the next millennium will not lead us to midnight, but to the light of dawn, since technology offers the expansion of human potential and the option for alternative futures. The rapid rate of technological advancement provides the ascending ladder of knowledge and the linking bridge between the present and the future. Biopolitics may serve as an ideal pathway leading to the fulfillment of peace and the revelation of harmony.
Technology expands the horizons of understanding and widens the spectrum of thought not only to include the cosmos but also to reveal the infinite beauty of the microcosmos and the macrocosmos. However, rapid technological advances have created a decline in values and a feeling of uncertainty. This anxiety is justified, since technology has progressed at a geometric rate, whereas social structure and legislation have been unable to evolve at the same pace. Technology offers the innumerable goods of modern society and ameliorates the conditions of life. However, most people foresee dim prospects for the future. This wave of pessimism and fearful approach to life needs to be reversed. The respect for bios may serve as a catalyst and allow the incorporation of new values, so that man feels that technology is being harnessed for his well-being.
Spiraling progress of technology may be channelled to provide new orientation and a vivid dream for the future. The positive aspects of technological contributions could shift the centre of gravity from fear to hope. Theologians, scientists, politicians, artists and authors, may channel their creativity and promote international cooperation on bios, this ongoing miracle.
In the efforts to bridge the gap between technological progress and societal values, Biopolitics International Organisation proposes the “Bios Theory” by promoting the implementation of the following:
- international cooperation for better understanding of bios. Advanced nations could undertake a world educational campaign through communication satellites to increase public awareness.
- promote the development of international legislation on “Bios Rights”.
- the bio assessment of technology, a dialectic approach in examining potential perspectives in all fields of human endeavour in an effort to improve the quality of life.
- the sensitization of public opinion towards the ramifications of the biological sciences.
- development of curriculum materials for elementary, middle and higher levels of education.
On behalf of the trustees of B.I.O. and all the participants, I wish to thank the sponsors. This Second B.I.O. International Conference was realised thanks to the support of: the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in the framework of the Council of Europe, European Public Campaign on North-South interdependence and Solidarity; E. Ganges, Rank Xerox; A. G. Leventis Foundation; the National Bank of Greece; the Ministry of Culture; Olympic Airways; National Tourism Organisation; D. Contominas, Interamerican; P. Zeritis, Thrace Papermills (DIANA); Captain G. Petsalis; Professor R. Eells; Captain N. Frangos; M. Hadji-Dai; the Agricultural Bank of Greece; the Hellenic Industrial Development Bank; M. Martinou; N. Kouvaras; EKO; the General Bank of Greece; A. B. Vassilopoulos; M. Vardinoyiannis; and American Express.
For the publication of this second volume of proceedings of the Biopolitics International Organisation, we are especially grateful to the following sponsors: the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Culture, Kitty P. Kyriacopoulos, A.G. Leventis Foundation and Rank Xerox.
In addition, I wish to express my appreciation and acknowledge the valuable assistance of Sarah Bertolla and C. Efthymiopoulos, P. Zorbalas, I. Khodaei and L. McCormick for the preparation of this volume.
It is hoped that this second volume on Biopolitics will reinforce the expansion of the Biopolitics International Organisation ideals, as expressed in the first volume, and contribute to the belief that bios may serve as the lever to lift the spirit of people throughout the world.
Dr. Agni Vlavianos-Arvanitis
Founding President of B.I.O.
