Social Ethics Society
Polytechnic University of the Philippines
2nd SES-PUP International Ethics Conference at Waseda University
Venue: Center for International Education, Waseda University
September 9-11, 2026, Tokyo, Japan
Theme:“A New World Order: Peace, Democracy, Global Security, and a Sustainable Future”
RATIONALE
The 2nd SES-PUP International Ethics Conference at Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan is a joint undertaking between the Social Ethics Society (SES) and the Center for Philosophy and the Humanities of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, in cooperation with the Center for International Education at Waseda University. The event will be held on September 9-11, 2026 at Waseda University in Tokyo, Japan. The theme for this year’s conference is “A New World Order: Peace, Democracy, Global Security, and a Sustainable Future.” This gathering expects to bring together scholars and researchers from the Philippines and Japan to discuss and engage on ethical questions and socio-political issues of global relevance,
After the success of the pioneering event that was held last year, the organizers deemed it important that a follow-up should be held to continue the important dialogue between researchers and scholars on the critical issues and philosophical trends that both contribute to a holistic and human-centered understanding of the world. The conference is a unique opportunity for Filipino and Japanese academics to interact and learn from each other and help bring promote global peace, dialogue, and understanding across cultures.
Recent events pertaining to global security highlight the emergence of a new world order in post-liberal societies. Conflicts in the Middle East, Ukraine, and in other parts of the world are a challenge to ethicists and philosophers to rethink their political views, and to embrace an inclusive approach in their analyzing of global conflicts. Peace is a dynamic state of being that can only be achieved through diversity and openness. Juichiro Tanabe’s work on post-liberal peace building is instructive. The challenge at hand is building just and strong institutions.
Globalization has changed the global order. It also revealed the imbalance of power and the uneven rules in the global economy. While it has created vast wealth in favor of powerful nations, the imbalance in global competitiveness also resulted to the ever-expanding income gap between rich and developing countries. Poverty, wars, and disease have undermined the lives of millions and the pursuit of human well-being. The concept of the good life entails a better understanding of resource redistribution to make education accessible and making health care universal.
At present, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become one of the most controversial issues faced by humankind. Its promise is enormous in terms of building innovative and technologically advanced societies and in helping understanding diseases. However, AI also poses a gargantuan challenge to governments and institutions alike in terms of responding to the digital divide and the real threats associated with AI. According to studies, AI threatens 30% of all entry level jobs across the world while also promising to help develop resilient agriculture and communities in the face of the threat of climate change.
Sustainability remains important in achieving a just, democratic, and humane socio-political order that is based on the rule of law and respect for life. Environmental holism is something that the West can learn from Eastern societies. The concept of a biocentric equality can redirect Western egocentric views that have been destructive to the environment. This conference seeks to learn from novel researches and innovative ideas from students, educators, and philosophers across the Asian region. Each participant will have the chance to present his or her research in a conducive atmosphere that is governed by the critical and integrative facets of education.
Overall, a society that is balanced in terms of progress and preserving the environment is possible within our lifetime. This pertains to a pluralist global society that is rooted in inclusive institutions and characterized by an openness to difference. Peace and development are two ideals that we philosophers must strive to achieve in our pursuit of knowledge and cutting-edge research. With the help of moral theory and critical philosophical perspectives, this event hopes to advance moral and philosophical reflection as we traverse the difficult world in which we live in towards a sustainable future.
KEYNOTE AND PLENARY SPEAKERS
The keynote speakers are Prof. Ayman Yousef (Arab American University, West Bank), Prof. Yuji Uesugi (Waseda University), Dr. Emanuel de Guzman (PUP), and Prof. Maji Rhee (Waseda University). The confirmed plenary speakers are Dr. Juichiro Tanabe (Waseda University), Dr. Bernardo Caslib, Jr. (UP Manila), Dr. Godiva Eviota-Rivera (MSU-Marawi), Dr. Christopher Ryan Maboloc (Ateneo de Davao University), Dr. LJ Zaphan Lamboloto (Silliman University), Dr. Ian Clark Parcon (Ateneo de Davao University), Prof. Agnes Sunga (PUP), Dr. Rogelio Bayod (North Valley College), Fr. Dexter Veloso (Holy Cross of Davao College), Fr. Urbano Pardillo Jr. (Saint Francis Xavier College Seminary), Dr. Randy Tudy (University of Southeastern Philippines), and Prof. Menelito Mansueto (MSU-IIT).
TOPICS, VISA REQUIREMENT, & REGISTRATION FEE
The conference organizers would like to invite academics, ethics teachers, researchers, and students, ASEAN and Japanese scholars, to join the event. All those who wish to present papers can send their abstracts. Abstracts should not be more 300 words and must be based on topics such as Social Justice, Global Security, Peace and Conflict Studies, Education, Global Democracy, World Poverty, Artificial Intelligence, and Sustainable Development. The event will be held fully in-person. All foreigners who are interested to join the conference must secure their visa. The conference chair, Dr. Juichiro Tanabe of Waseda University, will send an Invitation Letter as an Attachment for your Japanese Visa Application purposes. The participants are expected to book their hotel rooms in Tokyo at their own expense. All participants who are not affiliated with Waseda University, the SES and PUP are required to pay a $100-dollar registration fee onsite.
HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR ABSTRACTS
Send your abstract to Prof. Migs Mansueto at migs_mansueto@yahoo.com, the Secretariat, Organizing Committee, of the SES-PUP International Ethics Conference at Waseda University on or before June 15, 2026. The attached file must include your complete name (First Name, Middle Name, and Last Name), Position and Affiliation, Institution and Address, Local Telephone and/or Mobile Numbers, and your Email Address. All information sent to the organizers will be treated with strict confidentiality and will be used only for Visa Application purposes when your abstract is accepted. Selected papers presented during the conference will also have the opportunity to be published in an indexed journal, subject to a regular peer review process. For more information regarding the event, please write directly to the Secretariat at migs_mansueto@yahoo.com.
📅 IMPORTANT DATES:
Deadline for the submission of Abstracts: June 15, 2026.
In-person Conference: September 9-11, 2026.
📨 Email your abstract [300 words + info) to migs_mansueto@yahoo.com
🏛️ VENUE: Center for International Education, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan