We are pleased to announce that Giulia Bovassi, UNESCO Chair Associate Researcher, has been appointed as Profesor Titular by Dr. Jose Alberto Castilla, Dean of the School of Bioethics, Anahuac Mexico University. She will be teaching the Research Methodology in Bioethics course in the Master’s Program in Global Bioethics Online.
From 24th to 26th November 2025 the 17th World Conference In Bioethics, Medical Ethics and Health Law will be held in Ljubljana, Slovenia. The World Conference will provide its participants with an international hub for valuable scientific debate on more than 60 topics and subtopics in the fields of bioethics, medical ethics, health law, and related areas such as artificial intelligence, unique health, scientific integrity, or environmental protection.
Presenters will include Fr. Badr, PhD in Bioethics and UNESCO Chair Research Scholar, and Dr. Fabiano Nigris, PhD student of the Faculty of Bioethics, Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum, Rome.
Title: Advance care planning in severe prematurity. A personalist perspective
Abstract: Decisions which are particularly serious and fraught with ethical dilemmas are those involving severely pre-term infants (weeks of gestation < 27) where, concurrently, active survivorship therapies or palliative care may be offered according to parental opinion and the clinical context of advance care planning. The latter is based on two situations: the prediction that the infant has a high probability of dying even if treatment is continued, and the concern for the infant’s future quality of life in case of survival. In this decision-making relationship involving physicians, health care personnel, and parents, patients cannot participate, but Clinical Practice Ethics Committees can fit in as ethical support for decisions. The aim of this presentation is to analyze this dilemma from a personalist perspective in a multi-cultural context such as today’s society presents.
Further information: https://www.bioethicsljubljana2025.com/information
On December 6th, Serena Montefusco, Head of Project and Communication Management at the UNESCO Chair in Bioethics and Human Rights, participated as a keynote speaker during the inaugural session of the Platinum Jubilee International Conference on “Reimagining Human Rights: Changing Dimensions in a Digital World.” The international conference was organized by St. Thomas College Palai (Autonomous), Kerala, India.
Bridging the Digital Divide: Exploring the Intersection of Digital Literacy and Human Rights in the Age of Technological Advancement
Abstract
The rapid advancement of digital technologies has transformed societies globally, presenting both opportunities and challenges. Access to digital technologies and the ability to use them are now prerequisites for full participation in society. This paper explores the complex relationship between digital literacy and human rights, examining how these two concepts intersect and influence each other. One key challenge to be highlighted is the digital divide, which increases existing social inequalities and limits access to information and opportunities for vulnerable groups. This paper explores the specific cases of educational and digital poverty, underlining the unique challenges faced by disadvantaged populations in the digital era. It also examines the ethical implications of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence and the biases involved. To address these challenges and promote inclusive digital literacy, the paper proposes a series of recommendations, including policy interventions, educational initiatives, and civil society engagement. Enhancing digital literacy and tackling the digital divide could minimise disparities and discrimination, thereby empowering individuals and advancing human rights for all.
From 7-10 November the 18th Asia Federation of Catholic Medical Associations Congress took place in Seul, Korea, at the Catholic University of Korea.
Prof. Fr. Joseph Tham, LC, UNESCO Chair Research Scholar and Full professor of the Faculty of Bioethics (Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum), was one of the speakers during the Session “The threat of birth.”
Abstract
The Catholic Church’s teachings on the beginning of life and reproductive issues, as articulated in various pronouncements, encyclicals, and the Catechism, are grounded in natural law theories and a metaphysical worldview. These teachings emphasize the commencement of human personhood and the purposes of human sexuality and procreation. However, since the 1960s, the erosion of faith in the West has made these teachings increasingly challenging for Catholics to accept and practice, underscoring the urgency of addressing this issue.
While Catholicism shares traditional values on life and family, the reasoning in the East, where Christianity is a minority, often differs. Confucian, Buddhist, and Hindu values shape Asian conceptions of life and family, frequently contrasting with the natural law and metaphysical truths proposed by the Church, leading to tensions.
In recent years, secularism has gained ground globally, including in Asia. Modern and postmodern values present significant contrasts to the Catholic view of family and life. These challenges include the marginalization of religious voices, the exaltation of science and technology as the sole sources of human progress, a consumerist and utilitarian approach to health and medicine, and a hedonistic worldview fueled by the media since the sexual revolution. These ideas, originating with Darwinism, have evolved into contemporary expressions of transhumanism and pan-sexualism, posing grave challenges.
Natural law reasoning in the West has sometimes been translated into a more accessible language, emphasizing human dignity and human rights. However, the concept of a common human nature and objective truth is weakening. As philosopher Charles Taylor notes, the notion of the essential self is giving way to an existential self, which is unmoored and fluid.
While not rejecting the path of reason, it is arduous because the truths in Eastern traditions are incommensurable with those in the metaphysics-based West. Beyond the challenge of explaining the Church’s natural reasoning (already tricky in the West), inculturation is needed in Asia.
Other approaches to finding a convergence of family and life values are being explored. In Asia, the way of service shows promise, exemplified by Caritas serving the community and St. (Mother) Teresa of Calcutta’s work. Another untried method is via pulchritudinis, the Way of Beauty. Historically, the Church has been a patron of the arts, using sacred art, music, and architecture for evangelization. There is still significant potential in Asia for inculturating the religious message through art and beauty.
Applying the concept of Beauty to life issues would highlight the Asian appreciation that Life is phenomenal, Family is beautiful, and Love is all-embracing. A real-life example of this application is the “Art for God” project by the present author, which combines Oriental culture and Christian spirituality through Chinese paintings, calligraphy, and seal-carving.