Oxford Convergence 2025 - meetings

Nothing in this world is indifferent to us: the quest for an integral ecology

How can a deepened awareness of the relationship between human beings and their environment help us to understand the nature of the current climate crisis and work together to find solutions? 

Sharing decisions in the context of suffering and dying

A dialogue exploring shared decision-making in the context of suffering and end-of-life care, with a strong emphasis on personhood and the relational dynamics between patients, relatives and healthcare professionals. 

"It is not good that the man should be alone” 

A reading of some of the most ancient and most influential stories about Loneliness and Companionship. An unusual journey into the world of the Old and New Testament, accompanied by two experts in the field.

Loneliness in a time of hopelessness: is there a hope that does not disappoint?

A group of mental health professionals embark on a journey to reflect on their experiences with their teenage/young adult patients. This panel will explore the experience of loneliness in patients and the questions that arise in mental health professionals. 

What does it mean to feel lonely in psychological terms? Is it a reflection of life in the current society? And very importantly, what do they look for in their relationship with us?

Changing everyday life to change the economy

Despite capitalism is now at its apex of practical application, there is widespread consensus that the system doesn’t really work for everyone. There are, however, some counter-cultural voices advocate for alternative economic approaches—ones described as fostering life rather than death, inclusivity rather than exclusivity, and humanity rather than dehumanisation. The goal of this panel is to examine and test these counter-cultural approaches to the economic crisis, which highlight the pivotal role of seemingly powerless individuals.

Seeing Through the Lens: A Conversation with Gregory Halpern

Gregory Halpern’s photographs don’t shout—they linger. His images capture fleeting moments that feel both intimate and distant, revealing a world of quiet connections where solitude and belonging intertwine. A man on a corner, the light catching his face just so. A street at dusk, empty yet alive. His work invites us to look again, to notice what’s hidden in plain sight. In conversation with Luca Fiore, this panel explores how photography sharpens our perception of reality and deepens our understanding of one another. Through the artist’s eye, we may find ourselves closer to the truth—and to each other.