International Conference of Simurgh University
The Philosophy of Happiness: The Experience of Cultures and Civilizations
The problem of understanding happiness in the context of traditional values of different cultures and the search for foundations for dialogue in a multipolar world
The problem of understanding happiness in the context of traditional values of different cultures and the search for foundations for dialogue in a multipolar world
December 16–18, 2025
Saint Petersburg
Remote participation format
A world in which different poles engage in dialogue with one another rather than speaking about one another. We are creating a space for direct conversation among countries of Latin America, Iran, Russia, and others—without intermediaries or pre-established hierarchies. Happiness is not only an emotion, but also a cultural language, a form of interaction, and the very fabric of everyday life.
About the Conference
Happiness and the pursuit of happiness constitute one of the central themes of culture. Different cultural traditions agree that everyone aspires to happiness—the individual, the family, and the community. The sphere of responsibility assumed by human beings also includes care for happiness.
Although many languages contain the term "happiness," it is understood differently in each culture. Imposing one’s own criteria of happiness on another society, an individual, or a family often leads to misunderstanding and, at times, to tragedy.
Understanding and respecting these differences is a fundamental step toward responsible cultural dialogue. We consider it essential to make visible the multiplicity of cultural configurations of happiness. In recent decades, influential sociological and psychological schools have described the path to happiness in terms that the West has presented as universal, yet these frameworks do not always correspond to the values of all peoples.
Although many languages contain the term "happiness," it is understood differently in each culture. Imposing one’s own criteria of happiness on another society, an individual, or a family often leads to misunderstanding and, at times, to tragedy.
Understanding and respecting these differences is a fundamental step toward responsible cultural dialogue. We consider it essential to make visible the multiplicity of cultural configurations of happiness. In recent decades, influential sociological and psychological schools have described the path to happiness in terms that the West has presented as universal, yet these frameworks do not always correspond to the values of all peoples.
We propose to analyze cultural traditions and horizons of happiness within their specific contexts. This conference is an invitation, an attempt, a challenge. Our goal is not to provide definitive answers, but to formulate questions that allow us to rethink and experience this category in a renewed way. In a multipolar world, respect for difference is a sign of the emotional maturity of society.
We open a space for dialogue within the academic and artistic communities—thinkers, writers, philosophers, and psychologists—focused on happiness and new ways of understanding it.
The conference will be held online and simultaneously in several languages in order to maximize participation. Participants include representatives from Latin America, Iran, Russia, and other countries.
We open a space for dialogue within the academic and artistic communities—thinkers, writers, philosophers, and psychologists—focused on happiness and new ways of understanding it.
The conference will be held online and simultaneously in several languages in order to maximize participation. Participants include representatives from Latin America, Iran, Russia, and other countries.
Conference Speakers
- Sheikh Mir YaliliIran
- Master’s degree in Theology, University of Religions and Denominations
- Master’s degree in Applied Ethics, Al-Mustafa University
- Postgraduate studies at the Islamic Seminary of Qom
- Over 20 years of experience in cultural and religious activities in various countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Nicaragua, among others
- Currently Cultural Advisor of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Brazil
- Modesto Emilio GuerreroVenezuela
- Former National Deputy (1983)
- Investigative journalist specializing in geopolitical analysis
- Author of 12 research books on the phenomenon of Chavismo, including Who Invented Chávez?, translated into French and Portuguese and awarded two literary prizes in Venezuela:
— Luis Brito García National Prize (2014)- Author of three books on MERCOSUR, used in Venezuelan and Colombian universities
- Vania MarkovichRussia
- Doctor of Psychology.
- Systemic psychologist, author of the "Emotional Maturity" method and founder of Simurgh University.
- She is an active participant in social and charitable initiatives (including a school for children with albinism in Africa, «Yom-Yom», «Miloserdie Detyam» [«Mercy for Children»], «Alma», and others).
- Author of more than fifteen original programs on emotion management, the development of emotional maturity, parenting, effective communication, and the cultivation of inner stability and self-support.
- Head of the Committee for Work with Psychologists of the New People party at the State Duma of the Russian Federation.
- Member of the Psychotherapy League.
- Sheikh Abdul Karim PazArgentina
- Argentine Shiite Islamic thinker, theologian, and social leader, Imam of the At-Tauhid Mosque
- One of the key voices of intercultural understanding
- Eduardo RinesiArgentina
- Argentine philosopher, political scientist, and educator
- Former Rector of the National University of General Sarmiento
- Timur ShafirRussia
- Journalist
- Publicist
- International analyst
- Secretary of the Union of Journalists of Russia
- Anna EsparsaRussia
- Historian
- Cultural studies specialist
- PhD in History
- Author of educational documentary films
- Santiago González CasaresArgentina
- Philosopher, researcher in ethics, politics, and social theory; lecturer
- PhD in Philosophy from the University of Paris IV-Sorbonne, under the supervision of Jean-Luc Marion
Languages and Format
Working languages: Russian, Spanish, Persian (Farsi)
Consecutive and/or simultaneous interpretation
Format: online
Consecutive and/or simultaneous interpretation
Format: online
About the Organizer
Simurgh University is located in Saint Petersburg—a city that has served as a space for intercultural dialogue since its founding. Here, the trajectories of ideas are clearly visible: philosophical traditions engaging across borders, aesthetic forms shaping social customs, and individual experiences gaining meaning and becoming part of the world’s cultural heritage.
We believe that without respect for one’s own culture and traditions, it is impossible to engage in dialogue with others based on mutual respect and equality.
A core mission of Simurgh University is to build bridges between cultures and to create a space for respectful dialogue in a multipolar world. We seek to demonstrate that the same phenomena may be understood differently across traditions and consciously avoid simplified or uniform interpretations of complex human and cultural realities.
We believe that without respect for one’s own culture and traditions, it is impossible to engage in dialogue with others based on mutual respect and equality.
A core mission of Simurgh University is to build bridges between cultures and to create a space for respectful dialogue in a multipolar world. We seek to demonstrate that the same phenomena may be understood differently across traditions and consciously avoid simplified or uniform interpretations of complex human and cultural realities.
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Simurgh University
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