In an age of accelerating technological advancement and artificial intelligence, the key to a sustainable future is not in the limitless increase of machine efficiency, but in the preservation of human, animal and natural values. This was the thought-provoking introduction used by trend researcher Árpád Rab, to open the 5th International Anthrozoology Conference at Faculty of Education for Children and Special Educational Needs at the University of Debrecen .
A prominent role among the central topics of the conference was given to research into the future, especially with regard to the question if the current, extremely high level of companion animal keeping, like the number of dogs growing by the millions every year in the European Union, is sustainable in the long run in the light of our ecological footprint and energy consumption.
- All by itself, technology is just a mirror and an implement that has no ethics or real feelings. Competitiveness and sustainability in the future will not be provided by the unlimited control of machines, but by the empathy, patience and respect for life that can be learned from animals- said the expert in his online presentation. He also added that the scientific study of the human-animal relationship would fit perfectly into this global ecosystem approach, which was presented this year in an international collaboration at the two-day conference hosted by the University of Debrecen.
The event in Hajdúböszörmény was an immense success this year. Altogether, a total of 71 presenters, either present in person or joining online from locations spanning Australia, India, China and Europe all the way to the Americas, shared their latest research findings, thus firmly establishing the conference within the international anthrozoology community.
- It is a particular pleasure that it is the Faculty of Education for Children and Special Educational Needs hosting this prestigious conference, as the presence of animals has become an integral part of our daily lives at our animal-friendly institution. We are encouraging a trans-disciplinary dialogue here that offers a fresh perspective for future educators as well- said Vice-Dean Gábor Biczó in his opening address.
The Faculty of the University of Debrecen in Hajdúböszörmény is at the forefront in this field, not only as a host but also in terms of education and research. Both the faculty members and the students here embody an animal-friendly mindset in their everyday life. For example, by operating as a dog-friendly faculty, they demonstrate the feasibility of safe and harmonious coexistence. Students even study animal-assisted pedagogy, which is a practice proven to assist in the development of children today because the presence of animals captures intense attention and supports human communication through the understanding of other living beings.
- The study of the human-animal relationship is a globally significant issue, which is also underscored by the international lineup of participants at our conference. Our goal is to make responsible pet ownership a societal norm not through legislation, but through education starting at an early age- said Antal Lovas Kiss, the organizer of the event.
The associate professor of the Faculty of Education for Children and Special Educational Needs underlined that, besides practical work, their institution has also achieved significant results in academic research. In recent years, its anthropology research group has built a unique national database comprising as many as thirty thousand dog owners.
Press Center-TB