Abstract

On 11–12 September 2026, the 20th International Scientific Conference in the “Humanistic Ecology” series, entitled Ecological Challenges in the 21st Century: Between Nature and Society – Interdisciplinary Reflections on Environmental Crisis, was held in Chișinău, Republic of Moldova. The anniversary edition was hosted by the “Ion Creangă” State Pedagogical University of Chișinău, while the Department of Ecophilosophy at Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University in Warsaw served as the academic coordinator. The programme included 82 papers prepared by 102 authors and co-authors representing 46 institutions and affiliated units from 18 countries. The presentations addressed environmental philosophy and ethics, environmental education, sustainable development, natural sciences, environmental security, the social and cultural dimensions of the ecological crisis, and the use of new technologies. The first day included plenary and parallel thematic sessions. The second day took the form of a field programme, providing an opportunity to learn about the natural and cultural heritage of the Republic of Moldova and to engage in less formal academic discussions that fostered the development of international cooperation. The high organisational standard of the event, the involvement of the authorities, staff and students of the host university, and the exceptional hospitality of the hosts deserve particular recognition.