Educational institutions, particularly universities, play a crucial role in mitigating social polarisation by fostering ethical thinking and respect for diversity. Universities provide platforms for young adults to engage in meaningful dialogue on controversial socio-political topics, compensating for the shortcomings of media and political institutions. The Arts and Humanities, in particular, are essential in cultivating open-mindedness and critical thinking, yet they are threatened by the rise of corporate-style universities prioritising commercially viable courses. The Asian Conference on Arts & Humanities (ACAH2024), Cultural Studies (ACCS2024), and Social Sciences (ACSS2024) in Tokyo emphasised the importance of nurturing an ethic of care and responsible global citizenship to address citizens’ needs and promote social cohesion.
