UNESCO has declared 2016 the Aristotle Anniversary Year to mark the philosopher’s 2,400th birthday.

The declaration marks the culmination of a process that began in 2013, when the Interdisciplinary Centre for Aristotle Studies of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki took the initiative to organize a world congress in May 2016 to mark 2,400 years since the birth of the great Greek philosopher and scientist.

The initiative was then adopted by the Hellenic National Commission for UNESCO, which formally submitted the proposal for 2016 to be proclaimed Aristotle Anniversary Year.

To mark the event, the Interdisciplinary Center for Aristotle Studies is hosting the Aristotle World Congress at the university on May 23–28, 2016. A prominent line-up of international modern-day philosophers is expected to attend, with 25 speakers from nine countries having already confirmed.

Leading researchers will present their work on the great thinker at the university and in Aristotle’s birthplace of ancient Stagira in Halkidiki, where he was born in 384 BC, as well as in ancient Mieza, where he taught Alexander the Great.

“The proclamation of 2016 as the Aristotle Anniversary Year by UNESCO honors the significant work of Aristotle and him as a person. The impact of his work is unique in terms of its influence on the history of human thought. His influence continues to be present in the intellectual evolution of Western civilization.” said Professor Demetra Sfendoni-Mentzou, president of the Interdisciplinary Centre for Aristotle Studies.

Aristotle joined the academy of another celebrated Greek philosopher, Plato, at the age of 18, remaining there until he turned 37. After his teacher died, he left Athens and, in 343 BC, at the request of Philip of Macedon, began tutoring the king’s son, Alexander.

After the death of his student and due to anti-Macedonian sentiment, he fled to the island of Evia, where he died of natural causes in 322 BC. His body was returned to his birthplace of Stagira, where he was buried with special honors. A student of his, Theophrastus, took up the helm and continued his school of thought.

Aristotle and his philosophical theories are known the world over thanks to the continuation of his teachings and the extensive body of work he left behind. Medieval scholars in the Arab world referred to him as “the first teacher”, his works formed the starting point for many philosophical and scientific theories, and he continues to be regarded as one of humanity’s most important and influential philosophers.

Around 400 participants from 40 countries have submitted papers for the congress, including Professor Richard McKirahan, Professor of Philosophy and Classics at Pomona College in California, USA, whose contribution centers around Aristotle’s views on how we see the world.

Speaking to Greece Is about the impact of Aristotle on himself as a philosopher, McKirahan said: “I believe that Aristotle was the most important philosopher ever. He invented logic; he advanced the field of biology enormously; he was the father of an understanding of the world that lasted 2,000 years; he was the first systematic philosopher; he wrote the most important book on ethics; he was the first important historian of philosophy and science.”

He concluded that he was looking forward to the congress commemorating the great thinker’s birth on a professional and personal level. “I am sure that I will learn a great deal from the other participants, both in their presentations and in informal conversation. I look forward to seeing old friends and making new acquaintances. And I know that I will enjoy this week in Thessaloniki, which is one my favorite cities.”