Representatives of various religions gathered today, on the eve of the VIII Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, at the Palace of Peace and Accord to participate in the XXIII session of the Secretariat of the Congress. The participants of the meeting were united by a common mission – to resolve issues related to the upcoming VIII Congress, as well as to elect the Goodwill Ambassadors of the Congress.
Welcoming the participants of the meeting, the Chairman of the Senate of the Parliament of the RK – Head of the Secretariat of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, Maulen Ashimbayev, noted that for over 20 years, the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions has been promoting the strengthening of global interreligious dialogue, solving significant world problems, and advancing the ideas of tolerance and mutual support, despite the trials of time. The unique dialogue platform, where ideas and proposals aimed at preserving peace, strengthening dialogue, and the culture of mutual respect and cooperation are voiced, as the Speaker of the Senate noted, is the result of the joint work of all its participants.
«The President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Kemelevich Tokayev, emphasized that the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions has become one of the key global formats of inter-civilizational dialogue over these years. Our meeting today is taking place during a difficult international situation, when the system of international relations is undergoing changes, new challenges are emerging, and existing ones are escalating. The escalation of humanitarian crises and the destruction of cultural heritage are also of concern. International security mechanisms are becoming powerless, protectionism and unilateral actions are growing. In such a situation, the unification of constructive and creative forces is important. We see that the cohesion of leaders of world religions contributes to solving global problems, reducing tension in the world, as well as popularizing the culture of dialogue and mutual respect. The synergy of the efforts of middle powers and the moral authority of religious leaders is of great importance in this matter. We hope that today's meeting will be substantive and fruitful, giving impetus to new international peacekeeping and humanitarian initiatives», – said the Head of the Secretariat of the Congress in his welcoming speech.
At the same time, as Maulen Ashimbayev emphasized, focusing the attention of the Secretariat participants on the agenda of the VIII Congress, establishing interreligious dialogue is a continuous, systematic, and planned work, where thoughts, ideas, proposals, and their practical implementation through joint projects, including outside the framework of the Congress, are equally important.
«The VIII Congress is dedicated to the theme «Dialogue of Religions: Synergy for the Sake of the Future». It is important to understand that synergy is not just cooperation, it is the building up of efforts, and interreligious dialogue is a constant process that requires energy, openness, and mutual respect. Our joint work should find its logical continuation in international projects. After the VII Congress, joint events were held in Jerusalem, the Vatican, Mecca, and Singapore. We are interested in the further continuation of this experience and the expansion of international cooperation», – he said and focused on the current topics that will be discussed within the framework of the Special Session on the Protection of Religious Sites under the auspices of the UN Alliance of Civilizations, the II Forum of Young Religious Leaders, the expert round table, and breakout sessions.
During the Secretariat meeting, the Goodwill Ambassadors of the Congress were also elected, whose candidacies were previously discussed and submitted by the members of the Working Group. The composition included worthy representatives of various religions, as well as prominent figures from various fields who have been actively cooperating with the Secretariat of the Congress for many years.
The meeting participants unanimously agreed that the Institute of Goodwill Ambassadors is currently one of the effective mechanisms for popularizing the ideas and values of the Congress. In their speeches, the religious leaders also noted the particular importance of the work of the Kazakhstani forum for uniting the efforts of spiritual diplomacy and politics in overcoming global challenges, promoting the peaceful resolution of geopolitical conflicts, and other manifestations of disagreement. Emphasizing the relevance and scale of the topics raised on the platforms of the Congress, the speakers unanimously expressed their readiness and interest in cooperation for the sake of maintaining peace and interfaith harmony between religions and cultures, suppressing injustice, and propaganda of war.
Following the meeting, the Protocol of the XXIII session of the Secretariat of the Congress was adopted, and the provisions of the Declaration of the VIII Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions were discussed. The final document, which became a symbol of the common aspiration for peace and mutual understanding, was named – «Astana Peace Declaration 2025».
Upon completion of the Secretariat's work, Maulen Ashimbayev held a bilateral meeting with the Chairman of the China Taoist Association, Li Guangfu, during which prospects for expanding cooperation within the framework of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions were outlined. The parties also noted that the positions of Kazakhstan and China on many issues of the global and regional agenda coincide, which is an important advantage for strengthening Kazakh-Chinese cooperation in all areas.
Welcoming the Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Board, Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade, the Head of the Secretariat of the Congress expressed gratitude for the long-standing support and significant contribution that the Caucasus Muslims Board makes to achieving the goals of the Congress. As the interlocutors noted, the trusting and friendly relations between the Heads of the two states play a major role in the development and strengthening of the Kazakh-Azerbaijani strategic partnership.
Issues of further promotion of interreligious and interfaith dialogue were the central theme of the bilateral meeting between Maulen Ashimbayev and the Chancellor of Somaiya Vidyavihar University and head of the Hindu delegation, Samir Shantilal Somaiya. The agenda also included topics related to sustainable development, inclusive growth, and regional ties.
(Press Office of the Senate, 74-72-27. Photo by: N.Baibullin)
