Today in Astana, the work of the VIII Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions continued.
During the breakout sessions, delegates discussed issues concerning the role of religion in the consolidation of humanity and the achievement of sustainable development goals. Spiritual leaders also voiced their positions on the development of the peacekeeping potential of religion and spiritual values in the era of digital reality and artificial intelligence.
The expert round table «Intercultural and interreligious dialogue today» became the result of integrating a scientific approach into spiritual diplomacy. Representatives of academic circles, the scientific and expert community, religious associations, and other interested parties made proposals for overcoming global challenges, including the problems of climate change, migration, gender aspects, and human rights. As noted by the participants, such synergy will improve diplomatic efforts and contribute to a more peaceful, just, and sustainable world.
In addition, a presentation of the book «Islam dinindegi negyzgi ustanymdar» («The basic principles of Islam») was held, in which values such as faith, morality, and ethics are analyzed from the perspective of modern religious and philosophical views. The author of the book is the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Sheikh Ahmed at-Tayeb.
On the sidelines of the VIII Congress, a bilateral meeting also took place between 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, and the Deputy Grand Sheikh of Al-Azhar, Dr. Muhammad Abdurrahman ad-Duwayni. During the conversation, the fruitful cooperation between the Secretariat of the Congress and Al-Azhar University, which has historically been one of the key educational, scientific, and spiritual centers of the Islamic world, was noted. Special attention was paid to joint initiatives in the field of theological education and scientific research.
At the meeting with the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities, Christoph Kamp, an exchange of views on current issues of interethnic relations and interaction within the framework of the Organization's activities also took place.
(Press Office of the Senate, 74-72-27. Photo by: N.Baibullin)
