Kazakhstan’s capital will host the 8th Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions on 17 and 18 September. The event will be chaired by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and is expected to bring together more than a 100 delegations from around 60 countries.
Participants will include spiritual leaders from Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Judaism, Hinduism, Taoism, Zoroastrianism, and Shinto, as well as representatives of international organizations, scholars, and public figures. Confirmed attendees include Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and all Russia and Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb.
The official programme will begin on 16th of September with the 23rd session of the Congress Secretariat, chaired by Senate Speaker Maulen Ashimbayev, and a special session of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations dedicated to the protection of religious sites.
The main theme of the Congress is “Dialogue of Religions: Synergy for the Future.” During the two days, participants will discuss pressing global challenges and the role of religious leaders in addressing them. The forum will conclude with the Second Forum of Young Religious Leaders, focusing on youth engagement in strengthening interreligious peace.
The Congress holds special significance for Kazakhstan. The country is home to more than 130 ethnic groups and 18 religious confessions. The Congress showcases Kazakhstan’s unique model of peaceful coexistence and interfaith harmony, successfully practiced within its borders. This is not only a domestic message but also an international signal that peaceful dialogue is possible in a multiethnic society.
Furthermore, the forum strengthens Kazakhstan’s international image as a neutral platform for sincere and respectful dialogue between East and West. In a world marked by growing instability and conflicts, Kazakhstan promotes spiritual diplomacy—a form of soft power that enhances its standing on the global stage.
Over the years, the Congress has achieved tangible results. The continuously operating Secretariat and the Council of Religious Leaders ensure the continuity and coordination of initiatives. Joint declarations and appeals adopted at the Congresses have found resonance in the work of the UN and other international organisations. In 2023, a long-term development concept was approved for the Congress, extending to 2033, emphasising youth involvement, digital ethics, and expanded international cooperation.
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A large fire at the import cargo complex of Dhaka airport has caused significant damage to goods and materials belonging to key garment exporters, with losses and impacts on trade potentially amounting to millions of dollars, according to industry leaders on Sunday.
The Orenburg gas processing plant, the world's largest facility of its kind, has been forced to halt its intake of gas from Kazakhstan following a Ukrainian drone strike, according to Kazakhstan's energy ministry.
Israel launched air strikes and artillery fire on Gaza on Sunday, in what officials called a response to militant attacks, as the U.S.-mediated ceasefire came under renewed strain.
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A large fire at the import cargo complex of Dhaka airport has caused significant damage to goods and materials belonging to key garment exporters, with losses and impacts on trade potentially amounting to millions of dollars, according to industry leaders on Sunday.
The Orenburg gas processing plant, the world's largest facility of its kind, has been forced to halt its intake of gas from Kazakhstan following a Ukrainian drone strike, according to Kazakhstan's energy ministry.
The Louvre Museum in Paris was closed on Sunday after thieves broke in and stole “priceless” jewellery from the Napoleon collection, the French government said.
Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy said he is not afraid of going to prison, days before beginning a five-year sentence over his 2007 campaign financing case linked to Libya.
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