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.
U.S. and Iranian officials said they had agreed on a framework to end their war, halt the U.S. blockade of Iran and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a pre...
Leaders of the world's leading industrialised democracies are gathering in the French resort town of Evian-les-Bains for the latest Group of Seven (G7...
The UK has become the latest country to annouce a social media ban for children under 16. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer made the announcement on...
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has told U.S. President Donald Trump that Israel does not consider itself bound by a Lebanon-related provisi...
Curaçao celebrate first World Cup goal despite heavy defeat against Germany, Sweden move to top of Group F with five-goal display and Japan fight...
Leaders of the world's leading industrialised democracies are gathering in the French resort town of Evian-les-Bains for the latest Group of Seven (G7) summit on Monday, with the wars in Ukraine and Iran, economic tensions and artificial intelligence expected to dominate discussions.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has told U.S. President Donald Trump that Israel does not consider itself bound by a Lebanon-related provision in an emerging agreement with Iran, according to Israeli officials.
Curaçao celebrate first World Cup goal despite heavy defeat against Germany, Sweden move to top of Group F with five-goal display and Japan fight back twice to hold Netherlands.
Monday 15th June, marks the fifth anniversary of the signing of the Shusha Declaration, a landmark agreement that formally elevated relations between Azerbaijan and Türkiye to the level of an alliance and further strengthened the long-standing ties between the two nations.
Details of a reported draft memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran offer the clearest picture yet of how both sides plan to end months of conflict and move towards a longer-term settlement.
The U.S. and Iran say they have reached a deal to end their conflict, with an immediate ceasefire and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz after the lifting of the U.S. naval blockade. Talks will continue over the next 60 days to finalise the agreement
U.S. President Donald Trump has said a peace agreement with Iran is scheduled to be signed on Sunday in a post on social media, despite Tehran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei saying no deal would be approved this weekend.
U.S. and Iranian officials said they had agreed on a framework to end their war, halt the U.S. blockade of Iran and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a preliminary pact that sent oil prices falling but leaves the fate of Iran's nuclear program to further negotiations.
Switzerland on Sunday rejected a referendum proposal to cap its population at 10 million, a projection showed, as voters prioritised economic stability and the country's ties with the European Union over immigration concerns.
Leaders of the world's leading industrialised democracies are gathering in the French resort town of Evian-les-Bains for the latest Group of Seven (G7) summit on Monday, with the wars in Ukraine and Iran, economic tensions and artificial intelligence expected to dominate discussions.
The UK has become the latest country to annouce a social media ban for children under 16. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer made the announcement on Monday, adding that he will impose restrictions on gaming and livestreaming platforms as well.
The stepson of Norway's Crown Prince Haakon has been found guilty of two counts of rape as well as domestic violence and other crimes and is sentenced to four years in prison, an Oslo court ruled on Monday.
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for 15 June, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Leaders of the Group of Seven wealthy nations will meet at a French lakeside resort on Monday against a backdrop of preliminary deal to end U.S. and Iran war reached by both sides.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment