The eighth Congress of World and Traditional Religious Leaders has commenced in Astana, bringing together around 100 delegations from 60 countries.
The forum includes representatives of various religious traditions, ranging from Islam and Christianity to Buddhism and Zoroastrianism, as well as politicians, international organisations and public figures.
The main objective of the congress is to discuss the role of religion in addressing contemporary global challenges such as conflict prevention, combating radicalisation, ethical issues surrounding artificial intelligence and problems of digital inequality. Particular attention is also given to the possibilities for interfaith cooperation in humanitarian fields such as education, healthcare and social support.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the President of Kazakhstan, emphasised the importance of interreligious and intercultural harmony as a priority in the country’s domestic and foreign policy. According to him, holding the congress for 22 years reflects Kazakhstan’s long-term commitment to fostering dialogue among religious communities. Discussions were held on strengthening cooperation, including with Saudi Arabia during a meeting with Sheikh Muhammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, Secretary-General of the Muslim World League.
Kazakhstan has prior experience acting as a mediator in international conflicts and diplomatic initiatives. Examples include the Astana Process on Syria, the Five plus One negotiation format, chairmanship of the Council for Cooperation and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia, and participation in the United Nations Security Council.
In 2025, the country proposed establishing an International Platform for Strengthening Interreligious Trust with the support of the United Nations and the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), building on its accumulated experience in interfaith dialogue.
In this context, the eighth congress is seen not only as a religious forum but also as a platform for developing multilateral strategies for sustainable development and security. It is planned that the congress will conclude with the adoption of a declaration and the presentation of an action programme extending to 2033, marking the first time such a document has been produced in the history of the event.
The forum is taking place against the backdrop of increasing religious polarisation and a crisis in international institutions, making the issues discussed especially relevant.
The presence of a wide range of religious leaders and international representatives underscores the desire for dialogue and the search for joint solutions amid global turbulence.
U.S. President Donald Trump has called for Iran to pay compensation for decades of deaths and damage, adding a new demand to peace talks as Tehran see...
Kyrgyzstan has proposed hosting part of Russian e-commerce giant Wildberries’ warehouse and logistics network, aiming to reduce supply-chain risks a...
North Korea has deployed troops, weapons and now, according to a Ukrainian intelligence official, a missile unit to support Russia's war against Ukrai...
One hundred years after the First World War and more than eighty years after the devastation of the Second World War gave rise to the United Nations, humanity once again finds itself living in an age of permanent crisis.
Flights arriving at Catania airport in eastern Sicily were suspended after volcanic ash from a new eruption of Mount Etna drifted into the airspace around the airport, disrupting operations at one of Italy’s busiest aviation hubs.
For months, efforts to secure the Red Sea have focused on what is happening in the water. Naval deployments have increased, governments have expanded maritime cooperation and shipping companies have adapted to persistent security threats.
Greenland has issued a “strong warning” to a U.S. oil company linked to President Donald Trump after drilling equipment was brought ashore without the required government approvals, according to British media.
Iran said it was nearing a final pact with Oman defining new shipping lanes between them through the Strait of Hormuz but repeated that the U.S. must meet other conditions.
Kyrgyzstan has proposed hosting part of Russian e-commerce giant Wildberries’ warehouse and logistics network, aiming to reduce supply-chain risks and strengthen trade with Russia.
North Korea has deployed troops, weapons and now, according to a Ukrainian intelligence official, a missile unit to support Russia's war against Ukraine, marking Pyongyang's most significant involvement in a war since the 1950s.
U.S. President Donald Trump has called for Iran to pay compensation for decades of deaths and damage, adding a new demand to peace talks as Tehran seeks compensation and sanctions relief before reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
A criminal court in Damascus has sentenced former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to death in absentia for premeditated murder, torture, arbitrary detention and crimes against humanity, according to Syria’s state news agency SANA.
Russia’s state nuclear corporation Rosatom plans to increase its workforce at Iran’s Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant to 100 specialists by the autumn, depending on the security situation and progress toward a halt in hostilities between Washington and Tehran.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment