Trump would 'love' to meet Kim Jong Un again, but no word from North Korea
U.S. President Donald Trump has extended multiple invitations to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un ahead of his visit to South Korea this week, wit...
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.
At least 69 people have died and almost 150 injured following a powerful 6.9-magnitude earthquake off the coast of Cebu City in the central Visayas region of the Philippines, officials said, making it one of the country’s deadliest disasters this year.
A tsunami threat was issued in Chile after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck the Drake Passage on Friday. The epicenter was located 135 miles south of Puerto Williams on the north coast of Navarino Island.
The war in Ukraine has reached a strategic impasse, and it seems that the conflict will not be solved by military means. This creates a path toward one of two alternatives: either a “frozen” phase that can last indefinitely or a quest for a durable political regulation.
A shooting in Nice, southeastern France, left two people dead and five injured on Friday, authorities said.
Snapchat will start charging users who store more than 5GB of photos and videos in its Memories feature, prompting backlash from long-time users.
U.S. President Donald Trump has extended multiple invitations to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un ahead of his visit to South Korea this week, with Seoul officials publicly supporting the idea.
A man accused of fatally shooting former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe admitted to murder on Tuesday in the first hearing of the case, media said, three years after the assassination of Japan's longest-serving premier stunned the nation.
Talks between Afghanistan and Pakistan in Istanbul to broker a long-term truce have ended without a resolution, two sources familiar with the matter said on Tuesday, a blow for peace in the region after deadly clashes this month.
A Brussels conference has called for the right of return for Western Azerbaijanis, citing international law and historic displacement.
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