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Rabat – The eighth Congress of the Leaders of World and Traditional Religions officially launched today in Kazakhstan’s capital, with activities scheduled to take place on September 17 and 18.
Chaired by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the interfaith forum brings together religious leaders, scholars, and public figures to foster dialogue and cooperation among the world’s faiths.
In his opening remarks, Tokayev welcomed the spiritual leaders gathered in Astana, saying the event is a great honor for his country. He also acknowledged the growing conflicts and challenges facing the world today, but said that “the lessons of the past should encourage us toward constructive and open dialogue.”
Tokayev commended the participants for their role in promoting interfaith harmony and religious tolerance, both in Kazakhstan and beyond.
Meanwhile, Pope Leo XIV, in his welcoming address to the congress, spoke about the importance of interreligious dialogue as a response to today’s conflicts and divisions. He explained that “synergy” means working together with one another and with the Divine, rooted in solidarity and responsibility for each other as members of the human family.
He stated that collaboration should not erase differences but instead embrace diversity as a source of mutual enrichment, noting the Catholic Church’s esteem for all that is “true and holy” in other religions.
“When religious leaders stand together in defence of society’s most vulnerable, join in planting trees to care for our common home, or raise a united voice in support of human dignity, they bear witness to the truth that faith unites more than it divides,” the pope added.
Over 100 delegations from around 60 countries are participating, representing Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Judaism, Hinduism, Taoism, Zoroastrianism, and Shinto.
Among the high-profile attendees are Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Sheikh Ahmed el-Tayeb.
The opening day will feature the 23rd session of the Secretariat, chaired by Senate Speaker Maulen Ashimbayev, alongside a special session by the UN Alliance of Civilizations on safeguarding religious sites.
The plenary session on Wednesday will focus on “Dialogue of Religions: Synergy for the Future,” followed by breakout discussions on global challenges.
The program features an award ceremony for the Astana International Award for Interfaith Dialogue, state honors from Kazakhstan, and the Congress Medal of Honour. Certificates will also be presented to new Goodwill Ambassadors of the Congress.
Participants will take part in four main sessions covering the role of religions in uniting humanity, faith as a factor in sustainable development, the place of spiritual values in the digital age and artificial intelligence, and the potential of religions to fight extremism and build peace.
The event will conclude with the adoption of the final declaration and a formal closing ceremony.
