During the 8th Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions in Kazakhstan’s capital, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev presented state awards to numerous participants.
The ceremony also featured the presentation of the Astana International Prize for Contribution to Interfaith Dialogue, the Congress Honorary Medal, and the Goodwill Ambassador Insignia, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.
Li Guangfu, Chairman of the World Taoist Federation (China), and Samir Shantilal Somaiya, President of Somaiya Vidyavihar University (India), received the Order of Dostyk, 2nd Degree, while Mohammad Mehdi Imanipur, President of the Islamic Culture and Relations Organization of Iran, was awarded the Shapagat Medal.
The Astana International Prize for Contribution to Interfaith Dialogue was bestowed upon Miguel Ángel Moratinos, UN Under-Secretary-General, High Representative for the UN Alliance of Civilizations, and UN Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia.
Recipients of the Congress Honorary Medal included prominent religious leaders and representatives from around the world, such as:
Nazir Mohammed Ayad, Grand Mufti of Egypt
Kamil Samigullin, Chairman of the Muslim Spiritual Directorate of Tatarstan
Saidmukarram Abdukodirzoda, Chairman of the Council of Ulema of Tajikistan
George Jacob Kuvakad, Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue of the Holy See
Veniamin (Vitali Tupeko), Metropolitan of Minsk and Zaslavl, Patriarchal Exarch of All Belarus
Kalman Ber, Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Israel
David Yosef, Sephardi Chief Rabbi of Israel
David Rutstein, Secretary General of the Bahá’í International Community
Phallop Thaiarry, President of the World Fellowship of Buddhists
Salim Mohammed Al-Malik, Director General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
Sultan Rayev, Secretary General of the International Organization of Turkic Culture
Mohammed Elsanousi, Executive Director of the Network for Religious and Traditional Peacemakers
Mark Barry Levin, Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of the National Coalition Supporting Eurasian Jewry
Nihal Saad, Director of the UN Alliance of Civilizations
Shlomo Menachem Kook, Representative of the Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Israel
The Goodwill Ambassador insignia were awarded to:
Mohammed Zia-ul-Haq, Director General of the Islamic Research Institute at the International Islamic University, Islamabad
Afra Al-Sabri, Director-General of the UAE Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence
Michael Hübner, Secretary General of the Evangelical Lutheran Union of Martin Luther
Bulat Sarsenbayev, Commissioner for the Promotion of the Goals and Objectives of the Congress
Earlier, President Tokayev opened the Congress with remarks emphasizing the importance of safeguarding interfaith and interethnic tolerance, as well as fostering mutual respect and cooperation among nations.
