Kazakh Senate Speaker Calls for Global Unity Through Interfaith Understanding

Maulen Ashimbayev, Chairman of the Senate of the Kazakh Parliament and Head of the Secretariat of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, has said that every nation has a responsibility to foster global peace and stability by nurturing a culture of dialogue, understanding, and cooperation.

Ashimbayev emphasized Kazakhstan’s long-standing commitment to international peace through interfaith dialogue, highlighting the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions as a key initiative that has evolved into a respected global platform, The Caspian Post informs via Kazakh media.

“The Congress has become a truly effective forum,” he said. “For over 20 years, Kazakhstan has promoted this initiative. Our President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, who was instrumental in launching the Congress, has played a vital role in shaping its success. It is now a globally recognized venue for dialogue among leading spiritual figures.”

Ashimbayev recalled the Seventh Congress, held in 2022, as a particularly significant milestone. The event brought together major religious figures, including the late Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb.

“Pope Francis made a profound impact with his advocacy for equality and human rights, especially for vulnerable communities. He addressed key issues in Christian-Muslim relations and called Kazakhstan a land of unity and mutual respect,” Ashimbayev noted.

“We were equally honored by the presence of Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb, one of the foremost voices in Sunni Islam. His call for dialogue and peaceful coexistence underscored the Congress’s role in building interreligious harmony.”

Ashimbayev described the Seventh Congress as a landmark in advancing a global culture of peace, dialogue, and mutual understanding.

Looking forward, he expressed hope that the Eighth Congress would continue this momentum:

“We expect the next Congress to once again bring together influential religious and intellectual leaders to strengthen our collective commitment to peace, respect, and global unity.”

The Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, held every three years in Kazakhstan, remains one of the nation’s signature contributions to global diplomacy and intercultural dialogue.