Kazakhstan to Welcome Global Faith Leaders for Major Interfaith Summit

Kazakhstan is set to host the 8th Congress of the Leaders of World and Traditional Religions on September 17-18, reaffirming its role as a global platform for interfaith dialogue and peacebuilding.

The event will be held under the chairmanship of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and is expected to gather more than 100 delegations from around 60 countries, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

The upcoming congress will bring together high-profile spiritual leaders representing Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Judaism, Hinduism, Taoism, Zoroastrianism, and Shinto, along with representatives from international organizations, religious scholars, and civil society leaders. Among the prominent participants are Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Sheikh Ahmed el-Tayeb, underscoring the global significance of the gathering.

Activities will officially begin on September 16 with the 23rd session of the Congress Secretariat, chaired by Maulen Ashimbayev, Speaker of the Kazakh Senate. That day will also feature a special session organized by the UN Alliance of Civilizations, focused on safeguarding religious and sacred sites around the world.

The main plenary session on September 17 will focus on the theme “Dialogue of Religions: Synergy for the Future,” followed by breakout discussions on urgent global issues, including peacebuilding, climate challenges, and the role of religion in modern society.

The congress will conclude with the Second Forum of Young Religious Leaders, aimed at engaging younger generations in fostering mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence across religious and cultural divides.