Religious Leaders Gather in Kazakhstan to Explore Unity in the 21st Century

The eighth Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions has opened in Astana, Kazakhstan, under the theme “Dialogue of Religions: Synergy for the Future,” with discussions focusing on the role of religions in uniting humanity in the 21st century.

The event brings together more than 100 participants from 60 countries, including spiritual leaders of major world religions, representatives of international organizations, experts, political scientists, and public figures, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

The congress features a series of sectional meetings addressing key global and religious issues.

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev is scheduled to chair the plenary session on September 17. On September 18, discussions will also focus on the importance of spiritual values in the age of artificial intelligence, the contribution of religious institutions to sustainable development, and their potential to promote peace and counter extremism.

A key highlight of the congress will be a special session on the protection of religious sites, organized with the support of the UN Alliance of Civilizations. The session will address global threats to temples, sacred sites, and locations of spiritual and cultural heritage, with participation from leading religious figures, diplomats, civil society representatives, and international organizations.

The program also includes the 2nd Forum of Young Religious Leaders, titled “Youth for Peaceful Coexistence: Synergy for the Future,” and an expert roundtable on “Intercultural and Interreligious Dialogue Today.”

The next Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions is planned to be held in Astana in 2028.