In a time when global challenges are growing more complex and divisions seem sharper than ever, Kazakhstan continues to position itself as a bridge-builder between cultures, religions, and nations. For more than two decades, the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, held in Astana, has embodied this mission - promoting dialogue, trust, and peace on the international stage, DKNews.kz reports.
Speaking in an interview for the Qogam News project, Chairman of the Senate of the Parliament of Kazakhstan and Head of the Congress Secretariat, Maulen Ashimbayev, underlined the principle that every country carries a responsibility to strengthen stability and foster a culture of dialogue.
A global platform born in Kazakhstan
“The Congress has already proved itself as an effective international platform. Kazakhstan has been promoting this initiative for over 20 years. Our President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, who stood at the origins of this forum, made a huge contribution to its creation and development. Today we can confidently say the Congress is a well-known and respected platform where the world’s leading spiritual figures come together,” Ashimbayev said.
Over the years, the Congress has transformed from a bold idea into one of the world’s most recognizable gatherings for interfaith and intercultural dialogue. It is here that spiritual leaders openly discuss pressing global issues - from peace and human rights to building bridges between civilizations.
The unforgettable Seventh Congress
Among the milestones, the Seventh Congress in 2022 stands out as a turning point. It welcomed two of the most influential voices of our time: Pope Francis and Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of al-Azhar.
“Pope Francis made a tremendous contribution to promoting equality and defending the rights of vulnerable groups. He consistently raised issues of dialogue between the Islamic and Christian worlds. At the Congress, he described Kazakhstan as a country of dialogue and encounters - a place where people listen and respect each other in all their diversity. Those words deeply resonated with us,” Ashimbayev recalled.
The participation of Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb also gave the forum unique weight. As the head of one of the most respected centers of Sunni Islam, he stressed the urgent need for dialogue in today’s fractured world. His message echoed the very purpose of the Congress: bringing faiths closer together through understanding and respect.
Qogam News
The Seventh Congress, Ashimbayev said, became a one-of-a-kind forum that truly energized the global culture of dialogue.
Looking ahead to the Eighth Congress
Now, attention is turning to the upcoming Eighth Congress. According to Ashimbayev, its agenda will focus on some of the most pressing issues facing humanity, with spiritual leaders expected to seek common ground and shared solutions.
By bringing the world’s major faith leaders to one table, Kazakhstan once again reaffirms its unique role on the global stage - not to divide, but to unite.
