Religious Leaders Unite for Peace
Kazakhstan: A Model of Peace and Tolerance
Kazakhstan, situated between Asia and Europe, a blend of East and West, has become a melting pot of diverse languages, traditions, and cultures. The people of Kazakhstan have embraced the traditions of different civilizations and religions, embodying the spirit of tolerance and openness.
For centuries, individuals from various religious and ethnic backgrounds have peacefully coexisted and continue to do so on Kazakhstan’s ancient soil, contributing to the education and development of the younger generation. Hospitality and tolerance are embedded in the cultural identity of the Kazakh people, and modern Kazakhstan, drawing strength from its history and geography, sustains and further propels this essential tradition.
President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, during his first official visit to the Holy See in January 2024, emphasized the country’s unique model of peace and national dialogue, built on the principles of “unity-in-diversity”. He underscored the importance of preserving religious freedom as part of Kazakhstan’s presidential agenda.
In response to the world’s pressing challenges such as geopolitical contradictions, socio-economic issues, and the relevance of extremism and terrorism, President Tokayev called for global collaboration in advocating peace and stability. He highlighted the influential role that spiritual leaders can play in the present-day context.
One of Kazakhstan’s notable global achievements is the initiation of the Congress of the Leaders of World and Traditional Religions. Over the years, Astana has successfully hosted seven Congresses, standing out as one of the key promoters of intercivilizational dialogue at the global level.
The engagement of spiritual leaders in dialogue, mutual understanding, and respect has significantly contributed to Kazakhstan’s success in building a stable and harmonious society that thrives in peace today. The 21st meeting of the Secretariat of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions was hosted in Astana on Oct. 11, 2023.
Kazakhstan’s diplomatic vision has garnered praise from religious leaders worldwide, with many hailing it as a model for the international community. To safeguard this achievement, the participants at the meeting approved the Development Concept of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions for 2023-2033, titled “Religious leaders stand for a fair and peaceful world”.
The concept offers a forward-looking vision for the development of the forum, stressing the importance of uniting religious leaders’ efforts to address humanity’s most pressing challenges. The participants identified several objectives, including the promotion of fundamental spiritual and moral values and the unification of efforts to solve global problems while fostering mutual respect, peace, and harmony.
The systematic implementation of the Development Concept of the Congress encompasses several crucial aspects, such as promoting and implementing the mission, goals, and declarations of the Congress. It aims to strengthen the partnership of the Congress with international institutions and platforms, including the introduction of the Institute of Goodwill Ambassadors of the Congress from prominent and highly reputable religious, political, and public figures.
The cooperation with international organizations and structures on interfaith and intercivilizational dialogue is of paramount importance in addressing pressing issues on the international agenda. The declarations adopted at all previous Congresses have consistently condemned radicalism, violence, and conflicts, showcasing the decisive role of religious leaders in nurturing goodwill and peaceful coexistence.
Kazakhstan, through the Ministry of Culture and Information and the N.Nazarbayev Center for Development of Interfaith and Intercivilization Dialogue, has embarked on a systematic implementation of the Development Concept, putting into action several initiatives to promote the forum at national and international levels.
The efforts of world religious leaders are instrumental in addressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and armed conflicts. They can significantly contribute to propagating a culture of dialogue and mutual respect. Kazakhstan stands as a living testimony to unity in diversity, setting a shining example for the world as it endeavors to foster peace and harmony across nations.
Bulat Sarsenbayev, the Chairman of the Board of the N.Nazarbayev Center for Development of Interfaith and Intercivilization Dialogue, authored this article.
