Astana unites religious leaders for the sake of the highest ideals and spiritual values of humankind in the face of a global crisis

On September 17–18, 2025, the Republic of Kazakhstan and its capital, Astana — located at the crossroads of the ancient caravan routes of the Great Silk Road and serving as a symbolic bridge between East and West, North and South — will warmly welcome delegates and honored guests to the VIII Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, writes Karlygash KALILAKHANOVA, director of the Department of the International Centre for Interfaith and Interreligious Dialogue.

The central theme of the Congress is “Dialogue of Religions: Synergy for the Future.”

The Astana interreligious summit, by virtue of its relevance and demand in times of global turbulence and profound human anxiety for a safe present and future, commands great respect among spiritual leaders, politicians, international organizations, and heads of state. In this era of uncertainty, religious leaders are entrusted with a special mission, for throughout history it has been spiritual shepherds who safeguarded the highest moral values.

More than 100 delegations from diverse world and traditional religions, alongside distinguished guests and representatives of international organizations, will take part in the Congress.

Representation of world religions

• Islam will be represented by eminent clerics and scholars from Azerbaijan, Egypt, Iran, Jordan, Indonesia, Italy, Kyrgyzstan, the UAE, Russia, Saudi Arabia, the United States, Turkey, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and Croatia.
• Christian denominations confirming participation include the Roman Catholic Church, the Jerusalem Orthodox Church, the Russian Orthodox Church, the Serbian Orthodox Church, the Coptic Orthodox Church, the Anglican Church, the Lutheran World Federation, as well as the Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia and the Patriarchate of All Georgia.
• Buddhism will be represented by eight delegations from Vietnam, China, Mongolia, the Republic of Korea, the United States, Thailand, and Japan.
• Other traditional faiths represented include Judaism, Shintoism, Hinduism, Taoism, Jainism, and Zoroastrianism.

Among the invited guests are prominent political leaders, public figures, and heads of leading international organizations. UN Secretary-General António Guterres will deliver a video address. Confirmed and expected participants also include High Representative for the UN Alliance of Civilizations Miguel Ángel Moratinos, President of Ethiopia Taye Atake-Selassie, Secretary-General of the Muslim World League Muhammad bin Abdul Karim al-Issa, Director-General of ICESCO Salim bin Mohammed Al-Malik, Secretary-General of the Arab League Ahmed Aboul Gheit, OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Christophe Kamp, and other eminent figures.

Once again, Kazakhstan — by hosting the VIII Congress — reaffirms its role as a global hub of interreligious dialogue, a place where new ideas, bold innovations, and initiatives emerge to shape a sustainable world order in which people of different faiths live in peace and harmony, united around the highest ideals and eternal values of goodness and light.

Since its inception in 2003, the Congress — initiated by Kazakhstan’s political leadership amid rising intercivilizational tensions — has become an important chapter in modern history. Over two decades, its seven previous gatherings have produced Declarations and Appeals that were disseminated through the UN, OSCE, and other major international organizations, becoming part of their official programs.

Mission of the VIII Congress

The mission of the VIII Congress is unique. Against the backdrop of intensifying conflicts and geopolitical confrontation, it aims to bring together leaders of diverse faiths to deepen interreligious and intercultural dialogue as a vital instrument for peace, social stability, and global cooperation. It reaffirms that religion is not a tool for narrow interests, but a unifying force that draws humanity closer together on the principle that man to man has been, is, and will remain a friend and brother.

Hosting such a forum is a profound responsibility that not every nation can shoulder. The Congress is not about eliminating differences between faiths but about finding common values and spiritual principles that guide peaceful coexistence and cooperation in a world of unprecedented geopolitical tension — including the clash between secular liberalism and traditional values.

Recognition and global resonance

Kazakhstan’s role has drawn international acclaim. During the opening of the UN Regional Office in Almaty, Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted Kazakhstan’s unique mission:

“Your country is truly a bridge — a bridge between East and West, North and South. For me, Kazakhstan symbolizes wisdom, a peacemaker building bridges between nations. This is where people of different ethnicities and faiths can gather in search of a shared future. I will never forget that Kazakhstan renounced nuclear weapons and thus became a symbol of peace and disarmament, a message more relevant today than ever. Kazakhstan has been, and remains, a voice of reason in a world where reason is increasingly rare.”

We take pride in the fact that history has entrusted Kazakhstan with the noble responsibility of uniting spiritual leaders in Astana through mutual respect and wise compromise. The upcoming VIII Congress stands as a vivid confirmation of this path.

Welcome to Kazakhstan, to the beautiful capital Astana — the City of Peace and Harmony!

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