September 2, 2025, The Hague — The Netherlands will be represented at the upcoming Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions by Dr. Emrullah Akgunduz, Rector of the Islamic University of Applied Sciences Rotterdam (IUASR), who met with the Ambassador of Kazakhstan Kairat Abdrakhmanov on the eve of his trip to the global forum. It was emphasized that the leadership of this unique institution-the country’s only university with an Islamic curriculum-has previously participated in congresses in Kazakhstan’s capital, reflecting the sustained interest of Dutch society in advancing international interfaith cooperation.

In discussing the Congress concept, full support was expressed for President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s appeal to spiritual leaders, political and public figures, and people of good will to unite within a global movement for peace. There is strong interest in the themes of the plenary and breakout sessions, as well as in the issues to be addressed at the expert roundtable. The Forum of Young Religious Leaders will ensure the continuity of interfaith and intercultural dialogue by engaging a wide cross-section of youth, including secular youth. Particular attention was given to prospects for expanding educational, academic, and cultural ties between Kazakhstan and the Netherlands.

The VIII Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions will also be attended by Ambassador Christophe Kamp, the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities, whose headquarters is in The Hague. As the largest regional international organization, the OSCE makes a substantial contribution to strengthening mutual understanding and respect among communities of world and traditional religions by promoting tolerance as a key to preventing conflicts, ensuring peace, and building a just society-fully in line with the current policy of Kazakhstan’s leadership.

Active engagement by foreign delegations will lend additional weight to the upcoming event in Astana and help shape coordinated approaches to fostering a just, secure, and prosperous future for all humankind.

The Kingdom of the Netherlands has a population of over 18 million, with population growth driven entirely by migration. It is an ethnically diverse country, particularly in major cities: for example, in Rotterdam more than 38.9% of residents have a migration background, the majority originating from Türkiye, Morocco, Suriname, and Indonesia. In terms of religious composition, about 44% of the Dutch population identify as religious, with Christians predominating: Catholics account for roughly 20%, Protestants about 15%, and up to 6% are Muslims—making Islam the second-largest religion after Christianity. The growth in the number of Muslims is especially notable among young people: Islam remains the fastest-growing religion in the 18–25 age group.

The Islamic University of Applied Sciences Rotterdam (IUASR), founded in 1997, is the country’s only Islamic higher education institution. It offers bachelor’s and master’s programs in Islamic studies, theology, and pedagogy; trains specialists for Muslim communities and educational institutions; and actively participates in interfaith and intercultural initiatives both within the Kingdom and beyond.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-hague/press/news/details/1062938?lang=kk