On September 17–18, 2025, Astana once again became the center of global interfaith dialogue, hosting the VIII Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions.

The event brought together over 100 delegations from 60 countries, including spiritual leaders of major world religions, representatives of international organizations, renowned experts, political scientists, and public figures.

There was a notably strong representation from the United Kingdom, including the Church of England and the Anglican Communion were represented by The Rt. Revd. Dr. Jo Bailey Wells, Deputy Secretary General and Bishop for Episcopal Ministry in the Anglican Communion, and The Rt. Revd. Danald Jute, Chair of the Anglican Interfaith Commission and Bishop of Kuching.

The UK delegation also included Dr. Farhan Nizami, Director of the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies; Dr. Mátyás Bódi, Research Fellow in Freedom of Religion or Belief at Regent’s Park College, University of Oxford; as well as Ms. Ninadi Heshara, a young religious leader and member of the Anglican Church in Sri Lanka.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted: “The current global situation is marked by rising tensions and a worsening international agenda. The number of conflicts around the world has significantly increased. This period of instability has taken a heavy toll on humanity. Unfortunately, military confrontations are flaring up with alarming frequency. We must learn the right lessons from the past and strive for constructive and open dialogue – there is no alternative path to achieving harmony. In this context, the role of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions is truly exceptional. You are messengers of peace, united under the banner of humanism, working together to guide humanity toward noble goals. I express my deep gratitude for your commitment.”

Pope Leo XIV sent a message of greetings to the participants of the Congress, stating: “The future we aspire to a future of peace, fraternity, and solidarity requires the engagement of every heart and every hand. When religious leaders stand together to protect the most vulnerable, plant trees to care for our common home, or raise a united voice in defense of human dignity, they affirm a powerful truth: faith unites more than it divides. This synergy becomes a beacon of hope for all humankind, demonstrating that religion, at its core, is not a source of conflict, but a force for healing and reconciliation.

With this in mind, I trust that the work of this Congress will inspire us to tirelessly strive for harmony, fostering a synergy for peace – one that, as I have said before, ‘is unarmed and disarming, humble and persistent,’ always seeking love and reaching out to those who suffer.”

During the sectional discussions, participants explored the role of religion in uniting humanity in the 21st century, the importance of spiritual values in the age of artificial intelligence, the contribution of religious institutions to sustainable development, and their peacebuilding potential in countering extremism.

The Congress also hosted the Second Forum of Young Religious Leaders under the theme “Youth for Peaceful Coexistence: Synergy for the Future”, as well as an expert roundtable titled “Intercultural and Interfaith Dialogue Today.”

The event concluded with the adoption of the Astana Peace Declaration 2025, comprising 34 key points. In it, religious leaders spoke in unison to call for deeper dialogue, the rejection of violence, and the protection of human dignity.

In his closing remarks, President Tokayev stated: “Despite differences in faith and traditions, we are united by shared aspirations and goodwill. The Final Declaration adopted today reflects our common ideas and proposals. This, in essence, is the true purpose of the Congress. We have witnessed a constructive dialogue built on mutual respect. Most importantly, spiritual leaders have demonstrated their willingness to join forces in pursuit of shared interests.”

The Head of State emphasized that Kazakhstan fully supports interreligious and intercultural dialogue at all levels and will continue to actively enhance the role of the Congress as a global platform for dialogue.

“We will continue expanding the Congress Secretariat’s network of partnerships with UN institutions and other international bodies. A series of initiatives is planned in collaboration with international partners, youth, experts, and volunteer organizations to promote the values and messages of the Congress.

Peace is our greatest treasure – a universal value shared by all nations, peoples, and religions. Indeed, only peace and stability can serve as a solid foundation for a brighter future. Your tireless efforts on this path are evident, and today’s meeting is a powerful testament to that.

In conclusion, I can confidently say that the Congress was a success. I extend my deepest gratitude to all of you and firmly believe that our unity in pursuit of noble goals will continue to grow stronger.”

Congress participants reaffirmed their commitment to advancing interreligious and intercultural dialogue as a vital tool in achieving global peace, social stability, and international cooperation. They condemned extremism, radicalism, and terrorism in all forms and declared the inadmissibility of using religion for political purposes.

The next IX Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions will be held in Astana in 2028, continuing Kazakhstan’s important mission of serving as a platform for dialogue, mutual understanding, and cooperation in the name of peace.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-london/press/news/details/1071454?lang=kk