A Landmark Document for Peace, Sustainable Development and Intercultural Dialogue

Adopted at the conclusion of the VIII Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, held in Astana on 17-18 September 2025, the Astana Peace Declaration 2025 outlines key areas of international cooperation in promoting peace, sustainable development and intercultural dialogue.

The Congress brought together more than 100 delegations from approximately 60 countries, reaffirming Kazakhstan’s role as a global platform for dialogue among religions and civilisations.

Opening the Congress, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted that the world was experiencing an unprecedented period of geopolitical tension, escalating conflicts and deepening ideological divisions. Against the backdrop of hybrid warfare, growing confrontation and the threat posed by weapons of mass destruction, spiritual leaders have an increasingly important role to play as moral guides for the international community.

President Tokayev emphasised that the Congress provides a unique platform for building consensus through open dialogue. Its final declarations are circulated as official documents of the United Nations General Assembly, further enhancing the international visibility of the forum’s work.

Particular attention was devoted to the protection of religious sites and cultural heritage. The Head of State stressed that safeguarding sacred places means protecting the very foundations of human civilisation.

President Tokayev also put forward several strategic initiatives, including the promotion of a Movement for Peace under the auspices of the Congress and the expansion of cooperation with the United Nations and regional organisations.

Key Priorities of the Declaration

The Astana Peace Declaration 2025 reaffirmed the strategic role of interreligious dialogue in preventing conflict and strengthening mutual trust.

Its key priorities include closer cooperation with the United Nations, the protection of religious sites and cultural heritage, the use of education to counter radicalisation, greater participation of young people and women in intercultural dialogue, and the prevention of attempts to misuse religion to justify violence and extremism.

The Declaration states unequivocally that terrorism cannot and must not be associated with any religion, culture or civilisation.

A New Global Agenda

Particular attention was given to digital transformation. Amid the rapid development of artificial intelligence, religious leaders supported the elaboration of universal ethical principles governing its use. President Tokayev’s proposal to establish an Interreligious Commission on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence marked an important step towards developing a human-centred approach to technological progress.

Environmental issues also featured prominently. Participants proposed preparing an international document on the role of spiritual leaders in addressing climate change, reflecting the understanding that environmental responsibility is also a moral imperative.

Interreligious Diplomacy

Over more than two decades, the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions has developed into an established international platform for spiritual diplomacy. The Astana Peace Declaration 2025 demonstrates that interreligious initiatives can serve not only as symbols of mutual understanding but also as practical instruments for strengthening international trust.

The IX Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions is scheduled to be held in Astana in 2028.

Towards a Global Culture of Peace

The Astana Peace Declaration 2025 affirms that religion in the twenty-first century can serve not as a source of division but as a force for unity. The combination of spiritual values, international diplomacy and technological responsibility offers a new model of global cooperation based on mutual respect, trust and shared responsibility for the future of humanity.

Through the Congress and its initiatives, Kazakhstan continues to contribute to international efforts aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence, intercultural dialogue and a more secure and sustainable world.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-zagreb/press/news/details/1276962?lang=ru