By Dr. Abdulrahim Ibrahim Abdulwahid
Astana – Dubai: In a world witnessing growing polarization, religious tension, and geopolitical uncertainty, Kazakhstan’s initiative to host the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions stands as a unique model of spiritual diplomacy. Since its inception in 2003, the Congress has become one of the most important platforms for interfaith dialogue globally. It offers a neutral and inclusive space for leaders of major world religions and traditional beliefs to exchange views, reaffirm shared human values, and promote peace.
As the international community prepares for the 8th Congress in September 2025, once again in Astana, it is worth reflecting on how this initiative started and how it has evolved to meet the demands of a constantly changing world.
A Global Platform for Dialogue and Tolerance
For several years, the Republic of Kazakhstan has hosted a prominent international conference that brings together leaders of world and traditional religions under a framework of constructive dialogue and fruitful consultation. The aim is to reach common visions and effective solutions for pressing humanitarian issues. This congress is held periodically and has convened seven times to date. The most recent session was in September 2022, held in the Kazakh capital, Astana, under the theme: “The Role of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions in the Spiritual and Social Development of Humanity in the Post-COVID-19 Period”, with participation from 108 senior religious leaders from over 60 countries.
This Congress is a pioneering step toward enhancing mutual understanding, reinforcing the values of peaceful coexistence, and promoting cooperation among peoples for the sake of good, peace, and unity.
One of the Congress’s landmark achievements came during its second session in 2006, with the adoption of the Declaration on the Principles of Interfaith Dialogue. It emphasized that dialogue should be based on honesty, tolerance, humility, and mutual respect, with a focus on attentive listening and deep reflection. The document also underscored the need for equal opportunities for all participants and full respect for cultural and linguistic diversity.
These principles aim to instil the understanding that dialogue is not a platform for confrontation, but rather a means to sincerely and clearly present religious beliefs and values, free from offense or distortion. They promote peaceful coexistence, fruitful cooperation among nations, quality education, and media engagement in highlighting the role of dialogue in curbing extremism and religious fanaticism.
The Congress also seeks to open new horizons for dialogue in political, social, and cultural fields, positively impacting human societies and spreading the spirit of tolerance and understanding among people of all religions, cultures, and ethnicities.
Held every three years in Kazakhstan, this unique event highlights the country’s leading role in supporting peace and global dialogue initiatives, its deep commitment to promoting moderation, strengthening cooperation among faiths, and combating the extremism that some radical groups attempt to sow in communities.
A Bold Post-9/11 Initiative
The inaugural congress took place in September 2003, at a time when the world was still grappling with the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks and the rise of religious extremism. The initiative came directly from Kazakhstan’s First President, Nursultan Nazarbayev, who envisioned Astana as a modern meeting point of civilizations and a platform for interfaith understanding.
The first congress brought together 17 delegations from 13 countries, including representatives of Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Shintoism, and other traditional faiths. The symbolic setting—a modern capital built with aspirations of openness—cemented Kazakhstan’s identity as a bridge between East and West, North and South.
Rather than seeking theological consensus, the first congress prioritized mutual respect, rejection of violence, and cooperation for the common good. These principles have guided every session since.
Two Decades of Progress
Since 2003, the Congress has been held every three years, expanding participation and deepening its intellectual and moral agenda. With each session, it has evolved from a symbolic gathering into a strategic forum addressing global challenges from a perspective of ethical responsibility and interfaith cooperation.
Key topics over the years have included combating extremism and religious violence, ethics and the environment, religion’s role in responding to pandemics, and the importance of youth and education in building a peaceful future.
Kazakhstan’s commitment to neutrality and pluralism has allowed it to host sensitive and meaningful dialogues among religious leaders who might not otherwise share a common platform. The Congress now benefits from a permanent secretariat, ensuring continuity between sessions and implementation of its decisions.
2025 Congress: Unity in a Fractured World
The upcoming 2025 session is expected to build on the legacy of previous ones, addressing urgent global issues. Amid threats such as geopolitical conflicts, climate change, inequality, and the cultural fragmentation of global stability, the moral authority of religious and spiritual leaders is more vital than ever.
Likely themes for the 2025 Congress include:
- Faith and the Global Peace Agenda: How can religious traditions collectively contribute to conflict resolution, diplomacy, and peacebuilding?
- Spiritual Ecology: The growing role of religious ethics in addressing climate change and protecting the planet.
- Artificial Intelligence and Human Dignity: Confronting the ethical challenges posed by technological and digital transformation.
- Religious Pluralism and Youth Engagement: Ensuring that future generations see religion as a source of unity and moral clarity, not division.
The next Congress will be an opportunity to reaffirm the role of religion in upholding human dignity, enhancing intercultural understanding, and defending the marginalized.
Kazakhstan’s Moral Diplomacy on the Global Stage
Hosting the Congress is not only a diplomatic achievement for Kazakhstan, but also a reflection of its broader national identity. With its multi-ethnic and multi-religious society, Kazakhstan strengthens its role as a neutral mediator and a platform for peacebuilding. Astana, the capital, has become a symbol of this vision, hosting not only the Congress but also peace talks, summits, and humanitarian forums.
Under the leadership of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, a seasoned UN diplomat, Kazakhstan has reaffirmed its commitment to the Congress as part of its principle of “peace through dialogue.” The 2025 edition is expected to elevate Kazakhstan’s international standing and offer moral leadership amid growing global tensions.
A Model for Global Dialogue
As the world looks to the 8th Congress in 2025, the need for interfaith dialogue has never been more urgent. The Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions stands not only as a celebratory forum but also as a profound platform for ethical dialogue, transcending politics and ideology.
By bringing together spiritual leaders from all continents and traditions, Kazakhstan has demonstrated that peace is possible when mutual respect, moral courage, and honest dialogue are prioritized. The Congress may not solve all global crises, but it plants the seeds of understanding, empathy, and cooperation—vital for healing a divided world.
Over two decades, the Congress has proven that despite theological differences, religions can unite around a common purpose: preserving peace, upholding dignity, and protecting humanity. September 2025 promises to reaffirm and advance that vision.
