Religious leaders are uniting in Kazakhstan to discuss the role of spirituality after Covid-19

On September 14-15, the Kazakh capital Nur-Sultan will host the seventh Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions. It will focus on encouraging the spiritual and social development of humankind.

As the world attempts to recover from Covid-19, many people are searching for ways to get back to the lives they had or to adapt to the versions that have taken shape. To provide this sense of enlightenment, the Congress aims to unify the state and society through the human philosophies of tolerance, openness, respect, and trust.

Across the two days, it will hold four sessions on the role of religion in strengthening spiritual, moral, and educational values. It will also demonstrate the continued support for women’s social status and the advanced solutions for countering extremism, radicalism, and terrorism.

Since its launch in 2003, the Congress has stayed true to the belief that diverse minds can bring about positive change – which is why it continues to unite leaders who would usually have no reason to sit at the same table.

The first Congress saw 17 delegations from 13 countries taking part. This year, it is expected to bring in over 100 delegations from more than 50 countries across Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Shintoism, Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, Hinduism, Jainism, and other religions. The multi-faith group is connected by a goal of making the world a more positive place.

As the Head of the State in Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, notes: “We must always follow the principle of “different views, but one nation”. A high culture of dialogue and compromise will be one of the main factors in strengthening civil solidarity in our country” and across the globe.

According to the Committee on Religious Affairs of the Ministry of Information and Social Development of Kazakhstan, there are 3,834 religious entities registered in Kazakhstan, of which 70% are Islamic.

The remaining entities have participated in an interfaith dialogue for centuries – from the birth of Zoroastrianism in the Caspian Sea region to the development of Buddhism via the Kushan Empire in the 1st century, through to the rise of Christianity 400 years later.

Thanks to an established synergy between the government and legal representatives of the various religions, Kazakhstan is a reliable and predictable destination, making it the ideal partner to champion a diverse culture of collaboration and spirituality.