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On December 6-7, Chairman of the Management Board of the N.Nazarbayev Center for the Development of Interfaith and Intercivilization Dialogue, Commissioner for the promotion of the goals and objectives of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions B.Sarsenbayev, was on a two-day visit to Islamabad, where, as a honored guest, he participated in an international conference titled: ‘Sirah, Civic Sense and Tolerance,’ organized by the International Islamic University (IIU).

Welcoming the participants of the international conference, the Chairman of the Management Board of the Center emphasized the importance of joint cooperation and the development of interfaith and intercivilization dialogue between the countries, also shared Kazakhstan's experience of interethnic tolerance and social harmony. «Hospitality and tolerance are an integral part of the cultural code of the Kazakh people and modern Kazakhstan, relying on two powerful pillars – history and geography, continues this fundamental tradition. One of the most important global achievements of Kazakhstan is the initiation of the Congress of the Leaders of World and Traditional Religions. Over the past years, Kazakhstan has successfully organized and held seven Congresses. 2023 marks the 20th anniversary of the convocation of the first Congress of the Leaders of World and Traditional Religions in Astana. On October 11, 2023 Astana hosted the XXI Session of the Secretariat of the Congress of the Leaders of World and Traditional Religions under the leadership of the Chairman of the Senate of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan - Head of the Secretariat of the Congress Maulen Ashimbayev. Participants approved the Development Concept of the Congress of the Leaders of World and Traditional Religions for 2023-2033, developed on behalf of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan K.Tokayev. The document is aimed at expanding the scope of partners and the geography of the forum's activities, strengthening cooperation between the Congress's dialogue platform and international institutions and authoritative organizations. In order to develop the potential of spiritual diplomacy, it is proposed that the institute of Goodwill Ambassadors of the Congress be established from among prominent and highly respected religious, political and public figures. The Concept is intended to further contribute to establish the world, where spiritual and moral values are not merely preserved but become fundamental».

Following the conference, Mr. B. Sarsenbaev presented the Medal of Honor from the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions to the President of IIU, Prof. Dr. Hathal Homoud Alotaibi. In recognition of their merits and contribution to the development of interreligious dialogue and strengthening cooperation, the Pakistani side awarded the Peace Prize from the IIU to both, Mr. B. Sarsenbaev and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Pakistan, Mr. Y. Kistafin.

In addition, B.Sarsenbayev met with the Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Mr. Aneeq Ahmed. During the negotiations, the parties discussed further prospects for strengthening religious cooperation between Kazakhstan and Pakistan, both in bilateral and multilateral formats, primarily within the framework of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions.

The Kazakh delegation also visited Bahria University, where the head of the Center delivered a lecture to students. The students from Bahria University campuses in the cities of Lahore and Karachi, also took part in the event via video conferencing.

Following the event, Chairman of the Management Board of the Center B.Sarsenbayev took part in the morning show of the PTV World channel, and also gave a detailed interview to the leading international publication "The World News AM", where he shared the importance of further promotion in Kazakhstan and abroad of the Concept of Development of the Congress of the Leaders of World and Traditional Religions for 2023-2033, as well as strengthening dialogue, mutual understanding and respect between countries, cultures and religions in the name of peace.