On January 19, 2026, Bauyrzhan Bakirov, Deputy Chair of the International Center for Interfaith and Interreligious Dialogue held a meeting with Delia Nita, Associate Officer on Freedom of Religion or Belief, OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR). The meeting was also attended by staff members of the Center’s departments responsible for analyzing the religious situation, conducting religious studies expertise, and research activities.
During the meeting, the Deputy Chair briefed the guests on the history of the establishment of the International Center, its activities, as well as the organizational structure of the Center and the main areas of work of its departments. He also highlighted the efforts being undertaken in Kazakhstan to ensure freedom of religion or belief, address security issues, and promote interfaith dialogue. Specific examples were provided of the Center’s activities carried out jointly with the Committee on Religious Affairs of the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan and other state bodies.
In turn, Delia Nita outlined key issues related to freedom of religion or belief, including the discussion of current topics, the identification of priority areas and key stakeholders that could form the basis for future cooperation. She also presented the content and opportunities of an online course on security issues designed for all OSCE participating States.
Additionally, during the meeting, Delia Nita expressed interest in the level of demand for capacity-building courses on freedom of religion or belief and security issues. Matters of interest to the Center in this area were discussed, and an exchange of views took place on pressing issues.
The meeting was held in a constructive and cordial working atmosphere. At the conclusion of the meeting, the OSCE representative Delia Nita thanked the Center’s staff for the substantive discussion and expressed her intention to continue cooperation in the future.
