THE VIII CONGRESS OF THE LEADERS OF WORLD AND TRADITIONAL RELIGIONS
On September 17–18, 2025, the VIII Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions was held in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan. The event was chaired by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. This major international Congress reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s growing role as a respected international platform for interreligious and intercultural dialogue.
The Congress brought together over 100 delegations from approximately 60 countries, including spiritual leaders representing major world religions such as Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Judaism, Hinduism, Daoism, Zoroastrianism, and Shintoism. This event also features participation of representatives from international organizations, academia, political, and civil society.
The central theme of the Congress was: “Dialogue of Religions: Synergy for the Future.” Discussions focused on pressing issues such as the role of religions in ensuring global peace and stability, ethical challenges of the digital age, the impact of artificial intelligence on society, as well as countering violence, radicalism, and religious intolerance.
The Congress program included sectional meetings, panel discussions, and the Forum of Young Religious Leaders, where emerging spiritual leaders voiced their dedication to the principles of peace, mutual respect, and interfaith cooperation.
The event concluded with the adoption of a final declaration – Astana Peace Declaration 2025 – calling for strengthened trust among religious communities, respect for cultural diversity, and the development of a shared vision for a future grounded in values of compassion, justice, and harmony.
