COMMUNIQUÉ
"YOUTH FOR PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE"
We, the participants of the II Forum of Young Religious Leaders, held under the auspices of the Congress of the Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, gathered at the Palace of Independence in Astana on 18 September 2025 to discuss the role of youth in strengthening interreligious and intercultural dialogue in today’s world.
Recognizing that the modern world faces a wide range of challenges – from geopolitical instability and armed conflicts to climate crises and social inequality — we affirm the urgent need to unite our efforts in advancing peace, mutual understanding, and constructive action.
Acknowledging that youth represent a powerful and dynamic force with the potential to shape a more sustainable and just future, we reaffirm our commitment to applying our knowledge, energy, and leadership to promote the values of peace, sustainable development, and harmonious coexistence.
We hereby affirm our commitment to the following five key priorities:
- Developing Youth Dialogue Platforms
We support the creation and expansion of youth-led forums, educational programs, and intercultural and interreligious exchanges as effective tools to foster mutual understanding and build trust among people of different faiths and cultures.
- Promoting Spiritual and Moral Values
We aim to uphold universal values — including tolerance, compassion, respect, and responsibility — as the ethical foundation for addressing global challenges and advancing peaceful coexistence.
- Launching Constructive Initiatives
We are committed to designing and implementing projects in the areas of social support, environmental protection, technological innovation, and education, with a particular focus on empowering vulnerable groups and local communities.
- Harnessing Innovation for Peace
We recognize the transformative potential of modern technologies – from digital platforms to artificial intelligence – as vital instruments for advancing interfaith dialogue, spiritual diplomacy, and global collaboration.
- Fostering Global Cooperation
We advocate for the strengthening of partnerships with international and regional organizations, government bodies, civil society institutions, and religious communities to build a more sustainable, inclusive, and peaceful world.
We call upon the international community, including religious and political leaders, to support and expand youth-led initiatives aimed at promoting interfaith dialogue and spiritual diplomacy. Only through collective action can we build a just, peaceful, and sustainable future for all.
We reaffirm our commitment to the goals and principles of the Congress of the Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, grounded in mutual respect, dialogue, and interrelirious cooperation as the foundation for lasting peace.
This communiqué was adopted by a majority of delegates of the II Forum of Young Religious Leaders, held within the framework of the VIII Congress of the Leaders of World and Traditional Religions. It is hereby addressed to religious and political leaders, government authorities, international and regional organizations, civil society institutions, religious communities, and leading experts in interreligious and intercultural dialogue.
MAY OUR ASPIRATIONS BE BLESSED,
AND MAY PROSPERITY BE GRANTED TO ALL NATIONS AND PEOPLES!
Astana,
Republic of Kazakhstan
September 18, 2025
