As part of the VIII Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, the Second Forum of Young Religious Leaders was held in Astana, bringing together delegations from around 20 countries. The forum was dedicated to the theme: "Youth for Peaceful Coexistence: Synergy for the Future."
The event served as one of the key international platforms for interfaith dialogue, uniting representatives of major religious traditions, government officials, public figures, and scholars. Participants discussed the role of youth in addressing global challenges and promoting interreligious cooperation at the international level.
The forum opened with a welcoming address by Maulen Ashimbayev, Chairman of the Senate of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Head of the Secretariat of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions. In his speech, he emphasized the special responsibility of the younger generation in fostering peace and dialogue, highlighting the importance of the principle "building bridges, not walls."
As part of the Forum's business program, a Forum-talks session was held, where key issues regarding the role of youth in strengthening peace and promoting interreligious dialogue were discussed. For the first time, an interactive format using Mentimeter was usedto engage participants in the discussion.
This Second Forum built upon the foundation established in 2024, demonstrating sustained interest in youth spiritual leadership. Participants noted in the context of growing polarization and religious intolerance, the younger generation plays a strategic role in advancing a constructive and unifying agenda across faiths and cultures.
At the conclusion of the Forum, a draft communiqué titled "Youth for Peaceful Coexistence" was presented. The document reflects the commitment of young leaders to the values of tolerance, justice, solidarity, and dialogue. It also underscores the importance of interfaith engagement in shaping a sustainable and peaceful future.
The Forum reaffirmed the importance of youth participation in the work of the Congress and in the broader global interfaith agenda. Its outcomes further strengthened the role of this platform as a powerful tool of spiritual diplomacy and a space for meaningful dialogue in support of building an inclusive, peaceful, and sustainable society.
