On the eve of the VII Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions on May 18 2022, within the framework of the current discussion platform "PeaceTalks", the N. Nazarbayev Center for the Development of Interfaith and Intercivilizational Dialogue organized an international online conference on the topic: "The role of religious leaders in achieving sustainable development of the world".
The conference was attended by the Vice-Minister of of Information and Social Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan S.Egizbayev, Chairman of the Board of the N.Nazarbayev Center for the Development of Interfaith and Intercivilizational Dialogue B. Sarsenbayev, Secretary General of the Al-Azhar Academy of Islamic Studies Nazir Mohammed Mohammed Al-Nazir Ayad, Head of the Bureau for Islamic Affairs of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, Monsignor Khaled Akashe, Chairman of the Russian-Arab Center for Research and Information Majid Abdulaziz al-Turki, Representative of the Chairman of the Center for Dialogue of Religions and Cultures of the Organization for Culture and Islamic Relations of the Islamic Republic of Iran Zahra Rashid Beigi, Representative of the Hindu organization "Somaya Vidyavihar", Associate Professor of Sanskrit at the Dharma Institute Rudraksha Sakrikar, Director General of the Center for the Study of the History, Culture and Art of Islam (IRCICA) Kilich Mahmud Erol, Chief Rabbi of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yeshaya Elazar Cohen, The head of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Kazakhstan, Archbishop Y. Novgorodov, Head of the Department of Propaganda and Public Relations of the Muslim spiritual department of Kazakhstan, Secretary of the Council of Scientists B.Mansurov, Key Keeper of the Seraphim Temple, Archpriest E.Korolkov, Press Secretary of the Conference of Bishops of Kazakhstan and Central Asia, Monsignor P.Pytlovany, Leading Manager of the noncommercial joint stock company "Kazakhstan Institute of Social Development "Rukhani Zhangyru" T.Toleu.
During the international conference, the participants discussed issues of interaction between leaders of world and traditional religions for the sustainable development of the world and consolidation of efforts to strengthen cooperation.
Opening the event, Chairman of the Board B. Sarsenbayev, as the Commissioner for promoting the goals and objectives of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, spoke about the history and mission of the Congress, which demonstrated its relevance and importance in condition of escalation of modern challenges and threats, and also stressed that "The Congress provides productive meetings and communication interaction of leaders of world religions and major political figures so that they can directly listen and hear each other; to use the rich spiritual heritage of world religions and the common historical experience of civilizations to determine the role of leaders of world and traditional religions in the spiritual and social development of mankind."
In his turn, the head of the Bureau of Islam of the Pontifical Council of the Holy See for Interreligious Dialogue, Monsignor Khaled Akashe, expressing gratitude for the organization of the international conference, said that the theme of the event dedicated to the role of religious leaders in achieving sustainable development of the world has a great importance for both current and future generations.
During his speech, Rudraksha Sakrikar, Secretary of the Program on Interfaith Relations and Mutual Understanding of Somaya Vidyavihar University, identified society, environment, culture and economy as the main aspects of sustainable development of the world. At the end of his speech, he stressed that the ethical and moral values taught by religion and the contribution of religious leaders are extremely important for achieving sustainable development.
Director General of the International Research Center for the Study of the History, Culture and Art of Islam (IRCICA) Mahmud Erol Kilic said that their organization contributes to the sustainable development of the world by popularizing the results of research projects, conferences and artistic events. He also said that the agendas of various scientific conferences of religious leaders, including this conference, clearly reflect their contribution to cultural diplomacy.
In general, the participants of the conference, positively assessing the initiative of the Center for the organization of the event, noted the importance of promoting interfaith and intercivilizational dialogue at the international level.
Summarizing the speeches of foreign and Kazakh religious leaders and experts, B.Sarsenbayev expressed hope that today's international online conference was another step in promoting sustainable development of the world, and also expressed gratitude and wished the participants of the online conference good health and well-being.
