On October 17, 2024 N.Nazarbayev Center for the Development of Interfaith and Intercivilization held an international conference: «Spiritual harmony: origins, status, prospects», dedicated to the Day of Spiritual Harmony of Kazakhstan.
The online conference was attended by Joe Bailey Wells (UK), Deputy General Secretary of the Anglican Communion and Bishop for Episcopal Ministries of the Anglican Communion, Dr Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq (Pakistan), Director General of the Institute of Islamic Studies at the International Islamic University Islamabad, Rudraksha Sakrikar (India), Professor of Somaiya Vidyavihar University, and Dr Arifin Yama (Thailand), representative of the World Community of Buddhists, as well as representatives of government agencies and religious authorities.
The international conference discussed the issues of promoting the ideals of peace and spiritual harmony, consent and tolerance for the sake of unity and stability in the multi-ethnic and multi-confessional Kazakhstani society.
In her welcoming speech, D.Yessenova, Acting Chairman of the Board of the N.Nazarbayev Center, stressed out: «The Head of State Kasym-Jomart Tokayev emphasises: «Our main wealth is well-being and unity, stability and tranquillity, peace and harmony». Kazakhstan is one of the first states in the world, which in the difficult time of global changes and contradictions managed to implement and transform the idea of spiritual harmony into a real wise and powerful force».
In turn, the Reverend Jo Bailey Wells pointed out that «...our world needs spiritual harmony and opportunities to work together with people of different perspectives. Those who are part of the «orchestra» of our world. But it is possible to play on different instruments that produce different sounds. When God created the earth and the sky, he did it for harmony».
«The conference is an important step towards the development of mutual understanding, co-operation and confidence building between different spiritual communities, cultures, generations. And in this flow of ideas, initiatives and changes a significant place is occupied by young people. After all, young leaders of different confessions can play a paramount role in the formation of positive worldview orientations», - said in her speech the Director of SIC “Youth” A.Erniyazova.
At the end of the conference, the participants positively assessed the initiative of the Centre to organize the event and noted the importance of further promotion of interfaith and intercultural dialogue.
