On June 25–26, 2025, the city of Almaty hosted an international round table titled “Spiritual Diplomacy and the Preservation of the Sacred Heritage of World and Traditional Religions.” The event was co-organized by the International Center for Interfaith and Interreligious Dialogue (Kazakhstan), the Muslim Council of Elders (UAE), the Egyptian University of Islamic Culture “Nur-Mubarak.”, and National Library of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The main objective of the round table was to advance spiritual diplomacy as a meaningful and effective instrument for promoting peace and mutual understanding in the face of current global challenges. Particular emphasis was placed on enhancing interfaith cooperation and fostering international partnerships based on trust and mutual respect.
A key area of focus was the safeguarding of sacred scriptures as a core element of spiritual diplomacy. This topic was discussed in the context of the statement made by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, at the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly, where he stated: “All sacred books, including the Quran, must be protected from acts of vandalism through legal means.”
Participants examined the interreligious and civilizational significance of religious texts and ancient manuscripts, highlighting the importance of their preservation for future generations. A notable highlight was the presentation of an initiative to restore a 12th-century Quran manuscript, serving as a concrete example of protecting sacred heritage through practical measures.
The round table brought together representatives from the Muslim Council of Elders, the Research Centre for Islamic History, Art and Culture (IRCICA), the National Institute for Oriental Languages and Civilizations (INALCO, France), the World Society for the Study, Preservation and Promotion of the Cultural Heritage of Uzbekistan (WOSCU), the National Library of the Republic of Kazakhstan, as well as other international and local religious, academic, and cultural institutions. On behalf of the International Center, Deputy Chairman of the Board Mr. Bauyrzhan Bakirov delivered the welcoming address.
The program featured several thematic sessions. On the first day, held at Nur-Mubarak University, discussions focused on “The Role of Religions in Building Trust and Advancing Spiritual Diplomacy” and “Preserving Sacred Heritage: Contemporary Perspectives and Challenges.”
The second day, hosted at the National Library of Kazakhstan, explored techniques for restoring religious manuscripts and the ethical principles involved in handling them. Participants had the opportunity to examine a rare 12th-century Quran manuscript held in the library’s collection and reflected on its historical and cultural value. Experts from France, Turkey, Iran, and Kazakhstan shared academic perspectives and practical expertise related to the conservation of sacred texts.
The final day took place at the Institute of Islamic Studies under the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kazakhstan (SAMK), where guests were introduced to the institute’s research activities and projects aimed at preserving Islamic heritage. A guided tour was also arranged to visit sacred sites in Almaty listed on the city’s official Sacred Geography map.
In conclusion, participants reaffirmed their commitment to the protection and transmission of sacred scriptures of world and traditional religions to future generations. They also agreed on the need to strengthen international collaboration and establish enduring partnerships between religious and academic institutions.
The event was held in person and provided simultaneous interpretation in Kazakh, Russian, and Arabic.
