On July 21, 2025, in Astana, International center for Interfaith and Interreligious dialogue, in cooperation with the Islamic Research Institute of the International Islamic University in Islamabad, Pakistan, organized an international roundtable titled “Dialogue of Generations: Spiritual Mentorship and Youth Leadership.”
The roundtable aimed to strengthen intergenerational and interfaith dialogue, highlight the crucial role of spiritual mentorship in fostering youth leadership, and explore the significant impact of the digital environment on religious beliefs and practices.
The event was opened by Marat Kalizhanov, Acting Chairman of the Board of the Center, who warmly welcomed the participants. In his opening remarks, he emphasized that in an era of rapid change, intergenerational dialogue and mentorship are essential for sustainable development and social harmony. He noted that the roundtable provides a platform for open exchange, experience sharing, and joint exploration of key questions: how to pass on spiritual and moral values to youth, how to inspire them toward responsible leadership, and what roles tradition, religion, and intergenerational engagement play in this process.
The roundtable brought together international guests and experts, including:
Mohammed Zia Ul-Haq, Director General of the Institute of Islamic Studies, International Islamic University (Islamabad, Pakistan), Ilya Kashitsyn, Secretary for Interreligious Relations of the Department for External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate and Executive Secretary of the Interreligious Council of Russia (Russia), Emmanuel Gans, President of the TONAFA Institute, civil and digital rights advocate, and UN Youth Leader for the Sustainable Development Goals (Benin), Dr. H. Imam Addarruqutni, Chairman of the Bureau of International Relations and Cooperation of the Central Board of “Pimpinan Pusat Muhammadiyah” (Indonesia).
Prominent religious leaders, spiritual mentors, young religious figures, interfaith activists, and representatives of academic and research institutions also contributed to the discussions. Representatives of major religious denominations in Kazakhstan participated in the main sessions, including the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kazakhstan, the Orthodox Church, the Roman Catholic Church, and the Evangelical Lutheran Church.
