Gulsana Kozhabay, Chair of the Board of the International Center for Interfaith and Intercivilizational Dialogue (ICIID), held talks with Yoshiyuki Nagaoka, Executive Director for International Affairs of Soka Gakkai International (SGI). The meeting took place during their joint participation in the Special Session of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) on the protection of religious sites.
Yoshiyuki Nagaoka acknowledged the significant contribution of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions to global interfaith dialogue and emphasized the alignment between Kazakhstan and Japan in promoting interreligious and intercultural understanding. He expressed appreciation and support for the organizers of the Congress.
The discussion focused on potential areas for cooperation in education, cultural exchange, youth engagement, and the joint advancement of interfaith and intercultural dialogue. Opportunities for implementing joint international initiatives – both under the umbrella of the Congress and through global platforms – were also considered.
Gulsana Kozhabai commended SGI’s long-standing commitment to promoting a culture of peace, non-violence, and global awareness. She noted that a synergy between ICIID and SGI could serve as a significant step toward deepening humanitarian dialogue and strengthening interreligious understanding.
