- Your Excellency, in your view, what makes interfaith and intercultural dialogue particularly crucial in today's complex global landscape?
In today’s increasingly interconnected world, interfaith and intercultural dialogue has become more essential than ever. Historically, geographical and cultural distances—such as those between Kazakhstan and Europe—meant that societies were less aware of one another’s realities. Differences, whether religious or cultural, were present but often remained distant and less visible.
However, modern advancements, particularly in transportation and communication, have dramatically reduced these barriers. Air travel allows us to reach even the most remote corners of the world in a matter of hours, bringing diverse cultures and faiths into closer contact. This proximity, while fostering greater understanding, also means that tensions or conflicts in one region can quickly extend beyond borders, affecting neighboring countries and even the global community.
A clear example of this dynamic is the phenomenon of foreign fighters—individuals who travel to conflict zones and later return to their home countries or relocate elsewhere, potentially exporting instability. In such a context, dialogue becomes not just beneficial but necessary to promote mutual respect, prevent misunderstandings, and address shared challenges collaboratively. By engaging in meaningful interfaith and intercultural exchanges, we can build bridges that help sustain peace and stability in our interconnected world.
- What do you perceive as the primary influence and foremost responsibilities of spiritual leaders in fostering sustainable peace and global well-being?
Spiritual leaders hold a unique and profound influence over their communities, granting them both a sacred duty and an extraordinary opportunity to shape a more harmonious world. As moral guides and custodians of timeless wisdom, they possess the power to inspire collective action, nurture shared values, and bridge divides.
Their primary responsibility lies in channeling this influence toward the greater good—upholding universal principles of peace, compassion, and justice. Historically, they have served as guardians of tradition, preserving cultural and ethical heritage. Yet in our rapidly evolving world, their role extends further: they must reinterpret these enduring truths to address contemporary challenges, offering ethical clarity in times of crisis.
By mobilizing communities toward unity rather than division, spiritual leaders can transform faith and culture into forces for reconciliation. Their voice can counter hatred with empathy, injustice with solidarity, and despair with hope. In doing so, they become not just keepers of the past, but architects of a more equitable and sustainable future—one where spiritual wisdom actively contributes to global well-being.
The spiritual leaders have a deep influence on their communities, and so for these reasons they have an immense responsibility, and because they have the capability of inspiring their people, their community, also to mobilize these communities. But this is the good part, because they can mobilize these communities towards the universal values of peace, compassion, justice. So they are, what we can say, that historically they are the guardians of the traditions, but at the same time, this is for the history, but for the future they can also give ethical solutions to the present problems and to the challenges of our times.
- What distinctive contributions or characteristics, in your opinion, set the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions apart from other international dialogue initiatives?
Yes, the Congress has been marked, since the beginning, by a pragmatic approach oriented toward action, and not only to theoretical speeches. The presence of religious leaders, but also political figures and representatives of civil society, gives this platform a unique feature — an inclusive dialogue. So, from this point of view, I think this is a very significant initiative, also because it is led by a country like Kazakhstan, which is a crossroads of peoples, cultures, and also religions. In Kazakhstan, several communities with different religions live together.
- Since its inception in 2003, what would you identify as the most impactful achievements of the Congress, both for Kazakhstan and the wider international community?
For Kazakhstan, the Congress has served as a transformative platform that has significantly elevated the nation's global standing. By consistently championing interfaith harmony and intercultural dialogue, it has positioned Kazakhstan as a forward-thinking advocate for peace and coexistence on the world stage. This has not only enhanced the country's international reputation but has also demonstrated its commitment to fostering unity amidst diversity—a crucial message in today's polarized world.
For the global community, the Congress has established itself as a vital forum for pragmatic dialogue. While numerous platforms exist for international discourse, this initiative stands out for its action-oriented approach. It brings together diverse voices to address pressing challenges—not merely through theoretical discussion, but through the pursuit of tangible solutions. Since its founding, the Congress has distinguished itself by translating principles of mutual understanding into practical cooperation, making it an indispensable part of the international peacebuilding landscape.
In essence, the Congress' dual legacy lies in elevating Kazakhstan's global profile while providing the world with a trusted space where dialogue leads to meaningful progress. Its enduring relevance stems from this unique combination of vision and concrete action.
- Could you share an example from your diplomatic experience that vividly illustrates the transformative potential of inter-religious dialogue?
Yes. As you probably know, I came from Kosovo. I served as the Ambassador of Italy to Kosovo. And as you may know, Kosovo went through a very difficult conflict in 1998–1999. It was a multi-ethnic country, like Kazakhstan, but unfortunately there were tensions between the Serbs and Albanians. During the war and even in the years that followed, because the tensions persisted there was serious damage and destruction of religious and cultural heritage. Mosques were destroyed, Orthodox churches were destroyed and this became a deep wound in the collective memory of all the people of Kosovo. After the war, the international community and Italy in particular played a leading role. Italy led the KFOR mission in Kosovo, a NATO-led peacekeeping mission with thousands of soldiers working to maintain balance between the two communities and to reduce tensions.
Now, the transformative potential of interreligious dialogue became evident through a number of efforts. One of the most important was the promotion, supported by Italy and international organizations — especially the OSCE, which is also present here in Kazakhstan — of dialogue between religious leaders to de-escalate tensions within their communities.
And one concrete example, apart from the dialogue itself, was the rehabilitation of the Visoki Dečani Monastery — a Serbian Orthodox monastery known for its beautiful frescoes. Italy contributed significantly, as part of the broader international effort, to restoring this important site. And this is the power of religion: while a church may serve Christians, and a mosque serves Muslims — at the end of the day, such sites form part of a nation's shared cultural heritage.
Today, this Orthodox monastery is visited not only by Christians, but also by Muslims — as well as many people from Italy and other countries. This shows that religious heritage can transcend its specific faith community and become a symbol of unity and shared identity.
I believe this is a paradigmatic case — an example that could be relevant for other countries that face interreligious tensions. Fortunately, Kazakhstan has not experienced such conflicts, and we are very happy about that. But still, this example shows the true transformative power of interreligious dialogue. Even though some tensions persist in Kosovo, the situation has significantly improved compared to the past.
- Drawing upon your experience, what are the most significant complexities diplomats face when dealing with the interplay of religion, politics, and international relations?
There are numerous complexities. One of the main challenges is that religious actors are not states they do not operate within the same institutional frameworks. For diplomats, this presents a different paradigm. In traditional diplomacy, it is relatively straightforward: we speak to ministers, heads of delegations, and official representatives. The structure is clear, the mandates are defined. But when engaging with non-state religious interlocutors, things become more nuanced. These figures are not political representatives in the conventional sense. They embody deeper cultural, spiritual, and even emotional dimensions, because they represent the faith and identity of their communities often touching on elements that go beyond rational or transactional reasoning. This makes it more difficult to find pragmatic solutions. Religious leaders may be less inclined toward negotiation in the diplomatic sense, as their positions can be more ideologically or spiritually driven. Their approach may not easily align with the typical logic of compromise and diplomacy.
Moreover, the language we use becomes critically important. When engaging in interreligious dialogue, we must be extremely sensitive in our choice of words. What may seem neutral in political discourse could unintentionally offend religious sensibilities potentially undermining the entire negotiation or dialogue process.
So, in this context, diplomacy becomes much more delicate. It's like playing football — but with different rules. In ordinary diplomacy, we are used to a set of established protocols and can act more automatically. But when religion enters the equation, we must constantly adapt, re-evaluate, and proceed with heightened awareness and care. This is what makes diplomacy involving religion so complex yet also deeply meaningful.
- Considering the complexities of the current international geopolitical climate, what key strategic objectives does your country aim to achieve through its engagement with the Congress?
First and foremost, our aim is to reinforce the message that interreligious collaboration and dialogue are essential, strategic components of peacebuilding and global security. At the same time, we seek to demonstrate and reaffirm our support for Kazakhstan’s efforts in promoting tolerance and religious moderation — values that Italy strongly upholds. In this regard, we maintain a solid and constructive partnership with Kazakhstan, particularly within the framework of multilateral diplomacy.
Both of our countries place a high priority on the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter — principles such as peace, security, respect, and tolerance. These universal values align perfectly with the goals and spirit of this Congress on interreligious dialogue.
- How significant is the active engagement of young people, through platforms like the Forum of Young Religious Leaders, in shaping a dynamic and relevant future for interreligious dialogue?
I believe it is extremely important to identify and implement initiatives that directly engage young people in the processes of dialogue, discussion, and the exchange of ideas. Without their active participation, such dialogue risks becoming a purely theoretical or academic exercise — a conversation among elderly religious or political leaders that remains detached from the realities and future of society.
This is especially relevant for countries like Kazakhstan, which have a predominantly young population. The messages of peace, tolerance, and global security must be communicated first and foremost to the younger generations. If we succeed in transmitting these values effectively, there is hope that the future will see fewer conflicts and less hatred — whether between nations or within them, across different ethnic or religious communities.
By actively involving youth in interreligious dialogue, we empower them to become agents of peace — not only for tomorrow, but already for today.
- From your country’s perspective, which pressing global issues should the Congress prioritize on its agenda in the coming years?
As I mentioned earlier, the promotion of a culture of peace, tolerance, and conflict prevention should remain the primary objective guiding this initiative — and this is certainly Italy’s perspective. At the same time, we must confront and combat religious discrimination, which continues to be a deeply concerning issue. Religious intolerance can poison relationships among communities within nations and across borders. Unfortunately, religion is still too often instrumentalized to serve political aims, and this manipulation can fuel division and conflict. That is why tackling religious discrimination and promoting mutual respect must be a central part of the Congress’s agenda.
Moreover, we believe that religious leaders have a vital role to play in addressing universal issues such as climate change and sustainability. In this regard, we have a clear example in Italy: Pope Francis has made a remarkable contribution to raising global awareness about these critical challenges. While climate change and sustainable development have long been on the agenda of the United Nations, it is significant that, in recent years, more and more religious leaders have engaged in these issues as well. This growing involvement demonstrates a maturity and evolution in religious leadership. It reflects an understanding that faith communities, too, must respond to contemporary realities. People today do not expect their religious leaders to remain silent or limited to places of worship — they expect them to engage in the urgent and shared challenges of our time.
Therefore, the Congress should serve as a platform that amplifies the voices of religious leaders who are committed to peace, justice, environmental stewardship, and human dignity. It can strengthen and give visibility to these efforts, fostering meaningful change both locally and globally.
- What are your country's main aspirations and strategic outlook regarding the future path and impact of the Congress?
We hope and we are committed to contributing that the Congress will increasingly become a catalyst for concrete actions and deeper collaboration between religious communities and civil society. This is, in our view, the most important future direction.
In particular, we believe that people of faith should be more actively engaged with broader society including with those who may not be religious or may not practice any faith tradition. After all, when not distorted or manipulated, every religion carries universal messages: peace, respect for human dignity, compassion, and solidarity. These are values that transcend religious boundaries.
Believers, through their convictions and example, can help transmit these values beyond the limits of their own communities. They can become bridges — fostering understanding even with those who may not be religious — because these are human values, not just religious ones. Therefore, our aspiration is for the Congress to grow as a platform where such exchanges are encouraged and where partnerships between religious leaders, civil society actors, and even secular voices can flourish. By doing so, the Congress can reinforce its role as a dynamic and inclusive force for peace and ethical progress worldwide.
- How does you country engagement with the Congress influence its bilateral relations with the host country, Kazakhstan?
Initiatives like the Congress, led by Kazakhstan, play a vital role in reinforcing the strategic partnership between our two countries. As I mentioned earlier, this partnership is grounded in shared values: peace, tolerance, cooperation, and mutual benefit. These principles were reaffirmed during the visit of our Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, at the end of May this year both in her bilateral meetings with President Tokayev and during the broader summit involving the five Central Asian leaders. Italy is committed to deepening its engagement with Central Asia, starting with Kazakhstan as a key partner in the region. While we certainly have economic and political interests, we also seek to build relationships based on mutual understanding and shared benefit.
From my own 30 years of diplomatic experience having served in and visited numerous countries I have consistently seen that Italy is perceived as a reliable and respectful partner. We are known for approaching bilateral relations not as a teacher instructing others, but as equals seeking meaningful cooperation. This has helped us develop cultural, economic, and political relations based on parity and respect.
In this sense, there is a unique cultural affinity between Italy and Kazakhstan. Both countries have been historic crossroads of civilizations, shaped by many different cultures and influences. After the fall of the Roman Empire, for example, Italy was influenced by Arabs, Normans, French, Spanish, and Austrians — much like Kazakhstan, which has seen the movement of many peoples and ideas across its territory. This shared historical experience gives both of our nations an openness of mind and spirit an ability to understand and appreciate the perspectives and needs of others. That is why, from Italy’s perspective, the Congress is not only a platform for interreligious dialogue, but also a powerful symbol of the common values we share with Kazakhstan on political, cultural, and economic levels.
- What inspires your optimism for the continued deepening of interreligious and intercultural understanding worldwide?
I find great optimism in the growing proliferation of interreligious and intercultural dialogue initiatives happening at all levels. This trend is not only encouraging, but also essential for building a more peaceful and understanding global society. Moreover, there is a noticeable and encouraging shift in awareness, especially among younger generations. More and more, young people view diversity not as a problem, but as a strength — an asset that enriches societies. Initiatives like this Congress play an important role in reinforcing that message by actively including youth in the dialogue.
Additionally, I am inspired by the increasing willingness of religious leaders to unite their voices and address global challenges together, including humanitarian crises. This collective commitment, combined with the rising awareness among youth that diversity is a positive force, gives me real hope for the future. These developments make me feel genuinely optimistic about the continued deepening of interreligious and intercultural understanding across the world.
- How would you address the concerns of individuals who are skeptical about the tangible benefits or overall necessity of interreligious dialogue in today's world?
To skeptics, I would emphasize that interreligious dialogue is far from being merely symbolic or abstract—it is a practical instrument for conflict prevention and social cohesion. The real value lies in its ability to translate principles of mutual understanding into concrete actions. This approach equips communities with tools to defuse tensions, foster tolerance, and collaboratively address shared challenges.
Of course, like any tool, its effectiveness depends on how it is used. Just as a voice recorder can either document meaningful dialogue or be misused as a weapon, the impact of interfaith engagement hinges on the willingness of participants to embrace its constructive potential. The key is not whether dialogue itself works, but whether societies choose to utilize it wisely.
This Congress exemplifies how such initiatives empower ordinary people—not extremists or agitators—with alternatives to confrontation. By demonstrating that peaceful engagement can resolve even deeply rooted disagreements, it shifts perceptions from skepticism to possibility. Kazakhstan's leadership in this effort proves that what may appear as theoretical discussion can, in practice, yield measurable progress toward a more harmonious world. The tangible benefit? Turning the ideal of coexistence into lived reality.
- Finally, Your Excellency, how would you characterize the current state and prevailing dynamics of interreligious dialogue within your country?
First of all, Italy has always been, I would say, very vocal in stating — at international forums, arenas, and on the global political stage — that dialogue is the way forward to ensure a future of peace and harmony for all. Historically, our Constitution itself rejects the use of force in international relations, which is another important point. In terms of internal dynamics, Italy has a strong record of coexistence among different confessions and religious beliefs. In recent years, we have seen a growing number of Islamic communities due to immigration from Muslim-majority countries. At the same time, there is a long-standing tradition of mutual respect between the Italian Catholic Church and the Jewish community.
In addition, we also organize interreligious forums that include representatives from smaller religious groups — "minor" in terms of number of followers — such as Buddhists, for example.
However, the main focus of interreligious initiatives in Italy today is fostering positive interaction between the Catholic-majority society and the Muslim communities, as they represent the largest religious groups in the country.
Thank you.
