On October 16, 2025, the city of Astana hosted the International Conference "Spiritual Harmony as the Foundation for Achieving a Sustainable Balance between Humanity, Nature, and Technology," dedicated to the Day of Spiritual Consent in Kazakhstan. The event was organized by the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the International Center for Interfaith and Interreligious Dialogue.
The conference aimed to promote the ideals of peace and spiritual harmony, as well as values of tolerance and unity for strengthening stability in Kazakhstan’s multiethnic and multiconfessional society. It also sought to consolidate citizens around shared moral and national spiritual values.
Special attention during the conference was given to the topic of global peace and the importance of joint efforts to overcome divisions and conflicts. In this context, a key initiative of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, was highlighted — as expressed in the Astana Declaration of Peace 2025, adopted at the VIII Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions.
In his opening remarks, Chairman of the Committee for Religious Affairs of the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Anuar Khatiyev, stated: “Spiritual consent is the foundation of peace and stability. Today, in the face of global challenges, sustainable development is impossible without dialogue, trust, and respect for spiritual values. Kazakhstan has become an example of how diversity can be a source of strength and unity.” This idea was echoed by Gulsana Kozhabay, Chair of the Center's Board: “Conscience, dignity and compassion are the foundation of sustainable development. Without respect for nature and a spiritual compass in technology, there is no future.” She also emphasized that spiritual values serve as a “golden bridge” connecting progress, responsibility, and tradition.
The discussion focused on seeking a balance between spirituality, ecology, and technological development. Speakers emphasized the need for a moral dimension across all spheres of human activity — from science to economics and social policy.
Kenzhetay Baykemeluly, a representative of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kazakhstan, reminded that technology is merely a tool. What matters most, he noted, is the question of moral responsibility: “Humans are not masters of nature, but its caretakers.” On behalf of the Holy See, Apostolic Nuncio George George Panamthundil, referring to Pope Francis’s encyclical Laudato Si’ and Pope Leo XIII’s apostolic exhortation Dilexi Te, reminded participants that: “Everything is interconnected: humanity, nature, technology. All must serve life — not the other way around.” Yuriy Novgorodov, Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church stated: “Spiritual consent begins with a person’s internal reconciliation with God, which restores their wholeness and their ability to live in peace with others, while respecting nature and using science and technology responsibly.” Lyazzat Yangaliyeva, a representative of the Baha’i community, stressed the importance of youth engagement in shaping the future: “Young people must actively participate in building new development models where technology is guided by spiritual and ethical values.” Talgat Karipayev, Chair of the Council and Head of the Youth Wing of the Krishna Consciousness Society, referenced the ancient philosophy of “unity in diversity,” embodied in the Vedic principle of yukta-vairagya — the wise use of material resources for spiritual benefit.
The global significance of the topic and the role of international interfaith dialogue were further emphasized through video addresses by three international participants. Ilya Kashitsin, representative of the Interreligious Council of Russia, noted: “A person of faith has a special gift — the ability to speak to others in the language of love. And that language is above all human disagreements.” Dr. Muhammad Zia Ul-Haq, Director General of the Islamic Research Institute of the International Islamic University in Islamabad, remarked: “Spirituality and science must go hand in hand. Faith answers life’s existential questions, science provides practical solutions. Only together can they bring benefit to society and inner peace to individuals.” Afra Al Sabri, Director General of the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence (UAE), stated: “Spiritual consent is the foundation of unity between humanity, nature, and technology. Technology is essential for progress, but without moral guidance it can become a source of danger. Dialogue and mutual understanding between religions and cultures are key to building prosperous and harmonious societies.”
The overall message of the conference emphasized that a peaceful and sustainable future is impossible without spiritual maturity, respect for diversity, and responsibility toward nature and society. Harmony between humans, the environment, and technology requires not only technical solutions, but also deep ethical guidance.
The conference concluded with a call to continue open dialogue, build trust, and work together toward shaping a global ethical agenda that meets the challenges of our time.
