Astana, April 30, 2026
The International Center for Interfaith and Interreligious Dialogue (ICIID) and the Global Peace Offensive Center (GPOC) in Slovenia signed a Memorandum of Understanding during a video conference, formalizing a strategic partnership. The agreement establishes the framework for long-term cooperation and the joint implementation of peacebuilding initiatives.
Gulsana Kozhabay, Chair of the Board of ICIID, opened the meeting by extending congratulations to the Slovenian delegation on the upcoming Labor Day holiday and expressing her gratitude to the Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Slovenia, Altay Abibullayev, for his practical assistance in facilitating the partnership. She emphasized that the words of Pope John Paul II, who characterized Kazakhstan as a “land of convergence,” served as the fundamental concept for the Congress. The Chair also discussed the organizational efforts behind the recent VIII Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, noting the Center’s ongoing development of an expert track to translate spiritual values into practical solutions.
Ambassador Altay Abibullayev underscored interreligious dialogue as a priority of Kazakhstan’s foreign policy and a clear reflection of its multi-vector approach. To further this cooperation, he reaffirmed the importance of strengthening ties between the analytical and research institutions of both Kazakhstan and Slovenia.
Speaking on behalf of GPOC, Professor Dr. Ludvik Toplak — Rector of Maribor-based “Alma Mater Europaea” University (a partner of Sherkhan Murtaza Taraz University), Member of the World Academy of Art and Science, and Director of GPOC — commended Kazakhstan’s peace-oriented policy of strengthening inter-civilizational and interreligious dialogue. He noted the unique synergy of the two organizations, pointing out that in an era of growing geopolitical contradictions in the world, the centers' joint efforts in humanitarian and environmental contexts acquire critical significance.
For his part, Donato Kiniger-Passigli — Vice-President of the World Academy of Art and Science and Chairman of GPOC — added that the path to peace requires both creativity and patience. He discussed GPOC’s engagement with the UN and identified ICIID as a key partner, noting that the signed memorandum will serve as a foundation for mobilizing the resources of both organizations and developing joint activities. He characterized peace as an ‘art and architecture’ created by people, adding that the current partnership will serve to incorporate religious and cultural dimensions into GPOC’s research initiatives.
The meeting concluded with a discussion on several high-potential projects and a mutual commitment to use each other’s dialogue platforms to advance common interests. Additionally, Gulsana Kozhabay invited Slovenian representatives to Astana in October 2026 for the second expanded Expert Round Table.
