Astana, June 23, 2026
At the International Center for Interfaith and Interreligious Dialogue, a meeting was held between the Chair of the Board, Gulsana Kozhabay, and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Kingdom to the Republic of Kazakhstan, Sally Axworthy.
During the meeting, the sides discussed the United Kingdom’s participation in the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, the expansion of engagement by representatives of expert and academic communities, as well as increasing the representation of women leaders in international dialogue platforms.
The Chair of the International Center briefed the Ambassador on the Center’s activities and the key outcomes of the VIII Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions. Particular attention was given to the conceptual documents «The Role of Religions in Combating Climate Change» and «The Ethical Code for the Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Religious Sphere» developed by a working group of religious leaders and academic experts.
It was noted that representatives of the United Kingdom have been permanent participants of the Congress since its establishment in 2003. At various stages of the forum’s development, representatives of the Church of England, the British academic community, religious figures, experts, and diplomats have taken part and made a significant contribution to the promotion of interfaith dialogue and a culture of peace.
Ambassador Sally Axworthy, in turn, shared experiences of organizing interfaith events with the Vatican, as well as an event dedicated to the anniversary of the Bellfast Good Friday Agreement. In particular, she highlighted the successful practice of bringing together representatives of Protestant and Catholic communities on a single dialogue platform.
The sides agreed that such initiatives clearly demonstrate the ability of dialogue and mutual respect to overcome long-standing disagreements and to create a foundation for strengthening trust and social harmony. In this regard, the unique role of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions was particularly emphasized as an international platform promoting a culture of peace, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence.
