Almaty, September 8, 2026
A two-day international dialogue, “Developing Dialogue to Strengthen Interfaith Relations,” organized by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) jointly with the Association of Religious Organizations of Kazakhstan, has concluded in Almaty.
The event brought together representatives of religious communities and international experts to discuss practical mechanisms for building trust and strengthening cooperation among different faiths. Participants included Anuar Khatiyev, Chairman of the Committee for Religious Affairs of the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Bizhigit Koishiyev, Advisor to the Grand Mufti, Professor Genti Kruja, President of Religions for Peace Europe and a member of the OSCE/ODIHR Panel of Experts on Freedom of Religion or Belief, Isabella Sergosyan, international expert, as well as representatives of various faith communities and the expert community.
The International Center for Interfaith and Interreligious Dialogue was represented at the event by Dulat Zhakiyanov, Director of the Department of Methodological Work and the Compendium.
The discussions focused on countering religious stereotypes and discrimination, freedom of religion or belief, fostering intergenerational dialogue, and the impact of artificial intelligence on the religious sphere.
Particular attention was given to moving from dialogue to joint practical action. Promising areas identified by the participants included greater engagement of young people and women in interfaith initiatives, the development of social and educational projects, support for vulnerable groups, the prevention of polarization, and the strengthening of a culture of mutual respect.
Participants emphasized that sustainable interfaith dialogue should rely not only on institutional mechanisms, but also on continuous interaction among religious communities, joint initiatives, and the strengthening of trust.
