ASTANA TO HOST THE VIII CONGRESS OF THE LEADERS OF WORLD AND TRADITIONAL RELIGIONS
On 17–18 September 2025, the capital of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Astana, will host the VIII Congress of the Leaders of World and Traditional Religions under the Chairmanship of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
The VIII Congress is expected to bring together over 100 delegations from approximately 60 countries. Among the participants will be spiritual leaders of Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Judaism, Hinduism, Taoism, Zoroastrianism, and Shinto, as well as representatives of international organizations, scholars, political and public figures.
The upcoming global interfaith forum is set to welcome some of the world's most prominent spiritual leaders, including Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’ and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Sheikh Ahmed el-Tayeb.
Programme highlights:
- 16 September – The XXIII session of the Secretariat will take place under the Chairmanship of the Speaker of the Senate of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan – Head of the Secretariat of the Congress of the Leaders of World and Traditional Religions Maulen Ashimbayev. In addition, a Special Session on Safeguarding Religious Sites will take place under the auspices of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations. The session will bring together leading religious and political leaders, diplomats, and representatives of public and international organizations to address global challenges related to threats to places of worship, shrines, and religious sites.
- 17 September – the plenary session of the VIII Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, chaired by the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, will take place. Centered on the theme "Dialogue of Religions: Synergy for the Future", the session will include a series of breakout sessions addressing a wide range of pressing global issues.
- 18 September – the II Forum of Young Religious Leaders on the theme "Youth for Peaceful Coexistence: Synergy for the Future".
Dates and Venues of Events
16 September
- 10:00 – The XXIII Session of the Secretariat of the Congress
(Astana, Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, 57 Tauelsizdik Ave.); - 15:00 – Special Session on Safeguarding Religious Sites under the auspices of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations
(Astana, Palace of Independence, 52 Tauelsizdik Ave.).
17 September
- 10:00 – Opening and Plenary Session of the VIII Congress of the Leaders of World and Traditional Religions
(Astana, Palace of Independence, 52 Tauelsizdik Ave.).
18 September
- 10:00 – Breakout sessions of the VIII Congress of the Leaders of World and Traditional Religions
- 10:00 – II Forum of Young Religious Leaders
- 15:00 – Closing Ceremony of the VIII Congress of the Leaders of World and Traditional Religions
(Astana, Palace of Independence, 52 Tauelsizdik Ave.).
To apply for media accreditation, please send the required information specified in Annex 1 to iciid.ast@gmail.com by August 29, 2025.
For inquiries, please contact: +7 (7172) 26-60-76.
