Speeches

Address of the Nursultan Nazarbayev at the Opening Session of the V Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions

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June 11, 2015

Your Eminences and Excellencies!

Dear participants and guests of the Congress!

Today, His Majesty king Abdullah II of Jordan is taking part in our forum.

First of all, I would like to thank His Majesty for his outstanding work in promoting global interfaith harmony.

We highly appreciate the importance of the "Amman message" initiated by You which is an important contribution to the peaceful coexistence of cultures and civilizations.

In this regard, the convening of the Congress of the Leaders of World and Traditional Religions and the "Amman message" are consonant and serve as a platform for the development of a constructive dialogue between civilizations and faiths.

Dear participants and guests of the Congress!

The fifth Congress of the Leaders of World and Traditional Religions is completing its work.

Its delegates achieved the main goals that they set for themselves, gathered again on the hospitable land of Kazakhstan.

Another step has been taken towards each other and understanding of the exceptional importance of peace and harmony between religions, peoples and States.

A Frank dialogue on the interaction of religions and their role in global development continued.

We have demonstrated a shared deep interest in cooperation for the sake of stability and security in the world community.

A Declaration of the Congress was agreed and adopted, reflecting the common or similar approaches of all its participants to vital issues of earthly existence.

For two days, a common prayer for peace, harmony, justice, forgiveness and love for one's neighbor was raised from the Kazakh capital of Astana in different languages and in different traditions.

I am grateful to all the Ministers of different religions for the fact that in your addresses to God you asked for prosperity and happiness for our Kazakhstan!

I am sincerely grateful to all the secular guests of the Congress-politicians, public figures, experts and journalists – for their invaluable contribution to its successful holding.

There is nothing in the world stronger than the Truth, which combines Faith and Reason.

Congresses of leaders of world and traditional religions are held in the format of a dialogue between clergy and politicians.

In this way, we strive to ensure that the power of morality and spirituality strengthens the righteousness of actions in matters of peace and harmony between people.

I call on all participants of the Congress to bring its kind and peaceful atmosphere to the congregations of their followers and like-minded people.

Ladies and gentlemen!

The Fifth Congress of the Leaders of World and Traditional Religions has reaffirmed the relevance and an increased demand for global dialogue.

The word and Speech, and, therefore, COMMUNICATION and DIALOGUE is the same divine gift to Man and Mankind.

And it is our duty to fully use its peacekeeping and creative power.

Today at the Fifth Congress made another step towards an Era of Universal Peace and Mercy, Justice and Spiritual Harmony.

We proved that in a time of doubt, only talking to each other, you can find hope and confidence in the future.

Dear participants and guests!

In communication with the heads of delegations and politicians, I had two proposals that I decided to submit for your consideration.

Firstly, our Congress has a rich history.

We have accumulated solid experience in direct dialogue and it has formed a tradition of communication and understanding.

The contacts with other platforms for interaction between religions and civilizations.

Therefore, I propose to establish in Astana in the building of the Museum of Peace and harmony.

Such an attitude to the history of our Congress, summarizing the experience of concerted solutions to problems of human development will be important for the strengthening of peace and understanding between religions and peoples.

Museum of Peace and Reconciliation at the same time is a scientific institution at the Congress which studies the history of the dialogue of religions and cultures.

Secondly, it is important to encourage everyone who defends the dialogue of religions and cultures.

Everyone who creates the highest standards of spirituality and tolerance among religions and ethnic groups.

Everyone who cares about the development of interfaith dialogue.

I propose to establish an Award "For contribution to the development and strengthening of spiritual peace and harmony" and the Honorary badge.

It could be awarded by decision of the Council of Religious Leaders and presented at the plenary sessions of the Congress.

If you have no objections, I propose to instruct the Secretariat of the Congress to work out  these two questions.

Dear friends!

Two days of work of the Fifth Congress of the Leaders of World and Traditional Religions become history.

They certainly enriched the world with the hope of avoiding the worst scenarios of the world, faith in the wisdom and responsibility of mankind.

Once again I thank all the participants and guests fruitful work.

Most importantly, in the Declaration, we said that our dialogue will continue at the next Sixth Congress, which convenes in 2018.

Take this opportunity to invite all those present to take part in it.

I wish you all Goodness and Wisdom, Peace and harmony!

May the Almighty Creator bless all your good care and everyday acts!