XXIV Secretariat of the Congress

INFORMATION ON THE XXIV MEETING OF THE SECRETARIAT OF THE CONGRESS OF LEADERS OF WORLD AND TRADITIONAL RELIGIONS

The XXIV Session of the Secretariat of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions was held on October 7, 2026, in Astana. Chaired by Vice-President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Erlan Karin, the Head of the Secretariat of the Congress, the session brought together more than 30 representatives of religious communities, international organizations, government bodies and public figures from 20 countries.

Participants discussed the initiatives launched at the VIII Congress and reviewed three documents addressing the ethical use of artificial intelligence, the role of religions in combating climate change, and the rights of children with incurable illnesses.

Developed in pursuit to the Astana Peace Declaration 2025, adopted at the VIII Congress, the "Code of Ethics for the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Religious Contexts" sets out principles for upholding human dignity and freedom of conscience, as well as outlines the responsibilities of religious institutions and believers in the use of artificial intelligence. Meanwhile, "The Role of Religions in Combating Climate Change" highlights the contribution of religious communities to environmental protection, their responsibility to future generations, and the importance of standing in solidarity with the most vulnerable.

The session also featured the presentation of the "Charter of the Rights of a Child with an Incurable Disease," a joint initiative of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Holy See. The charter focuses on safeguarding the rights and dignity of children with incurable illnesses, ensuring access to medical and psychological care, supporting their families, and respecting their spiritual needs and beliefs.

In his remarks, Erlan Karin underscored the importance of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s proposal to establish a Global Movement for Peace. He highlighted the role religious leaders can play in fostering mutual understanding through dialogue and spiritual diplomacy. Participants also proposed working with international partners to develop the movement’s conceptual framework and determine the next steps towards advancing it globally.

The session concluded with the adoption of the Protocol of the XXIV Session of the Secretariat, the "Code of Ethics for the Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Religious Sphere" and "The Role of Religions in Combating Climate Change."

The next stage will focus on promoting the adopted documents — along with the “Charter of the Rights of a Child with an Incurable Disease,” an initiative supported by the participants — at the United Nations and at international events on climate change and technology, in cooperation with religious organizations, experts and other international partners.

Taking into account the proposals put forward at the XXIII Session of the Secretariat, participants adopted the following decisions:

To approve the protocol of the XXIV Session of the Secretariat of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions.

To adopt the "Code of Ethics for the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Religious Contexts" and "The Role of Religions in Combating Climate Change."

To support further efforts to promote the "Charter of the Rights of a Child with an Incurable Disease," a joint initiative of Kazakhstan and the Holy See.