XXI Secretariat of the Congress

XXI MEETING OF THE SECRETARIAT OF THE CONGRESS OF LEADERS OF WORLD AND TRADITIONAL RELIGIONS

On 11 October 2023, the XXI Meeting of the Secretariat of the Congress of the Leaders of World and Traditional Religions was held at the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation in Astana under the chairmanship of Maulen Ashimbayev, Chairman of the Senate of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Head of the Secretariat of the Congress of the Leaders of World and Traditional Religions.

Religious leaders and their representatives from 23 countries took part in the XXI Meeting of the Secretariat. The participants discussed the implementation of the provisions of the Declaration adopted at the VII Congress of the Leaders of World and Traditional Religions. They also approved the Development Concept Congress for 2023–2033 developed pursuant to the instruction of the Head of State. Representatives of Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, Shinto and other religions, as well as international organizations, gathered around the table at the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation.

The meeting included an exchange of views on the outcomes of the VII Congress of the Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, as well as a discussion of the Development Concept Congress of the Leaders of World and Traditional Religions for 2023–2033.

During the meeting, participants approved the Development Concept Congress for 2023–2033, prepared pursuant to the instruction of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The document envisages deepening cooperation between the Congress and UN institutions and other authoritative international organizations, as well as expanding the forum’s circle of partners and geographical outreach.

In their remarks, religious leaders emphasized the particular importance of the Kazakhstan-based forum and highlighted the need to unite the efforts of religious and political leaders to achieve mutual understanding and harmony among religions and cultures. They also underscored the global scope of the issues addressed within the framework of the Congress, aimed at fulfilling the shared mission of all its participants — promoting peace and interfaith harmony.

The meeting also featured a ceremony honoring participants with state awards of the Republic of Kazakhstan and commemorative medals of the Congress. In recognition of his contribution to the establishment and development of this dialogue platform, Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashаzadeh, Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Board, was awarded the Order of Dostyk, 2nd Class. A number of other participants were awarded the Shapagat Medal and the Honorary Medal of the Congress.

Following the meeting, participants adopted a communiqué noting the successful 20-year history and important constructive role of the Congress. They also supported the initiative of President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to establish a new global movement for peace aimed at building a robust system of international security and overcoming pressing global challenges and problems.

In particular, the participants noted that an important step towards the practical implementation of this idea was the Initiative on World Unity for a Just Peace and Harmony, put forward by Kazakhstan during its chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.

The participants also decided to hold the next XXII Meeting of the Secretariat of the Congress in Astana in autumn 2024.

On the same day, a ceremonial cancellation of a commemorative postage stamp specially issued to mark the 20th anniversary of the Congress of the Leaders of World and Traditional Religionstook place. The stamp was issued in a circulation of 10,000 copies and was to be included in philatelic catalogues worldwide.