XXI Secretariat of the Congress
COMMUNIQUE
BASED ON THE OUTCOMES OF THE XXI SECRETARIAT OF THE CONGRESS OF THE LEADERS OF WORLD AND TRADITIONAL RELIGIONS
(11 October 2023, Astana)
The participants of the XXI Session of the Secretariat of the Congress discussed the status and momentum of interreligious dialogue, as well as a wide range of issues of interreligious cooperation within the Congress of the Leaders of World and Traditional Religions.
The participants held a fruitful and constructive exchange on the promotion and follow-up of the Declaration of the VII Congress of the Leaders of World and Traditional Religions.
The participants of the Session noted the successful 20 years of activity and the important formative role of the Congress in strengthening and developing global interfaith and intercivilizational dialogue.
It was also noted that in the face of growing geopolitical tensions, eroding world order and growing conflicts, the Congress of the Leaders of World and Traditional Religions is particularly relevant as a platform for global interfaith and intercivilizational dialogue.
The participants of the Secretariat supported the idea of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to launch a new global movement for peace to build a robust system of international security and address acute challenges and issues facing many countries of the world. A significant step in implementing this idea was the Initiative on World Unity for a Just Peace and Harmony, put forward by Kazakhstan as Chairman of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
Religious figures stressed the importance of using the potential of spiritual diplomacy to start a global peace movement and help address pressing global challenges.
The participants of the Session expressed a common desire for a just, secure and prosperous world, and active promotion of the principles of interreligious and interfaith harmony. The participants also emphasized the fundamental importance of moral values and guidelines for spiritual and social well-being of humanity.
The participants at the XXI Session of the Secretariat expressed deep concern over the serious aggravation of the situation in the Middle East, which has resulted in numerous civilian casualties. They committed themselves to pursue peace in the region and called on both sides and the international community to settle the situation peacefully.
The religious figures unanimously condemned the desecration of books considered sacred and any provocative actions escalating tension, undermining trust between peoples and religions. It was emphasized that such behavior cannot be considered as a manifestation of freedom of speech.
The participants also stressed that extremism, radicalism, terrorism and other forms of violence, regardless of their motivations and goals, should be resolutely rejected.
One of the main outcomes of the XXI Session of the Secretariat was the adoption of the 2023-2033 Development Concept Congress of the Leaders of World and Traditional Religions.
The Concept defines the promising directions of the Congress' activities, outlines its role in contemporary international efforts towards secure, stable, tolerant and prosperous world. The implementation of the Concept will both strengthen the Congress as a platform for global interfaith dialogue and cooperation, and ensure a wider use of the potential of spiritual diplomacy.
Following the Session, the participants decided to hold the next XXII Session of the Secretariat of the Congress in autumn 2024 in Astana. It was decided to hold the next session of the Working Group of the Secretariat in 2024 to properly prepare for the XXII Session of the Secretariat of the Congress.
In conclusion, the Session participants expressed gratitude to the Kazakh side for the excellent organization of the XXI Session of the Secretariat of the Congress of the Leaders of World and Traditional Religions.
