September 25, 2026 – Day of National Mourning in the Republic of Kazakhstan
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Secretariat

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

The Secretariat of the Congress of the Leaders of World and Traditional Religions is a permanent working body of the forum established by decision of the participants of the 1st Congress held on 23–24 September 2003.

Within its mandate, the Secretariat performs the functions of the permanent executive body of the Congress. Its responsibilities include shaping and implementing the strategic agenda, as well as monitoring and coordinating the implementation of commitments adopted during plenary sessions and within high-level agreements.

Since the establishment of the Secretariat, 23 meetings have been held to date demonstrating the sustained and systematic nature of the Congress’s activities. Regular meetings of the Secretariat have enabled the establishment of an effective mechanism for preparing the Congress, ensuring continuity in the implementation of decisions, further developing the forum’s agenda, and strengthening international cooperation among religious leaders and representatives of international organizations.

The Secretariat comprises authorized representatives of the leaders of world and traditional religions, including Islam, Christianity (Orthodoxy, Catholicism and Lutheranism), Buddhism, Judaism, Hinduism, Zoroastrianism, Taoism and Shinto, as well as representatives of international organizations. 

MAIN FUNCTIONS AND TASKS OF THE SECRETARIAT

The main task of the Secretariat is to ensure the functioning of the Congress during the periods between its meetings.

Within the scope of its activities, the Secretariat of the Congress:

  • determines the main areas for the development of the Congress and its institutions;
  • formulates the agenda of the forthcoming Congress;
  • considers draft declarations, communiqués and other programme and final documents of the Congress, previously developed and coordinated by the Working Group of the Secretariat of the Congress;
  • considers matters related to the implementation of the final documents of the Congress and decisions of the Secretariat of the Congress;
  • considers proposals for international events, projects and initiatives held under the auspices of the Congress;
  • considers the results of inter-Congress activities and international promotion of the goals, objectives and initiatives of the Congress;
  • considers matters falling within its competence under these Regulations, the Concept for the Development of the Congress and decisions of the Congress;
  • adopts decisions on other matters related to the activities of the Congress and its institutions;
  • decisions of the Secretariat of the Congress are recorded in minutes.

LEADERSHIP

The Secretariat is headed by the Chairman of “Qazaqstan Halyq Kenesi” (Kazakhstan Nation’s Council).

In cooperation with government bodies and organizations, “Qazaqstan Halyq Kenesi” ensures the preparation and holding of the Congress of the Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, as well as the activities of its institutions.

 

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