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Non-profit join stock company «International center for Interfaith and Interreligious dialogue
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Congress of the Leaders of World and Traditional Religions

ABOUT THE CONGRESS

The Congress of the Leaders of World and Traditional Religions is a unique global platform for dialogue based in Astana. The first Congress was held on 23–24 September 2003 on the initiative of the country’s leadership.

As early as 13 February 2003, speaking at the International Conference of Peace and Accord, which brought together representatives of Christian, Muslim and Jewish organizations, Kazakhstan proposed convening the Congress of the Leaders of World and Traditional Religions. Kazakhstan’s initiative to convene the Congress is rooted in centuries-old traditions of religious tolerance and hospitality, which form an integral part of the cultural identity of the Kazakh people. For centuries, Kazakhstan, located at the heart of the Silk Road connecting East and West, has been home to representatives of different religions, faiths and cultures living in peace and harmony. Zoroastrian and Buddhist temples, Tengrian symbols, Christian churches and Muslim mosques have coexisted across the Great Steppe since ancient times. In the 21st century, the Republic of Kazakhstan continues this tradition of mutual respect and spiritual diversity.

OBJECTIVES OF THE CONGRESS

  • Further development of the Congress as an effective platform for multilateral dialogue and cooperation, and for coordinating the efforts of leaders of world and traditional religions, international, national and civil society institutions, and people of goodwill who support the mission of the Congress;
  • Promotion of fundamental spiritual and moral values that constitute an unshakable foundation for the development of individuals and human society in every era, while maintaining respect for those who do not share these values;
  • Bringing together the efforts of leaders of world and traditional religions, international organizations, governmental and civil society institutions, civic communities, academic circles and people of goodwill around the world to address global challenges facing the modern world, including poverty, inequality, environmental crises, discrimination, pandemics, extremism and terrorism;
  • Upholding mutual respect, peace and harmony as unshakable principles of human coexistence; promoting a culture of dialogue and mutual respect among religions, nations and ethnic groups; and resolving disagreements and conflicts through reconciliation and compromise;
  • Preventing the exploitation of people’s religious sentiments to incite and escalate conflicts and military actions, and continuously countering radicalism, extremism, terrorism and violence in all their manifestations;
  • Protecting and preserving sites of religious significance, as well as historical and cultural heritage associated with world and traditional religions. 

CHRONOLOGY OF THE CONGRESS

From 2003 to 2026, eight Congresses of the Leaders of World and Traditional Religions have been held in Kazakhstan. These meetings have become a significant international platform for constructive dialogue among followers of different religious traditions and world leaders. The Congresses have brought together representatives of Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, Shinto, Taoism, the Bahá’í Faith and Jainism, as well as political and government figures and representatives of international, religious and civil society organizations, including the United Nations, the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, the OSCE, UNESCO, the OIC and the World Council of Churches.

Over the years, the Congress has established itself as an authoritative mechanism of global spiritual diplomacy. The significance of the platform has been regularly noted in resolutions of the UN General Assembly. The high status of the Congress is evidenced by the personal participation of prominent world spiritual leaders, including Pope Francis, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Sheikh Ahmed Al Tayyeb, Patriarch Kirill, Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem, the Chief Rabbis of Israel, as well as political and public figures, including King Abdullah II of Jordan, ex-President of Finland Sauli Niinistö and ex-President of Israel Shimon Peres, along with heads of international organizations, including the UN, the UN Alliance of Civilizations, UNESCO and the OSCE.

MISSION FOR 2023–2033 AND INTER-CONGRESS ACTIVITIES

The mission of the dialogue platform for the coming years is to comprehensively strengthen mutual respect among communities and actively develop spiritual diplomacy. The foundation for this work is the adopted Development Concept Congress of the Leaders of World and Traditional Religions for 2023–2033, which marks a transition from the philosophy of dialogue to practical action.

The Congress and its structures are focused on addressing global challenges facing humanity, including environmental crises, extremism and poverty.

To promote the ideas of the platform globally and strengthen its international standing, the institution of Goodwill Ambassadors of the Congress has been established. It brings together prominent government, religious and public figures whose activities are aimed at promoting Kazakhstan’s model of peace and harmony on the international stage.

During the inter-Congress period, a dedicated Roadmap is implemented, regional conferences are held, and youth dialogue and the volunteer movement are actively developed.

THE VIII CONGRESS AND THE ASTANA PEACE DECLARATION 2025

A significant historical milestone was the VIII Congress, successfully held on 17–18 September 2025 in Astana under the overarching theme “Dialogue of Religions: Synergy for the Future”.The forum brought together delegations from around 60 countries. The Congress featured the II Forum of Young Religious Leaders, the Special Session on Safeguarding Religious Sites under the auspices of the UN Alliance of Civilizations, and an Expert Round Table.

The main outcome document of the forum was the Astana Peace Declaration 2025, adopted by religious leaders. The document reflects the participants’ common position on overcoming the global crisis of trust, strengthening security and promoting interreligious harmony. The high international status and global recognition of the document are evidenced by the fact that the text of the Astana Peace Declaration was officially circulated by the UN Secretariat as UN General Assembly document A/80/425 under the agenda item “Culture of Peace”.

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