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Non-profit join stock company «International center for Interfaith and Interreligious dialogue
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About the Expert Roundtable

The Expert Round Table is a unique platform of the Secretariat of the Congress of the Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, established to facilitate academic and expert analysis of religious diplomacy and broaden the horizons of interreligious dialogue.

ORIGINS OF THE INITIATIVE

The foundation for this new substantive area was laid on 18 September 2025 in Astana as part of the VIII Congress of the Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, where the first session was held under the theme “Intercultural and Interreligious Dialogue Today”.

The objective of the initiative was to explore the potential for integrating academic approaches into religious dialogue, as well as to foster partnerships between religious organizations, the academic community and expert institutions.

The establishment of this format was a response to the complex challenges of the modern world, ranging from conflicts and migration to climate change and the rapid development of digital technologies.

OBJECTIVES AND TASKS OF THE EXPERT ROUND TABLE

  • Academic and expert analysis of religious diplomacy and its role in the modern world;
  • Integration of academic approaches into religious dialogue and interfaith initiatives;
  • Development of partnerships between religious organizations, the academic community and expert institutions;
  • Organization of regular expert discussions within the framework of meetings of the Secretariat of the Congress and major forums;
  • Engagement of scholars, theologians and experts in international relations, digital ethics and humanitarian cooperation in the activities of the Congress;
  • Preparation of analytical materials, recommendations and concepts for the further development of interreligious and intercultural dialogue;
  • Expansion of the international expert network and strengthening ties with leading research centers and universities;
  • Facilitating the integration of research findings into the practical activities of religious and civil society organizations.

KEY PRIORITIES

  • Establishing a long-term platform that brings together the efforts of religious leaders, scholars and analysts to develop coordinated and practically applicable solutions;
  • Developing cooperation with interfaith centers at leading universities worldwide, including Oxford, Harvard, Yale, Georgetown, LSE, Tufts, Groningen, Bar-Ilan and others specializing in international relations, digital ethics and humanitarian cooperation;
  • Strengthening the synergy between academic and religious approaches and directing their combined potential towards serving society and building sustainable global mutual understanding.
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