JOINT APPEAL OF THE PARTICIPANTS OF THE FIRST FORUM OF YOUNG RELIGIOUS LEADERS
We, the participants of the First Forum of Young Religious Leaders, held on October 9, 2024 under the auspices of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions in Astana, Republic of Kazakhstan, representatives of 19 states of the world, including:
Republic of Azerbaijan, Arab Republic of Egypt, Vatican, United Kingdom, State of Israel, State of Japan, Islamic Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Pakistan, People's Republic of China, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Thailand, United Arab Emirates, Republic of Benin, Republic of India, Russian Federation, United States of America, Republic of Turkey, Swiss Confederation and Republic of Kazakhstan,
referring to Resolution 70/1 of the United Nations General Assembly, adopted on September 25, 2015, titled “Transforming Our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,” which recognizes youth as a driving force for change, and acknowledging that the Sustainable Development Goals are comprehensive and indivisible, applicable to all aspects of youth engagement,
welcoming the appeal of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, to the global community in the context of the UN Summit of the Future regarding the importance of international dialogue and joint actions based on the principles of inclusivity, engagement, and consideration of all opinions,
recognizing the innovative potential of youth as a source of progressive transformations in contemporary world and the importance of their participation in building a peaceful and tolerant global order,
underscoring the importance of open dialogue among representatives of different religious traditions to strengthen mutual understanding and unity,
drawing from the decisions of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions and the provisions of its Development Concept until 2033 (dated October 11, 2023), which highlight that leaders of world and traditional religions, as well as heads of international organizations and centers, are committed to ensuring the continuity of interreligious, intercultural, and interethnic dialogue by engaging a diverse range of youth in the activities of the Congress
WE APPEAL to the global community, leaders of world and traditional religions, and heads of states and governments to:
listen to and support the voice of youth by providing platforms for the generation and implementation of ideas that foster peace, mutual understanding, and cooperation;
encourage youth initiatives aimed at strengthening interreligious dialogue and partnerships among religious leaders;
provide assistance to young leaders in promoting a culture of peace, tolerance, and cooperation;
create opportunities for educating youth in interreligious dialogue and intercultural interaction;
support the development and implementation of programmes and volunteer initiatives under the auspices of the Secretariat of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, enabling young people to acquire the necessary skills;
consider the role and potential of youth when providing international support to address global challenges such as poverty, climate change, social inequality, discrimination, and unequal access to education and healthcare.
By striving to take concrete steps based on the discussions and views expressed during the Forum, aimed at minimising conflicts and their consequences through transparency, dialogue, informational campaigns, and public engagement,
We believe in the constructive, creative, and transformative power of youth,
We acknowledge our significant role in continuing the mission of the older generation to cultivate a culture of dialogue, tolerance, and respect for diversity,
We embrace the responsibility of preserving and further enriching the spiritual and cultural traditions of our peoples, along with peace and security as a cherished legacy from our mentors,
We are prepared to direct our knowledge, energy, and resources towards building a world where mutual respect, harmony, compassion, understanding, and cooperation prevail,
We appeal to everyone to unite with us in fostering a culture of dialogue and respect for diversity, and together, to create a common future grounded in the principles of tolerance, irrespective of ethnic, religious, or cultural backgrounds.
By expressing our gratitude to the Republic of Kazakhstan and His Excellency President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, as well as the Secretariat of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions for the initiative to hold the Forum of Young Religious Leaders,
We support the decision to convene the Second Forum of Young Religious Leaders within the framework of the VIII Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions in 2025 in Astana.
We, as young leaders, unite our efforts and call upon all people of goodwill to join us in building a world based on mutual respect, justice, and solidarity!
We believe that together we can overcome the current challenges and create a better future for all!
Republic of Kazakhstan,
Astana,
October 9, 2024
