On 17-18 September 2025, the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan, in association with the International Center for Interfaith and Interreligious Dialogue, will hold the VIII Congress of the Leaders of World and Traditional Leaders in Astana, Kazakhstan.
This is a continuation of the remarkable commitment made by the government and people of Kazakhstan, demonstrated every three years by the convening of such a Congress, toward the promotion of interfaith dialogue; the establishment of peace, harmony and tolerance; the promotion of mutual respect between religions; and the prevention of religion-based conflicts.
I have no doubt that, as with previous Congresses, much wisdom will be shared at this gathering as religious leaders reflect on, and share their perspectives about, the theme of the Congress: “Dialogue of Religions: Synergy for the Future.”
Indeed, the gathering will bring together a unique diversity of attendees and thoughts — a diversity that will be instrumental in ensuring the widest and most comprehensive of conclusions. I expect that the Congress will be a great success.
It is interesting to note that the Final Declaration of the VII Congress, which was held in Astana in 2022, summarized the religious, social and material challenges the world faces and identified the collective actions needed to overcome them. Consistent with the fact that the welfare of all of humanity is inextricably bound up with the welfare of any of its segments, the Declaration called upon all of us to act. It is not just a document of platitudes. Rather, it can be seen as the charter for the conducting of future Congresses, to be held over a ten-year span. I am encouraged by the dedication and foresight of the Secretariat of the Congress in preparing and disseminating such a powerful document. And, as a result, I am convinced that the upcoming VIII Congress will be the most productive one to date.
Why am I so optimistic and encouraged by the commitment of the government and people of Kazakhstan? Simple, really. Leaders of religions, vested with authority, and respected by most of the world’s population, can be the chief drivers of interfaith dialogue. And they can make such dialogue happen.
Furthermore, they can describe a vision of the future which enunciates a shared understanding of universal values and certain basic principles. Notable among them is the abolition of all forms of prejudice and exclusivity while celebrating the diversity of the human race; the right of every individual to investigate truth for themselves; the recognition that men and women are equal; the essential harmony of science and religion; the universal right to education, especially for girls; and the continual striving for both peace and justice.
Religious leaders can continually proclaim to the world, that humanity is one, that we share the same planet and were created through the Will of the same Divine Source; that bold and trustworthy actions taken in support of this reality can and must serve the interests of rational people everywhere; and that shared religious principles are the foundation upon which spiritual and social development depend. Bahá’u’lláh’s statement that all people are “created to carry forward an ever-advancing civilization,” implies that everyone has the responsibility to contribute to the peace, prosperity and unity of the entire human family. I have no doubt that the example set by the Kazakhstan in convening the world’s religious leaders can continue to inspire all of us to greater heights of service.
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