On September 17-18, 2025, Astana will host the VIII Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, the central theme of which is "Dialogue of Religions: Synergy for the Future." On the eve of the forum, Chairman of the Ulema Council of the Republic of Tajikistan Saidmukarram Abdukodirzoda noted that the importance of this international platform cannot be overestimated, the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Tajikistan told "Asia-Plus".
According to him, the congress in Astana has become a symbol of the desire for mutual understanding and spiritual unity for more than two decades.
"This congress is of great importance for all mankind. At a time when we face the challenges of religious intolerance, violence and the destruction of moral standards, it serves as a platform for building trust and promoting universal humanistic values," – Abdukodirzoda stressed.
He added that the declarations adopted during the forum are becoming significant international documents aimed at affirming the ideas of peace, mutual respect and rejection of extremism.
Abdukodirzoda recalled that Tajikistan has traditionally been a proponent of interreligious dialogue, relying on its rich historical and cultural heritage.
"Our people have demonstrated religious tolerance and respect for various faiths for centuries. Tajikistan's participation in the congress is a natural continuation of the policy aimed at promoting the ideas of peace, stability and spiritual consolidation," – he stressed.
The Head of the Ulema Council of the Republic of Tajikistan expressed confidence that the VIII Congress will become a new stage in the development of dialogue between religions.
"I hope that the upcoming forum will give a new impetus to the rapprochement of religions, the strengthening of humanistic ideals and the establishment of moral guidelines in global politics and public life," – he said.
The congress will bring together political and religious figures, diplomats and experts from all over the world, the embassy noted.
On September 16, the XXIII meeting of the Forum's Secretariat will be held under the chairmanship of Speaker of the Parliament Senate of Kazakhstan Maulen Ashimbayev, as well as a special session on the protection of religious sites with the participation of the UN Alliance of Civilizations.
On September 17, the Palace of Independence will host a grand opening and a plenary session chaired by President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
Breakout sessions are scheduled on September 18, as well as the Second Forum of Young Religious Leaders on the theme "Youth for peaceful Coexistence: synergy for the future." The closing ceremony of the congress will take place on the same day.
The forum will discuss such issues as the role of religion in consolidating humanity in the 21st century, religion as a factor of sustainable development, spiritual values in the era of digital reality and artificial intelligence, as well as the struggle of faith against extremism.
