NUR-SULTAN — A week is left before the start of the VII Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions in Nur-Sultan, the capital of Kazakhstan. The expectation of the world community of this event is confirmed by the fact that the current event can gather a record number of delegations — 130 delegations from 60 countries.
The holding of the Congress this year seems more necessary than ever, also due to new geopolitical challenges and the ever-increasing confrontation of religious institutions.
The shelling of a mosque in Australia, clashes in Montenegro, terrorist attacks in Jerusalem, Nigeria, Pakistan, the war in Ukraine and Syria are still fresh in everyone’s memory.
Bearing in mind that representatives of Muslims, Christians, and Buddhists, as well as 40 different confessions and denominations, peacefully coexist in Kazakhstan, it seems logical and justified to want to discuss and seek solutions to these vital issues, especially of a religious nature, in the heart of Central Asia – Kazakhstan.
The Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions in Nur-Sultan has long claimed the title of the main dialogue platform in matters of establishing a bridge between religions.
Kazakhstan, being a common home of peace and harmony for more than 130 ethnic groups and where there are about 3,200 mosques, churches, prayer houses, as well as about 4,200 religious associations, with full responsibility and determination, took on the function of interaction of all world clergy. Therefore, this country has become a kind of “hub” of beliefs.
It is important to emphasize the uniqueness of each Congress held earlier. The first ever common strategic documents between religions were adopted. A Council of Religious Leaders has been established to ensure dialogue and cooperation with other international organizations. The first steps towards the global digitalization of common ideas are also noted, through the creation of a single electronic portal G-Global.
In addition, the VII Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions expects the participation of Pope Francis I, who will hold a Holy Mass in the open air. And this event is considered perhaps the most anticipated among adherents of the Catholic faith.
In a word, the upcoming Congress already includes significant events. But, of course, the main thing will be the dialogue of religions and cultures itself, as a tool for finding the consensus that is so necessary for everyone.