As part of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions in Astana, a special session convened under the auspices of the United Nations presented an updated Action Plan to Protect Religious Sites around the world.

The Congress, held every three years in Kazakhstan’s capital since its inception in 2003, has become a significant platform for interfaith dialogue and global cooperation. For the first time, this year’s forum included a dedicated session on safeguarding religious heritage.

The revised plan was introduced by UN Deputy Secretary-General and High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations Miguel Angel Moratinos, who praised Kazakhstan’s longstanding commitment to promoting global peace and interreligious dialogue. He affirmed the UN’s readiness to support collaborative initiatives arising from the Congress.

Kazakhstan Senate Chairman Maulen Ashimbayev emphasized the country’s backing of the 2023 UN General Assembly resolution on interfaith dialogue and combating hate speech, along with the new UN Action Plan.

“Throughout our history, temples and spiritual sites of different religions have coexisted peacefully and remain an integral part of our cultural heritage. Located at the crossroads of East and West, Kazakhstan has always played the role of a bridge connecting peoples, cultures, and religions. We attach great importance to the preservation and protection of these sacred places,” Ashimbayev said.

Participants voiced concern over increasing threats to religious heritage in various parts of the world. Director of the UN Alliance of Civilizations Nihal Saad reminded attendees that the original plan was adopted in 2019 in response to a series of attacks on religious institutions.

“Despite global efforts, we have witnessed numerous attacks on religious sites. The Alliance is convinced that all places of worship should be sanctuaries, not targets for terror and bloodshed. People should be able to practice their faith peacefully and without fear,” she stated.

The session concluded with calls to establish sustainable legal and institutional frameworks to ensure the protection of sacred sites worldwide.

As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, spiritual leaders from across the globe are set to gather in Astana on September 17-18.

Kazakhstan has inaugurated Central Asia’s first-ever rowing canal in the southern city of Turkestan. Opened on September 15, the facility is the only one of its kind in the region and meets the standards of both the International Canoe Federation (ICF) and the International Rowing Federation (FISA).

Spanning 100 hectares, the canal stretches 2.5 kilometers and is equipped to host international competitions, including World Cup and Asian Cup events in rowing and canoeing. It will also serve as a dedicated training base for athletes.

The complex includes spectator grandstands, a one-kilometer city beach, and an on-site hotel. In addition to its sporting function, the canal will contribute to environmental sustainability by supplying water for irrigating Turkestan’s green belt.

According to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, more than 6,000 people in Kazakhstan regularly participate in rowing and canoeing. Officials highlight rowing as one of the most “medal-rich” sports, with 14 medal sets awarded at the Olympic Games and more than 20 at the World Rowing Championships, offering strong opportunities for national athletic achievement.

Authorities expect the new facility to significantly advance the development of rowing in Kazakhstan and to strengthen Turkestan’s profile as a regional hub for both culture and sports.