Astana hosts 8th Congress of world religious leaders with calls for peace and dialogue
Astana welcomed leaders of the world’s major faiths for the 8th Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, a high-level forum where calls for peace, dialogue, and the protection of religious heritage took centre stage.
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00:00I am confident that religious leaders will do their utmost to prevent the world's descent into the abyss of chaos.
00:10We already observe such inspiring examples on the global level.
00:15The Congress of the Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, the Document of Human Fraternity, the Mecca Declaration, Bahrain Dialogue Forum, the Abrahamic Family House.
00:30In the United Emirates.
00:39Kazakhstan is considered one of the most fitting places to bring together religious leaders.
00:45It's a country where more than 100 ethnic groups and 18 religious denominations have coexisted peacefully.
00:52A harmony that has been a point of pride since the country's independence.
00:56The 8th Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions is taking place at two iconic venues in Kazakhstan's capital, Astana.
01:05The Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, built specifically for this gathering almost 20 years ago.
01:11And the Independence Palace, both standing as symbols of equality, unity and constructive dialogue for humanity.
01:19This year's Congress centered on synergy for the future, a message seen as vital in today's turbulent world.
01:25100 delegations from 60 countries have gathered here.
01:29Leaders of Islam, Christianity, Judaism and other faiths took part in the plenary session alongside President Tokayev.
01:36The key expectation is turning spiritual diplomacy into a force for building peace worldwide.
01:41It is very important to find new ways, new mechanisms to mitigate problems in the world.
01:51Kazakhstan considers that spiritual diplomacy could be an effective instrument in this context.
01:58Because spiritual diplomacy has huge potential, 80% of world's population identify themselves with a religion or religious organization.
02:06Global conflicts surfaced at the Congress, shifting the tone of discussion.
02:10Against the backdrop of the UN's recognition of Israel's actions in Gaza as genocide, the voices of Judaic organizations stood out.
02:18Israel's chief Ashkenazi rabbi Kalman Meir-Beer recalled October 7, 2023, urging fellow leaders to call for the release of hostages.
02:28These appeals also raised a larger question how to channel grief into dialogue.
02:33For the first time, the UN Alliance of Civilizations held a session at the Congress.
03:03On protecting religious sites.
03:06With threats growing in conflict zones, the Alliance is mapping places of worship worldwide.
03:11Kazakhstan itself is home to many, including the mausoleum of Hoca Ahmed Yasawi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Beketa Tata in Mangasau.
03:20While in war-torn regions, such heritage remains at risk.
03:24Unfortunately, in the world, you know, we had some events in the war between Ukraine and Russia, but now we are, of course, in the Middle East.
03:37And in the Middle East, unfortunately, we have seen, you know, the tragedy in Gaza, how the even Catholic Church, even some mosques has been destroyed.
03:48And that cannot be, you know, acceptable.
03:50Alongside these concerns came broader appeals from international leaders.
03:55In a video message to the plenary session, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres reminded delegates that differences can be a source of strength.
04:03A letter from Pope Leah XIV was also read to the participants.
04:07So it is a moment of darkness, but where religious leaders can really contribute with the solidarity.
04:17His Holiness is telling that solidarity is a synergy in action.
04:21We work together, especially with the religious impulse.
04:25We can send positive messages and make this world better with our common efforts to work together.
04:34Over three days, the Congress featured bilateral meetings and expert roundtables, with President Tokayev presenting honorary medals to delegation heads.
04:43It concluded with the Astana Declaration of Peace, calling for interreligious dialogue and joint action against hate and violence.
04:51The ninth Congress is set to take place in Astana in 2028.
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