Over 100 Delegations Gather in Astana for Interfaith Dialogue
Over 100 delegations from nearly 60 countries, representing various world and traditional religions, gathered in Astana, Kazakhstan for the eighth Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions. This significant event brought together high-ranking representatives from Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Judaism, Hinduism, Taoism, Zoroastrianism, Shintoism, and other faiths to discuss pressing global news and world market issues.
The congress addressed several critical topics, including the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, climate change, the ethical use of artificial intelligence, and geopolitical tensions. Pope Leo XIV sent a message emphasizing the unity of religions and the importance of interfaith collaboration for peace and solidarity. He recalled historical precedents such as the 1986 meeting in Assisi and the 2019 Document on Human Fraternity as examples of successful interfaith cooperation.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Argentina, represented by Marwan Gill, attended a special session on the protection of religious sites, sponsored by the UN Alliance of Civilizations. Gill emphasized the importance of protecting religious sites for human dignity and life. The Astana meeting reaffirmed the importance of interfaith dialogue for building more just and peaceful societies. However, the challenge remains to transform words and commitments from interfaith dialogue into real initiatives for reconciliation and coexistence. UN Secretary-General António Guterres sent a recorded message thanking Kazakhstan for promoting dialogue between religions and cultures. The next step is to convert dialogue into concrete deeds and actions for a more humane and peaceful world.
The eighth Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions in Astana, Kazakhstan, brought together diverse religious leaders to discuss global challenges and the importance of interfaith dialogue. As the event concludes, the focus shifts to turning these discussions into tangible actions that foster peace, understanding, and coexistence among different faiths and cultures.
