Astana, September 17, 2025 — The capital of Kazakhstan hosted a plenary session of the World and Traditional Religions Congress, chaired by Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The Forum, which brought together more than 100 delegations from about 60 countries, reaffirmed its importance as an important platform for the dialogue of civilizations, strengthening peace and harmony.
In his speech, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev highlighted the model of interreligious harmony that has developed in Kazakhstan over the years of independence. He stressed the special importance of developing a dialogue based on mutual understanding and trust between representatives of different religions and cultures in today's complex geopolitical conditions. The issue of protecting places of worship, countering radical ideologies and supporting the aspirations of young people to a peaceful life was also raised.
The important event was attended by Natalia Pan, Director of the Institute of Parliamentarism at the UDP of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Deputy Directors Berik Bekzhanov and Lyazzat Suleimenov, Executive Director for Information and Analytical Work Dauren Adilbekov, Executive Director of the Norm-setting Department Almas Kanatov, Executive Director for Logistics Yerbol Shauenov, as well as adviser to the Director, former deputy of the Senate of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan Vladimir Volkov.
During the plenary session, representatives of the Institute expressed their views on improving the legal mechanisms of interreligious harmony, strengthening the principles of a secular state and the role of legislation in ensuring peace and stability. Experts noted that as a result of constitutional reforms in Kazakhstan, guarantees of religious freedom have been strengthened and a favorable legal environment for peaceful coexistence of various faiths has been created.
During the discussions held within the framework of the congress, international delegations highly appreciated Kazakhstan's experience and expressed their willingness to support the country's initiatives. The Forum consolidated Kazakhstan's status as a platform for dialogue not only at the regional, but also at the global level.
The plenary session on September 17 once again confirmed Kazakhstan's leading mission in the development of peace and harmony. And tomorrow, on September 18, a forum of young religious leaders is scheduled on the theme "Peaceful life is the choice of youth." This event will become another important platform demonstrating the dedication of future generations to the values of peace and tolerance.
The delegation of the Institute of Parliamentarism expressed confidence that the results of the congress would give a new impetus to strengthening the rule of law, stability and mutual respect in the multi-religious society of our country.
