Nur-Sultan hosts international scientific and theological conference "Spiritual Silk Road. Islam and Youth: Challenges of Our Time»

On April 11, Nur-Sultan hosted the IV international scientific and theological conference titled "Spiritual Silk Road. Islam and Youth: Challenges of Our Time" organized by the initiative of the Religious Administration of Kazakhstan’s Muslims, the Council of Muftis of Russia, with the support of the Ministry of Information and Social development of Kazakhstan and the Fund for Support of Islamic Culture, Science and Education of Russian Federation. The conference was attended by the Supreme Muftis of the countries of Eurasia and the Great Silk Road, public figures, intellectuals, and about 300 delegates.

The conference participants were welcomed by the Minister of Information and Social development of the Republic of Kazakhstan Dauren Abayev.

"Issues of spiritual, moral, intellectual development of young people, as well as their social support are key priorities of our state. This year, within the framework of the Year of Youth in Kazakhstan announced by the First President, Leader of the Nation, the executive power has seriously revised the issues of creating new opportunities. In this regard, the government, together with local executive bodies, is implementing a whole range of measures. They are aimed at creating conditions for the development of the potential of young people, providing them with employment, promoting family values, organizing and developing leisure activities, supporting youth initiatives, entrepreneurship, and volunteering," said Dauren Abayev.

According to the Minister, the institute of religions has a great influence on the youth.

"Since independence, Kazakhstan has always been a common home for representatives of almost all religious faiths. The principle of religious freedom is enshrined in our Constitution and we honor and observe this norm. Today, you, the spiritual leaders, play a very important role when young people choose their life priorities and values, influencing the formation of their views and worldview. At the same time, we understand that today there are certain problems that have entered our reality: religious radicalism, extremism and terrorism. These are serious social and spiritual challenges that require all of us - government, scientific and religious leaders - to consolidate our efforts. The importance of continuous joint cooperation on various platforms and levels is growing. A good example of this is the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions. Today's conference will serve as the beginning of a new stage of joint constructive work," the Minister noted.

The plenary session witnessed speeches by the Chairman of the Council of Muftis of Russia and the Religious Administration of Russia’s Muslims, Supreme Mufti and Chairman of the Religious Administration of Kazakhstan’s Muslims, Chairman of the Religious Administration of Uzbekistan’s Muslims, Chairman of the Chinese Islamic Association, the Mufti and Chairman of the Religious Administration of Kyrgyzstan’s Muslims, the Mufti of Mongolia, Chairman of the Islamic centre of Finland.

To date, the efforts of the participants of the Spiritual Silk Road Project have created stable channels of communication between the Religious Administrations of Muslims in Kazakhstan, Russia, and Central Asian States, as well as the multi-million Muslim community in China. The international project "Spiritual Silk Road" has become a reliable base for developing coordinated, productive approaches to solving the problems of the era of globalization.