The activity of the VII Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions began with a moment of silence for prayer.
During the opening remarks of the plenary session, “The role of leaders of the world and traditional religions in the spiritual and social development of mankind in the post-pandemic period”, the Head of State noted that it is a great honour for Kazakhstan to bring together the most renowned spiritual leaders of the world and establish a dialogue. The President paid his respects to all those present, including Pope Francis, the head of the Vatican and the Catholic Church, Sheikh Ahmad al-Tayeb, Supreme Imam of Al-Azhar, the oldest Islamic university, representatives of the Russian Orthodox Church, Chief Ashkenazi Rabbi of Israel David Lau, and Chief Sephardic Rabbi of Israel Yitzhak Joseph.
– I thank you all for accepting our invitation and coming to Kazakhstan. This demonstrates our shared desire to maintain peace and strengthen the inter-civilisational dialogue. Today’s meeting is significant in an era of change and uncertainty. Our Congress has become one of the critical global formats for dialogue between civilisations. It is symbolic that the initiative to hold this interreligious forum came from Kazakhstan. Our ancient land has served as a bridge between East and West for thousands of years. Here, in the Great Steppe, the heart of substantial nomadic empires beat, part of the cultural code of which was invariably religious tolerance, - said Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
The President states that the people of Kazakhstan have assimilated the traditions of all civilisations and religions and the spirit of tolerance and openness. As a result, the idea of “unity in diversity” has become central to our nation.
– Nowadays, representatives of more than 100 ethnic groups coexist peacefully and harmoniously in Kazakhstan, and more than 4,000 religious organisations representing 18 confessions operate freely. We consider this as our inalienable privilege and valuable fortune. The Congress is crucial to Kazakhstan’s strategy to improve dialogue and communication domestically and internationally. Declarations adopted at all previous forums have consistently condemned radicalism, violence and conflicts, whatever the ideas behind them. In today’s complex realities, it is imperative that religious leaders, sitting at the same table, demonstrate an example of goodwill that overcomes any differences to the whole world. This, in my opinion, is the primary mission and feature of our Congress, the President stated.
He believes that economics, politics, and social interactions have all been significantly impacted by the spread of the coronavirus. Supply chains were interrupted by quarantine regulations, which also affected other industries such as service, travel, and transportation. The growth in government spending to combat the crisis mitigated the economies’ decline but accelerated worldwide inflation. According to Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, tensions have risen worldwide due to the significant powers’ escalating geopolitical confrontation.
– The atmosphere of hostility and mutual distrust is returning to international relations. What can be opposed to today’s challenges? History offers just one possible solution: cooperation, goodwill, and open communication. There are no other guarantees of success. Kazakhstan invariably stands for resolving any disputable issues exclusively at the negotiating table in the spirit of the UN Charter. We are convinced that using force, threats, or sanctions will not be able to stop the rising contradictions. It is crucial to keep humanistic ideas in mind during such times. Their primary custodians are, of course, traditional religions, the Head of State said.
According to the President, the new security system should be based on principles like the fundamental value of human life, respect for one another’s interests, mutual assistance, openness, equality, and fairness. In this matter, the moral authority and guidance of spiritual authorities are essential.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev remarked to the Congress participants that Kazakhstan is making a feasible contribution to the effective promotion of constructive development agenda at the national, regional, and international levels. Moreover, among the top priorities on our nation’s domestic agenda are the strengthening of unity, consolidation and effective dialogue. The nation has started a comprehensive reform programme to create a Just Kazakhstan.
– Our new economic policy is aimed at a fair distribution of national income and an even increase in the welfare of all citizens. We stand for the deepening of international trade and investment partnerships. We are consistently raising environmental requirements in the energy and extractive industries, expanding the use of renewable energy sources,” the President said.
In addition, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev presented a series of theses for discussion that aimed to reexamine the function of spiritual leaders and religions in world affairs.
– We need a radical modernisation of theoretical concepts and practical approaches in culture, politics, economics and society. In order to revive the true spirit and meaning of the existence of civilisation, large-scale reforms are needed in all spheres of life, the Head of State believes.
The President of Kazakhstan believes that the consolidation of efforts and the dialogue of spiritual leaders can eventually show humanity a way out of modern confrontation.
– The experience of such a large-scale dialogue gives spiritual leaders the right to develop various peacemaking initiatives actively. This is extremely important for ending military conflicts and people’s suffering in “hot spots” in different parts of the world. Spiritual shepherds are the guardians of the conscience of humankind. Therefore, who, if not you, should show the way to mutual trust, goodness and peace? Now, more than ever, humanity needs solidarity action. We all need a new global movement for peace to build a new international security system. I believe that the role of spiritual leaders in this matter is paramount, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasised.
The Head of State called for the systematic promotion of the ideals of humanism and enduring spiritual values. He asserts that new technologies fundamentally alter every aspect of human life. This process has only been intensified and deepened by the pandemic. Digital communications, the Internet and social networks play a hugely positive role, blurring the boundaries between people in all corners of the earth.
– We can observe how society is fragmented and polarised under the influence of digital technologies. For many, the virtual world is already replacing the real one. Therefore, in the new digital reality, it is necessary to raise the issue of cultivating spiritual values and moral guidelines in a new way. Without a proper system for educating young generations, the cult of knowledge and education will not lead humankind to universal progress and well-being. Religions have always performed this basic function of education. The Koran, the Bible, the Torah and other scriptures are saturated with the ideas of humanism, compassion and mercy. They reject aggression, do not accept radicalism, condemn violence, and preach tolerance and moderation. In the modern era, the high mission of religious leaders is to bring these fundamental truths to people,” the President of Kazakhstan summed up his speech.
