III. Competition Period
PRESS ANNOUNCEMENT
On October 7, 2026, the XXIV Meeting of the Secretariat of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions will be held at the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation. The dialogue platform will convene leaders and representatives of world and traditional religions — Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Shinto and the Bahaʼí Faith — as well as heads of international organizations, government officials and leading experts from 20 countries.
A key item on the agenda of the XXIV Meeting of the Secretariat will be the consideration and adoption of two international documents: “The Code of Ethics for the Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Religious Sphere” and “The Role of Religions in Combating Climate Change.” The development of these documents was initiated by President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at the VIII Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions and supported by Congress participants.
The Charter of the Rights of the Incurable Child will be presented as a separate agenda item. The document emphasizes protecting the child’s dignity and ensuring humane treatment, as well as the child’s right to necessary medical and psychological care and, upon request, support that takes into account the child’s religious and spiritual needs.
To cover the XXIV Meeting of the Secretariat of the Congress, Kazakhstani and international media are kindly requested to complete accreditation no later than September 30, 2026. For accreditation, please contact us by email: communications@iciid.org.
Date: October 7, 2026
Venue: Press Center, 57 Tauelsizdik Avenue, Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, Astana
Start time: 10:00 a.m
Press Announcement
On October 2-3, 2026, the International Center for Interfaith and Interreligious Dialogue will host the II Joint Colloquium between the Holy See’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue and the International Center in Astana. The main theme of the Colloquium will be the protection of the rights and dignity of vulnerable children.
The Colloquium will continue the dialogue between Kazakhstan and the Holy See, which began in April 2024 with the first joint meeting held during the visit of the Head of the Secretariat of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions to the Vatican.
The Colloquium will convene official representatives of Kazakhstan and the Holy See, religious leaders, specialists in the fields of pediatrics, bioethics and theology, representatives of international organizations, as well as members of the expert community. The event will be co-chaired by the Head of the Secretariat of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions and Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad, Prefect of the Holy See’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue.
The program will focus on three key areas: the ethical foundations of child care and interfaith solidarity; the protection of children’s rights and dignity in the context of illness; and the development of medical, scientific and institutional cooperation. The potential of artificial intelligence in pediatrics and the ethical principles governing its use will also be given special attention.
The Charter of the rights of the Incurable Child, based on the principles of respect for human dignity, comprehensive care for the child, and support for the family, will serve as a key reference point for discussions. The Kazakh side will also highlight the «Zhusan» humanitarian operation an example of practical support for children in difficult circumstances.
To cover the Colloquium, Kazakhstani and international media are kindly requested to complete accreditation no later than September 20, 2026. For accreditation, please contact us by email: communications@iciid.org.
Date: October 2–3, 2026
Venue: National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan, 1st floor
Start time: 10:30 a.m.
Ethnic Kazakh children aged 12–17 living abroad are invited to participate.
Competition Themes:
Prizes:
Laptop
Tablet
Smartwatch
Submission Deadline: August 28, 2026
Submit your artwork to: oqbaiqau@gmail.com
More information: oq.gov.kz
The International Center for Interfaith and Interreligious Dialogue (ICIID) hosted an international online conference titled “The Role of Religious Leaders in Achieving Sustainable Peace and Development.” During the event, the Center presented two concept documents to its international partners: the “Ethical Code for the Use of Artificial Intelligence” and “The Role of Religions in Combating Climate Change.”
The conference brought together representatives of religious organizations, academic institutions, expert communities, and international organizations from Kazakhstan, the United Kingdom, Russia, Argentina, Thailand, North Macedonia, and India. Discussions focused on implementing the 2025 Astana Peace Declaration and the Development Concept of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions for 2023–2033.
Opening the conference, Maksat Ramankulov, Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Religious Affairs under the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan, highlighted the importance of state-confessional partnerships. He noted that the Kazakhstani model demonstrates how civil peace demands joint efforts from both secular institutions and religious communities.
Gulsana Kozhabay, Chair of the Center's Board, emphasized that while faith-based diplomacy does not resolve every conflict, it helps preserve dialogue during periods of acute tension. Referring to the VIII Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, held in Astana in September 2025, she noted that Jewish and Muslim representatives remained at the same table and continued their engagement despite heightened sensitivities regarding developments in the Middle East.
She also stressed the need to transition faith-based diplomacy into practical action. These priorities include establishing ethical frameworks for artificial intelligence and mounting a collective response to climate change — two issues addressed by the Center’s current initiatives.
Marwan Sarwar Gill, President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Argentina, spoke about the universal understanding of peace in the Islamic tradition. Citing the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, he emphasized that human dignity must not depend on race, nationality, or origin. Imam Gill rejected the notion of selective peace, arguing that a holistic approach provides a crucial foundation for global security.
Yulia Shapoval, Acting Professor in the Department of Religious Studies at Gumilyov Eurasian National University, highlighted the rise of digital radicalization. She noted that religious and expert communities must keep pace with emerging challenges in the information age, arguing that educational and peace-oriented content must become more visible to counter destructive narratives in the digital space.
Ivan Ivanov, Chairman of the Board of the International Center “Alliance of Civilizations,” underscored the importance of critical thinking in preventing ethnic and religious violence. In his view, education should go beyond transmitting cultural identity; it should cultivate conscience, empathy, and responsibility. Philosophy and ethics, he argued, deserve a more prominent place in educational curricula.
Dr. Matthias Bodi of the University of Oxford's Faculty of Theology and Religion observed that deep faith and open dialogue are not in conflict. Intellectual honesty and respectful interfaith engagement, he stated, help build a culture in which disagreement does not turn into hostility.
Several speakers, including Rostislav Novgorodov, Head of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Kazakhstan; Tokzhan Kozhakhmetova, representative of the Baha’i Community of Kazakhstan; and Rudraksha Sakrikar, Rector of Somaiya Vidyavihar University, emphasized the special role of youth. They stressed that youth should be regarded not only as beneficiaries of education but also as active contributors to positive social change, mutual trust, and intercultural cooperation.
Sergei Melnik, Head of the Department of Philosophy at the Russian Academy of Sciences, proposed organizing an international roundtable in 2027 to mark the twentieth anniversary of the landmark document “A Common Word Between Us and You.” The initiative aims to further strengthen Christian-Muslim dialogue and deepen trust between religious traditions.
Concluding the conference, participants agreed on the importance of moving beyond interfaith dialogue toward practical cooperation, identifying sustainable peace, ethical governance of new technologies, climate responsibility, education, and the prevention of radicalization as key areas.
PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS:
Children of the Kazakh diaspora aged 11–15 are invited to participate.
To participate, contestants must record a video featuring expressive reading, a theatrical performance, or a creative improvisation based on any work by Ybyrai Altynsarin.
Along with the video recording, participants must send the following information to the organizers’ email address no later than May 28, 2026: full name, country, contact number, date of birth (year, month, day), and a copy of the international passport to: oqbaiqau@gmail.com
Both individual and group formats are accepted (groups must not exceed 2 participants).
Creative works are welcome, including poems, musical performances, decorations, props, and any other theatrical elements.
The performance duration must be 1–4 minutes.
Participants must ensure good video quality and clear voice audio.
The best works will be published on official platforms and social media.
TIMELINE
Applications are accepted until May 28, 2026.
AWARDS
The 15 best participants will receive vouchers to the “JAS QAZAQ–2026” kazakh etho camp. The voucher covers two weeks of camp training, accommodation, meals, and participation in various activities. Travel expenses to and from the camp must be covered by the participant independently.
Dear Heads of State and Government,
Distinguished participants,
Ladies and gentlemen!
It is a great honour and privilege for me to welcome you all at the Regional Ecological Summit and to have here Heads of State of Central Asian countries and Caucasus.
Thank you, my dear colleagues, your attendance at this Forum held in cooperation with the United Nations gives an added value to this extremely important event.
Indeed, today, on Earth Day, we gather in Astana to reaffirm our shared responsibility to protect our planet.
It means that the states of our region clearly understand the urgency and extreme significance of having shared vision for a resilient future.
Ecology today is not limited to climate alone.
It is the very foundation of human livelihood.
It is about clean air and safe water, healthy soils and secure food systems.
It is about stability of communities and dignity of future generations.
It is also about clarity of thought, harmony of our societies and their happiness.
In broad sense, ecology is a way of living responsibly on our shared planet.
Therefore, our today’s Summit is timely and necessary.
Once again, I sincerely thank the leaders of brotherly states: President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov; President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov; President of Mongolia Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh, who is also paying a state visit to Kazakhstan; President of Armenia Vahagn Khachaturyan, who is celebrating his birthday today; President of Georgia Mikheil Kavelashvili and high representatives of Russia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Serbia, Pakistan and many other countries for their participation in this Summit.
I welcome the heads and representatives of the United Nations agencies, Environmental Conventions, financial institutions, NGOs, as well as our international partners, experts, scholars, academic community.
I also extend my sincere gratitude to organizers, volunteers, technical and logistical team and all those who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make this Summit happen.
Dear Participants,
We meet here at a time of growing uncertainties and unpredictabilities.
Needless to elaborate how deeply and harmfully they affect global and regional stability and life’s quality of millions of people.
They undermine development efforts and divert resources away from solving urgent environmental challenges.
In this context, the role of the international community does really matter.
The United Nations, created eighty years ago, remains indispensable as the only universal platform for dialogue.
Yet, since then, the world has changed drastically and fundamentally.
The artificial intelligence has gained the upper hand in the mindsets of people around the world and their daily lives.
Many words are being said about the sanctity of the UN Charter, which remains a cornerstone of international law.
However, the UN Charter is not of Haute Cuisine and cannot serve as a cherry-picking platform.
Rather, UN Charter must be accepted and perceived as the single, comprehensive document and recognized as such with all its provisions.
Therefore, there is a strong need to ensure that UN and other major international institutions fully comply with the realities of the current world, which has entered an era of transformation of such a nature and scale that make it totally unprecedented and therefore unpredictable.
We should avoid selective applying of the principles of UN Charter to the international military conflicts.
At the same time, our trust in multilateral institutions should be kept unwavering, although they unfortunately lack credibility in addressing major international issues.
From my perspective, selective approaches cannot be tolerated either on ecological matters.
In many cases, environmental agendas are drafted and shaped without considering to the full extent the development needs of different regions and countries, especially of emerging states that are still building up their economic capacities.
Meanwhile, developed nations reached their current environmental standards through long periods of the industrialization.
Therefore, the global transition to cleaner models must be fair, balanced and stimulating.
Our common approach should be well-grounded, pragmatic, thoroughly considered to allow countries to move forward sustainably without compromising their opportunities for economic growth and progress.
Environmental cooperation must serve as a reliable instrument of unity and should not divide us.
It should be based on partnership, trust and shared responsibility – with no naming, no shaming and no blaming.
As partners we must work pragmatically and responsibly in support of peace and sustainable development.
Dear participants,
Nature can exist without geopolitics, and the latter cannot exist without nature.
Our countries share ecosystems.
We share rivers, landscapes and climate risks.
And most importantly, we share responsibility.
Central Asia and neighbouring regions face common ecological challenges. Among them are as follows:
I intentionally name all major problems and challenges and uncover their essence because I strongly believe that this precisely how we can collectively achieve positive results in addressing them.
The time for indicating successes is over, the time for making solutions has come.
Kazakhstan places special importance to ecological responsibility on the highest juridical level.
Our new Constitution clearly reflects environmental protection as a fundamental priority of state policy and public responsibility.
It confirms that ecological safety and prosperity are not a technical issue. It is a real value that must be embedded in our national DNA and our long-term vision of progress.
To be clear, Kazakhstan is implementing policies aimed at:
We acknowledge that no country can succeed alone, major emphasis must be put on joint efforts on the regional and global levels.
We are pursuing this agenda through practical action, new technologies and long-term investment in resilience.
Central priority is just and fair energy transition.
Renewables now provide over 7 percent of Kazakhstan’s electricity and are expected to exceed 15 percent by 2030.
While maintaining strong oil and gas capacity, my country remains committed to sustainable energy objectives.
As the world’s leading uranium exporter, providing about 40 percent of global supply, we also support carbon-free electricity generation.
We are advancing our first nuclear power plant project, while modernizing coal-based power generation using clean coal technologies.
Therefore, emissions from major energy facilities are expected to decline by nearly 35 percent.
Water security is a matter of extreme importance for Kazakhstan as well as for the whole Central Asia. Our future depends on managing this vital resource wisely and fairly.
The Aral Sea remains a stark reminder of the consequences of unsustainable policies, but also of what determined, science-based action can achieve.
So far, we restored about 36 percent of the Northern Aral Sea, improving water quality, fish stocks and enhancing living conditions.
This afternoon, together with my colleagues, at the high-level meeting of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea, Kazakhstan will conclude its three-year chairmanship in the Organization.
Another pressing concern for my country is the Caspian Sea. Its protection is essential for ecological balance, biodiversity and regional sustainability.
Kazakhstan has therefore initiated an Interstate program to prevent further degradation of the Caspian Sea and established Scientific Research Institute of the Caspian Sea to advance regional scientific cooperation.
We call on all international stakeholders to support these efforts to safeguard this unique natural treasure.
Therefore, any use of military arms in the Caspian region must be excluded and banned.
Alongside our regional efforts, global water cooperation remains a key priority.
Last December in Ashgabat city I proposed to establish International Water Organization as an agency of United Nations.
This initiative is particularly timely, as the UN is currently reviewing thousands of mandates, offering an opportunity to strengthen coherence and effectiveness in global governance.
I am pleased to note that this Summit will host the first round of international consultations on this proposal.
Biodiversity conservation also remains a central pillar of our environmental policy.
Sustained efforts have delivered tangible results: the saiga population has rebounded.
Snow leopard numbers in Kazakhstan have more than doubled to around 190 animals.
In collaboration with international partners, we are also reintroducing and restoring other rare species, including falcons, the Turan tiger and Przewalski’s horse.
Large-scale reforestation is a core priority of Kazakhstan’s ecological agenda.
Over the past five years, we have planted more than 1.5 billion trees across more than one million hectares, including saxaul trees planting alongside with Uzbek experts on the dried Aral Sea bed to slow down its desertification.
Kazakhstan invites all partners to join the International Fund for Rare Species and Biodiversity Conservation – a platform for cross-border cooperation, research and effective ecosystem protection.
Besides, we have launched the nationwide movement “Таза Қазақстан” or “Clean Kazakhstan,” a broad public campaign promoting environmental awareness and civic responsibility.
This movement brings together nearly a million volunteers, who I would rather say, are true patriots of Kazakhstan, whose selfless service show how much they care about their country and its future.
In this spirit, we welcome and fully support the UN’s designation of 2026 as the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development.
And in our new Constitution the Volunteer’s movement has gained appropriate status and now it is the duty of State to embrace volunteers.
This year has been announced the Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence.
It is evident that handling successfully ecological matter is impossible without AI.Artificial intelligence will create new opportunities for protecting natural resources and improving environmental governance. Hence, we are ready to support the creation of a Regional Digital Ecosystem.
Distinguished guests,
This Summit reminds us that protecting our planet is a shared responsibility of all humanity.
It is about a future of the humankind and of our younger generation.
It is not only an environmental task, it is a highly moral duty.It is an economic necessity. And it is a strategic priority for peace and stability.
In this spirit, our shared vision for a resilient future must include several key principles:
The adoption of the Astana Declaration on Ecological Solidarity in Central Asia and a number of substantive agreements reached on the margins of the Summit reflect our commitment to these principles and mark an important step toward stronger regional ecological partnership.
I am confident that our deliberations today will produce meaningful results and lead to concrete joint initiatives, transforming our shared vision for a resilient future into practical action that benefits our peoples.
I wish you all productive discussions.
Thank you.
Astana, March 26, 2026 – Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yermek Kosherbayev held a telephone conversation with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran Abbas Araghchi.
The Ministers discussed the current situation in the Middle East and exchanged views on main issues of the bilateral cooperation.
During the conversation, Minister Kosherbayev expressed concern over the situation around Iran and confirmed Kazakhstan’s readiness to provide a venue for holding peace negotiations in the city of Turkistan, as previously stated by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
In addition, it was agreed to continue the dialogue on relevant issues of the bilateral relations.
Dear compatriots!
Continuing its mission to promote the Kazakh language, the Otandastar Foundation will launch a new series of free online Kazakh language courses starting in March 2026!
Language is not only a mirror of the nation but also a tool to better understand your own history. This course will help expand your cultural and linguistic horizons.
Ethnic Kazakhs living abroad, former compatriots, or citizens of Kazakhstan residing abroad;
No age restrictions;
Interest in learning and developing Kazakh language skills;
Ability to attend online classes regularly;
Basic equipment: a computer or smartphone with internet access.
Develop skills in speaking, writing, and understanding Kazakh fluently;
Learning the language opens new opportunities in government, business, and cultural events.
The online courses comprehensively develop listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills.
Participants who complete the course will receive a certificate by meeting the following requirements:
Complete all lessons:
– Attend all lessons;
– Complete assignments and pass tests.
Pass a final exam or test:
– A final exam or test will be conducted to assess overall knowledge;
– Oral or written tasks may be required.
Show active participation:
– Certificates will be awarded to those who attend regularly and actively participate in classes.
In addition to language, participants will have the opportunity to learn about Kazakh culture and traditions.
As participants improve their language skills, they will gain confidence in expressing themselves in new environments.
Interactive lessons designed for you;
Engaging video materials and literary works.
The online Kazakh language course is offered in A1, A2, B1, and B2 levels for Turkish-speaking and Russian-speaking audiences.
To register and join the course, take a placement test using the links below:
Test in Russian:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeHSwC1Bh7oodrUEqaCIVwPXmIlR4yGaMOZa2JjlKkVrwQG6Q/viewform?usp=dialog
Test in Turkish:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScoCUYTiYCmNHLKhoGF12NZ00La_c_xHs51ZX8LP31pJrjjSQ/viewform?usp=dialog
A1: https://chat.whatsapp.com/LjaLJXMkz8d4G9MuMF3uUy
A2: https://chat.whatsapp.com/Eo9wP7FYd7YLqnBEPDEw4n
B1: https://chat.whatsapp.com/JlVlOJjHNZhLsZK2gaeX4H
B2: https://chat.whatsapp.com/JOkqN6WOmRxCnWg96G5X81
A1: https://t.me/+TmqhiKZHeVJiOWEy
A2: https://t.me/+erC61FUMki00YTAy
B1: https://t.me/+tbNy0C7bOoNlNDA6
B2: https://t.me/+A3V_axFsPp40ZmM6
Once you join the WhatsApp group, please wait for the instructor’s guidelines. The instructor will send the schedule after all participants complete the placement test. The online Kazakh language course is scheduled to begin in March 2026.
QazETA is a state digital platform designed to provide foreign nationals with convenient, transparent, and secure access to key migration and related services under the “one-stop shop” principle (a unified digital window for foreigners).
The project aimed to create a modern, user-friendly platform for foreigners interacting with the government authorities of the Republic of Kazakhstan, as well as to improve the efficiency and quality of public service delivery.
The QazETA platform is focused on:
- simplifying procedures for entry into and stay of foreign nationals in the Republic of Kazakhstan;
- creating a single digital entry point that ensures consistent interaction of foreign nationals with government services, from entry into the country to everyday services;
- increasing transparency of processes, reducing application processing times, and improving service quality;
- the digitalization of core migration procedures and their integration into mobile service;
The platform is currently operating in pilot mode and the implementation of the platform will be carried out in phases. Currently, the following services are available:
- issuance of electronic visas (e-Visa);
- issuance of an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA);
- obtaining the status of an electronic resident of the Republic of Kazakhstan (e-Residency);
- issuance of certificates confirming the crossing of the state border of the Republic of Kazakhstan by foreign nationals (including for the purpose of IMEI verification of mobile devices).
Key services of the platform:
An electronic visa is a digital form of a state service for issuing visas to foreign nationals and stateless persons.
Citizens of 104 countries may apply for a single-entry electronic visa under the following categories: "А3" (service), "А5" (investor), "В1","В2","В3", (business trip), "В9-1" (Digital Nomad Visa), "В10" (private travel), "В12" (tourist), "С12" (medical treatment).
An electronic visa is issued on the basis of an electronically issued invitation (the invitation is issued by the territorial police authorities of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan) and is valid only for the visa holder and does not apply to accompanying persons. In case of passport replacement, a new electronic visa must be obtained.
Foreign nationals and stateless persons are permitted to enter and exit the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan using a valid electronic visa only through border crossing points of the international airports of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The ETA is intended for citizens of countries that are exempt from visa requirements of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The authorization is issued in electronic form.
Foreign nationals planning to travel to Kazakhstan must submit an ETA application through the mobile application no later than 72 hours prior to travel.
The validity period of the ETA is 180 days.
The actual duration of stay of foreign nationals in Kazakhstan is regulated in accordance with the applicable migration legislation.
At the same time, the issuance of an ETA does not guarantee entry into the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The final decision on admission is made by the authorized state body of the Republic of Kazakhstan during border control procedures.
The following categories are exempt from the requirement to obtain an ETA:
- holders of diplomatic and service (official) passports;
- members of official delegations;
- representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in the Republic of Kazakhstan.
During the pilot period, obtaining an ETA is recommended but not mandatory for citizens of countries exempt from the Republic of Kazakhstan’s visa requirements. After the pilot period, the ETA will be gradually introduced as a mandatory requirement for these categories of citizens.
e-Residency is an innovative instrument that provides foreign nationals and stateless persons located outside the Republic of Kazakhstan with access to digital government and commercial services within the jurisdiction of the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC).
The e-Residency program is implemented within jurisdiction of the AIFC and provides for:
- remote issuance of an Individual Identification Number (IIN);
- opening of bank accounts and payment cards;
- issuance of eSIMs;
- remote company registration and business operations
within jurisdiction of the AIFC.
Further expansion of the platform’s functionality is planned, including the issuance of health insurance, the possibility of expedited border control for ETA holders (Fast Track), payment of service fees, and other digital services.
The QazETA mobile application is available for download on Google Play and the App Store.
As part of the project, a technical support service is in operation. Inquiries and suggestions are accepted via email at support@qazeta.kz.