Kazakhstan and the Holy See Continue Dialogue on the Protection of Children’s Rights
Astana, 2-3 October 2026 - The II Joint Colloquium of the International Center for Interfaith and Interreligious Dialogue and the Holy See’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue will be held in the capital of Kazakhstan.
The upcoming meeting will focus on the protection of the rights and dignity of children in vulnerable situations.
The Colloquium will bring together official representatives of Kazakhstan and the Holy See, religious leaders, specialists in 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. Particular attention will also be given to the potential of artificial intelligence in pediatrics and the ethical principles governing its use.
The Charter of the Rights of the Incurable Child, based on the principles of respect for human dignity, comprehensive care for children and support for families, will serve as an important reference point for the discussions. The Kazakh side will also highlight the Zhusan humanitarian operation as an example of practical support for children in difficult circumstances.
The upcoming Colloquium will continue the dialogue between Kazakhstan and the Holy See launched in this format in April 2024 during the visit of the Head of the Secretariat of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions to the Vatican.
Media Accreditation
Kazakhstani and international media representatives wishing to cover the Colloquium are invited to complete accreditation no later than September 20, 2026, by contacting: communications@iciid.org.
Date: 2-3 October 2026
Venue: National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan, 1st floor, Astana
Start time: 10:30 a.m.