The Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions has become an important phenomenon in the social and religious life not only of Kazakhstan, but of the whole world. With the initiative to hold such an event, President N.A. Nazarbayev spoke in February 2003 during visits to Italy and the Vatican. He was supported by religious and public figures from many countries. Kazakhstan has managed to create conditions on its land for the peaceful coexistence of different religions, and has become the main dialogue platform for this representative Forum. Throughout the world, the Kazakh model of interreligious and interfaith harmony was recognized as unique.
The starting point in the process of a constructive dialogue of religions and civilizations was the First Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, held in the capital of Kazakhstan in 2003.
I Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions
On September 23-24, 2003, the First Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions was held in Astana. The head of state put forward an initiative to hold a forum in the capital of the Republic of Kazakhstan - the city of Astana. In 2003, during a visit to the Vatican, the Head of Kazakhstan discussed this issue with John Paul II. As conceived by the President of Kazakhstan, the dialogue between the leaders of world and traditional religions was supposed to open broad prospects for mutual cooperation and help overcome such negative manifestations as violence, fanaticism, extremism and terrorism.
The first congress received about 30 delegations from Europe, Asia, the Middle East and America, representing Christianity and Islam, Judaism and Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism and Shintoism.
The fact that the heads of the United States, Russia, France, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Poland, Germany, heads of international organizations sent their greetings to the Congress addressed the world recognition of success and confidence in the new initiatives of Kazakhstan. The forum of such a high level was attended by 17 delegations representing all religions of the world, as well as honored guests and members of international organizations.
The President of the country expressed his opinion about the inconsistency of reasoning about the "clash of civilizations", "crisis of religions". On the contrary, against the backdrop of radical changes in the world order, the strict requirements of the global market, there has been a massive return of humanity to the search for answers in religious truths, and this has become a consolidating factor for many Kazakhstanis. It is unacceptable to give an ideological, political coloring to the existing cultural, civilizational and religious differences. And at such forums it is appropriate to speak not of a “conflict”, but of a “meeting of civilizations”. No “end of history” is foreseen, because humanity at this historical moment does not have that single and universal civilizational model of cultural and religious structure that the world community would accept as the only basis for its existence. Only the formula is correct: unity in diversity, in multinationality, in multiconfessionalism. Every denomination needs to be aware of and reckon with the fact that there are other civilizations, cultures, religions that have no less deep and significant history, have their own symbols and mentality. Therefore, we can talk not about a clash, but about the adaptation of the cultural and religious system, albeit not always easy, to the new world, to new technologies and new social relations.
At the First Congress of Leaders of World Religions, it was decided to hold a forum of religions on an ongoing basis, at least once every three years. Thus, Kazakhstan serves the whole world as a good example of civil, interethnic, harmony and stability. The participants of the first forum of world religions adopted a declaration in which they noted their commitment to such eternal values as tolerance, truth, justice and love, and agreed to hold the next meeting again in Kazakhstan, in Astana. The following name of the Congress was approved and adopted - "Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions". The participants of the Congress, expressing a common understanding of the need to continue a constructive interfaith dialogue, decided to create a permanent body of international interfaith dialogue - the Secretariat of the Congress and to hold on September 12-14, 2006 the second interfaith forum again in Astana.
As part of the organization of the II Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions in the Republic of Kazakhstan, in the period from 2003 to January 2006, four meetings of the working body of the Congress - the Secretariat of the Congress were held.
On October 11-14, 2004, the second meeting of the Secretariat of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions was held in Turkestan. At this event, the composition of the Secretariat of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions was approved.
On April 25-26, 2006, the fourth meeting of the Secretariat of the Congress took place in Astana, which completed the main work on the preparation of the II Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions. As a result of the 4th meeting of the Secretariat of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, the draft Agenda of the II Congress was adopted.
At the First Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, the President expressed the idea of building the Palace of Nations in Astana, which will include a mosque, a church, a synagogue, a Buddhist temple. This ensemble, according to the Head of State, is intended to become a kind of symbol of the unity of the people of Kazakhstan, within which representatives of over 130 nationalities live in peace and harmony and more than 40 confessions operate. The Palace of Peace and Reconciliation is a pyramid created by the architect Sir Norman Foster in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, specifically for the "Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions". The construction of the pyramid was completed in 2006. At the base is a square with a side of 61.80339887 meters, the height is also 61.80339887 meters, which corresponds to the principles of the Fibonacci Golden Ratio. The pyramid building was built by the Turkish construction company Sembol Inshaat. The concert and opera hall is equipped with the latest equipment, the capacity of the hall is 1350 spectators. The Cheops Atrium hall delights with the whiteness and nobility of marble. This hall, which occupies an area of over 2,000 sq.m. and consisting of 4 adjoining galleries, is ready to accommodate more than 1000 guests at the same time. The layout of the “General Plan for the Development of Astana until 2030”, located in the gallery of the hall, delights visitors with its scale. Guests and residents of the capital are introduced to works of art by the Kulanshy Center for Contemporary Art and the Shezhire Gallery. They host exhibitions and creative evenings of artists of Kazakhstan, countries of near and far abroad. A marble staircase leads from the 8th floor to the "Cradle" hall, which is at the very top of the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation. The "Winter Garden" surrounding it delights with the diversity of the world's vegetation. A large glass dome - the top of the pyramid seems to throw us towards the sky, where 130 doves frolic, symbolizing the peoples of Kazakhstan. From here you can see the capital of the Republic of Kazakhstan Astana.
II Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions
On September 12, 2006, the II Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions was held in the capital of Kazakhstan under the general theme "Religion, Society and International Security" in two directions: "Freedom of Religion and Respect for Followers of Other Religions" and "The Role of Religious Leaders in Strengthening International Security".
On the first day of the forum, the principles of interreligious dialogue were adopted, which reflected the basic components that guided the forum participants during the work of the Congress. The congress brought together 43 delegations from 20 states of the world community and many international organizations. More than 160 delegates represented the main traditional faiths of the world. Envoys of the UN, OSCE, UNESCO were present as guests of honor.
The congress adopted a joint declaration calling on representatives of all religions and ethnic groups to prevent conflicts based on cultural and religious differences. The document reflected the global need for peaceful dialogue and constructive cooperation between religions, as well as for the replacement of the "ideology of confrontation" with a "culture of peace".
III Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions
On July 1, 2009, the III Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions was held in Astana. The participants discussed issues of tolerance and cooperation. Well-known politicians and public figures were invited to the Congress as guests of honor. The Congress was attended by 77 delegations from 35 countries, which included more than 400 representatives of various religious organizations, as well as politicians.
Five sectional groups worked at the Congress: "moral values", "peace and security", "environment and harmony", "true dialogue and cooperation", "promotion of justice". Under the auspices of the forum, the creation of the International Center of Cultures and Religions in Kazakhstan was envisaged. According to international experts, this was due to the fact that Kazakhstan's mediation becomes invaluable in the dialogue between East and West.
Astana has become a place of attraction for new ideas, bold innovations and ambitious projects, and has become the center of the dialogue of civilizations. The past forum brought together a record number of participants and guests. It was attended by 77 delegations representing various confessions in 35 states. Its orientation is evidenced by the topics announced for discussion: at the plenary session - "The role of the leaders of religions in arranging the world based on tolerance and mutual respect", and at the breakout sessions - "The world ethics of humanism and spiritual values" and "Consent in times of crisis".
The speeches of other participants of the congress were sustained in the same direction. Thus, the Secretary General of the World Islamic League, Abdullah bin Abdel Muhsin at-Turki, stressed the importance of convening such congresses that defend the truths that have been established in the history of mankind.
Israeli President, Nobel Peace Prize winner Shimon Peres noted that all religions of the world call for justice and mercy. "But there is an extremist minority who believe they have their own god who allows murder," he said, and urged religious leaders to join forces to "separate religion from violence." According to Peres, recently Israeli scientists have discovered a new type of wheat, which is called "enriched". “Enriched wheat is better than enriched uranium,” the Israeli president said. “Better to feed people than to kill them.”
The discussions held within the framework of the congress became a continuation of the conversation started six years ago at the First Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions. In recent years, Kazakhstan has taken on the role of an initiator and mediator in establishing an international dialogue.
In the final resolution, the participants of the Third Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions called on other religious leaders, as well as political and public figures, scientists and journalists to support and promote efforts to develop interfaith dialogue and find solutions to new problems that threaten global stability. The congress called on all people of good will to oppose attempts to use religious differences to promote hatred, and also to encourage efforts to clarify the essence of different religions and civilizations and improve mutual understanding through education and enlightenment.
IV Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions
On May 30–31, 2012, the IV Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions took place in Astana. The main theme of the Congress was defined as the theme: "Peace and harmony as the choice of mankind." The congress program included plenary sessions and four sessions on the topics:
– “The role of religious leaders in achieving sustainable development”;
– “Religion and multiculturalism”;
– “Religion and woman: spiritual values and modern challenges”;
– “Religion and Youth”.
The Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions has become a unique component of the international dialogue not only of religious figures, but also of major international organizations: the UN, UNESCO, ISESCO, as well as leaders of a number of other international associations, well-known politicians and statesmen. With all the complexities of global development, a strong impetus for dialogue remains a popular trend in modern global processes. And in this process, the congress, as an important part of the global dialogue leading to the acquisition by mankind of the foundations of a just world order in the 21st century, will take its rightful place in history.
V Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions
On June 10–11, 2015, the 5th Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions was held in Astana on the theme “Dialogue of religious leaders and politicians in the name of peace and development”. The venue for the forum was the Palace of Peace and Accord and the Palace of Independence. The congress was attended by 80 delegations from 42 countries of the world. On the first day of the congress, the President of Kazakhstan N.A. Nazarbayev and the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon spoke. Topics of the meetings of the V Congress: "Religious and political leaders: responsibility to humanity", "The impact of religion on youth: education, science, culture and the media", "Religion and politics: new trends and prospects", "Dialogue based on mutual respect and understanding between leaders of world and traditional religions for the sake of peace, security and harmony”. The final Declaration of the Congress said that the Congress participants understand the importance of the contribution of world and traditional religions to the development of human civilization and are aware of the significant role of religion in shaping an atmosphere of mutual respect. They express concern about the growth of inter-religious and inter-ethnic tension, political instability and military clashes in different regions of the world, condemn manifestations of all types of intolerance, emphasizing that extremism and terrorism have nothing to do with the true calling of all religions. Summing up the results of the V Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions in Astana, the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan N.A. Nazarbayev said: "Another step has been taken towards each other, towards understanding the exceptional importance of peace, harmony between religions, peoples and states."
The holding of congresses of leaders of world and traditional religions was an important step towards the creation of a new world order, in which mutual understanding between states, consideration of the interests of all peoples, both large and small, respect for the way of thinking and beliefs of the people inhabiting the planet, became the dominant principles. Over the years of its existence, this forum has not only proved its viability, but has also become an effective tool for establishing a multilateral dialogue between various confessions.
The Congresses of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions have become a platform for discussing such topical issues of our time as poverty, hunger, terrorism, drug trafficking, and environmental pollution.