The role of spiritual leaders in the development of peace was discussed on the platform of the Nursultan Nazarbayev Center for Development of Interfaith and Inter-civilization Dialogue. Representatives of religious associations, international organizations and reputed foreign analysts from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Vatican, India, Iran, United Kingdom, Russia, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan agreed that stability and harmony are the foundation for effective and efficient progress. The organizers said that the event, dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Kazakhstan’s Independence, opened a series of thematic conferences of this year. They aim to discuss a number of issues, including the involvement of religious leaders in strengthening interfaith dialogue and cooperation at the national, regional and international levels. The meeting participants also touched on the work to be done in preparation for the Secretariat of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, which will be held in Nur-Sultan this autumn.
“We plan to host the Secretariat of the Congress of Leaders of World Religions in October. This is quite a large event, as it is held annually. This time, the Kazakh side proposes to place the role of spiritual leaders during the current very difficult period of the COVID-19 pandemic on the agenda of the Secretariat. What position should religious leaders take, what should they do, how can they support the governments and public institutions of the countries that are currently facing a great challenge?” said Bulat Sarsenbayev, Chairperson, Nursultan Nazarbayev center.
