The VII Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions started with a minute of silent prayer. The plenary session ‘The role of leaders of world and traditional religions in the spiritual and social development of mankind in the post-pandemic period’ was opened by Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. He underscored that Kazakhstan is honored to bring together the world’s spiritual leaders and establish a dialogue.
“Dear religious leaders, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the hospitable Kazakh land! It is a great honor for us to gather all the most influential world leaders here and have a dialogue. I am grateful to you for accepting our invitation and coming to Kazakhstan. This demonstrates our common interest in maintaining peace and strengthening the intercivilizational dialogue. Today’s meeting is of crucial importance in this changing and uncertain world,” Tokayev said.
The President emphasized that peaceful coexistence of representatives of various ethnic groups and religions is an invaluable wealth and an inherent advantage of Kazakhstan. The congress is an essential part of the country's policy aimed at strengthening dialogue and cooperation both in Kazakhstan and around the globe, the Head of State added. Religious leaders at the negotiating table show to the whole world an example of a specific commitment to overcome any disputes. This is the mission and feature of the Congress, Tokayev stressed.
