The Sixth Congress took place against the backdrop of global threats: rising extremism, youth radicalization, migration crises, and deteriorating interfaith relations in several regions. The event brought together
82 delegations from
43 countries, including leading spiritual leaders, politicians, representatives of international organizations, experts, and scholars (UN, OSCE, UNESCO, Alliance of Civilizations).
Formats and Discussion Topics The program included 2 plenary sessions and 4 thematic sessions covering:
- Manifesto "Peace. XXI Century" as a concept of global security
- Religions in changing geopolitics: new opportunities for consolidating humanity
- Religion and globalization: challenges and responses
- Religious leaders and political figures: overcoming extremism and terrorism
Key Discussion Directions- Combating terrorism and violence carried out under the guise of religious rhetoric
- The role of religion in protecting human rights and promoting justice
- Ethics in global communications, especially in digital media and online platforms
- Developing a culture of interreligious tolerance through education and enlightenment
Awards and Symbolic Highlights At the plenary session, the first Astana Award for contribution to interreligious dialogue was presented to the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue. A special commemorative postage stamp was issued, marking the 15th anniversary of the Congress.
Adopted Decisions- Adoption of the Final Declaration, affirming the inadmissibility of all forms of religious enmity and extremism
- Strong support for peaceful coexistence and respect for cultural and religious diversity
- Emphasis on educational initiatives through media and digital platforms
- Proposal to establish a Center for Interreligious and Intercivilizational Dialogue based in Kazakhstan
- Decision to strengthen the work of the Congress Secretariat, expanding its analytical, humanitarian, and communicative functions
New Initiative As part of the forum, the Museum of Peace and Concord at the Palace of Peace and Concord was officially opened—a new cultural and analytical platform dedicated to the history and mission of the Congresses.
International Recognition The outcomes of the Sixth Congress were presented at the OSCE Permanent Council, where the forum’s declaration was recognized as a contribution to global security. UNESCO, the OIC, the Vatican, Al-Azhar, the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and other spiritual centers officially endorsed the forum and highly appreciated Kazakhstan’s role as a guarantor of peaceful dialogue among religions.
This section includes: photo archive, archive of documents (concept, program, list of participants, declaration, speeches), interactive map of participants’ geography, and video materials of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions.
