Since the first Congress in Astana in 2003, Kazakhstan has assumed the mission not only to initiate but also to institutionally support a sustainable dialogue among religions. To ensure the effectiveness and continuity of the Congress, a unique organizational structure was established, unprecedented in global practice.
Secretariat of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions
The Secretariat was established following the First Congress, held on September 23–24, 2003, in Astana, and functions as a permanent coordinating body between Congresses. Its responsibilities include organizing meetings, drafting the agenda for upcoming Congresses, preparing final documents such as declarations and appeals, and maintaining ongoing communication with religious organizations, international institutions, and experts. The Secretariat is chaired by the Chairperson of the Senate of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Its members include authorized representatives of religious leaders from Islam, Christianity (Orthodoxy, Catholicism, Lutheranism), Buddhism, Judaism, Hinduism, Zoroastrianism, Daoism, and Shinto from more than 20 countries. All decisions are made by consensus, reflecting the spirit of equality, dialogue, and mutual respect.
In 2023 and 2024, the XXI and XXII meetings of the Secretariat were held, focusing in particular on discussing the Long-Term Development Concept of the forum for 2023–2033 and the initial steps for creating the Forum of Young Religious Leaders. Secretariat meetings are held in Astana and periodically in other countries, forming the basis of the agenda for future Congresses and enabling prompt responses to global challenges.
Council of Religious LeadersThe idea of forming a Council of Religious Leaders was first proposed at the Second Congress, held in Astana in 2006. Participants highlighted the need to establish a permanent structure capable of promoting interreligious dialogue and cooperation with international organizations.
The Council was officially established at the Fourth Congress in May 2012. Before the opening of the forum, the first session of the Council took place, attended by President of Kazakhstan N. A. Nazarbayev and spiritual leaders of world religions.
Composition of the Council of Religious Leaders
The Council includes the most influential representatives of spiritual confessions – heads of major world and traditional religions, including Islam, Christianity (Orthodox, Catholic, and others), Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, Daoism, and Shinto. The Council consists of approximately 14 members who hold significant authority within their religious communities.
Tasks and Functions
The Council of Religious Leaders performs the following key functions:
· Defining the strategic direction of interreligious dialogue and developing the Congress as a platform for spiritual diplomacy;
· Initiating decisions and joint initiatives aimed at promoting peace, harmony, and cooperation with other international institutions;
· Supporting educational and humanitarian projects that strengthen intercultural understanding and trust.
The Council of Religious Leaders is not merely an advisory body but the institutional core of the Congress in Kazakhstan. It ensures continuity, stability, and integrity of the global interreligious dialogue, reinforcing peace on spiritual and moral foundations.
Forum of Young Religious Leaders
The Forum is designed to provide a platform for young religious activists and spiritual leaders to engage in dialogue and cooperation. The idea was first proposed during the VII Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions in 2022 in Astana. Participants of the Congress supported the initiative, recognizing its importance for ensuring continuity and advancing the mission of interfaith dialogue.
The initiative was officially included in the Development Concept of the Congress for 2023–2033, adopted on the proposal of President K. K. Tokayev of Kazakhstan.
The first Forum, titled “Shaping a Common Future: The Role of Young Leaders in Strengthening Interreligious Dialogue”, was held in Astana on October 9, 2024, as part of the XXII meeting of the Secretariat. Participants from more than 30 countries discussed current global challenges.
Key events of the Forum:
· The official address of President K. K. Tokayev was read by the Chairperson of the Senate and Head of the Secretariat of the Congress, M. S. Ashimbaev.
· Discussion topics included the role of young leaders in building peace, tasks of interreligious and intercultural dialogue, and the impact of digitalization and artificial intelligence on spiritual values.
Outcomes:
· A Joint Appeal of Young Religious Leaders was adopted, expressing their commitment to promote peace, mutual understanding, compassion, and cooperation.
· The II Forum is scheduled to take place as part of the VIII Congress in 2025.
· The Forum featured the presentation of the Congress’s electronic library of religious materials.
Significance:
The Forum of Young Religious Leaders represents an institutional innovation, proposed at the VII Congress (2022) and officially launched with the first Forum in Astana (2024).
· A strategic platform engaging youth in interreligious dialogue, crucial for continuity and spiritual renewal.
· A response to contemporary challenges, including digitalization, global instability, and interfaith tensions.
· A space where young people do not merely participate but shape the agenda, anticipating future trends and initiatives.
The Forum represents an important step toward ensuring the continuity of the Congress’s values, involving the new generation in building a future based on tolerance and spiritual culture.
The institutional structure of the Congress in Kazakhstan is a living system that ensures continuity, stability, and the development of a unique process of global interreligious dialogue. Thanks to this structure, the Congress has become not a one-time event but a long-term international platform recognized by the UN, UNESCO, OSCE, and key religious centers worldwide.
The historical and documentary materials in this section demonstrate the evolution of the Congress’s organizational structure and its contribution to strengthening peace, mutual respect, and cooperation among religions and cultures.
This section includes: an archive of documents (Regulations on the Secretariat, appeals, concept, speeches, composition of the Council of Religious Leaders, composition of the first Forum of Young Religious Leaders, Forum program), and a photo archive.
