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INTERNATIONAL

an important role in healing Syrian society honor to serve as head
through the power of religion. of the Secretariat of the
Congress. I observed how
Secondly, human nature is contradictory. There the Congress promoted
will always be provocations and hatred. Recent tolerance and mutual
actions to burn the holy Quran in a number respect in contrast to
of northern European countries are negative hatred and extremism.
trends that undermine the culture of tolerance,
mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence. In Last year, our country
this regard, the targeted communication of held the Seventh
religious leaders in preventing such situations Congress of Religious
and trends is crucial. Leaders. It was attended
by delegations from 50
Thirdly, new technologies are radically countries, including
changing all spheres of human life. These representatives of Islam,
changes are mostly for the better, including Christianity, Judaism,
improved healthcare, unlimited information Shintoism, Buddhism,
online, and ease of communication and travel. Z o r o a s t r i a n i s m ,
At the same time, we observe how societies Hinduism, and other
are being fragmented and polarized under religions. I was honored
the influence of digital technology. In the new to welcome Pope Francis,
digital reality, it is also necessary to cultivate the second visit by the head of the Catholic
spiritual values and moral guidelines. Religion Church to Kazakhstan following the visit by
has a key role to play here, too, as all faiths Pope John Paul II in 2001. Over the past two
are based on humanistic ideals, recognition decades, the Congress became a platform for
of the supreme value of human life, and the inter-civilizational dialogue at the global level.
aspiration for peace and creation. These I believe it made a significant contribution to
fundamental principles should be embodied Kazakhstan’s success in forging a stable and
not only in the spiritual sphere, but also in the harmonious society from a population made
socioeconomic development of countries and up of more than 100 ethnic groups and 18
international politics. confessions that live in peace in our country
today. Through its commitment to religious
Without reliance on humanistic ideals and tolerance and human rights, Kazakhstan sets
ethics, the rapid scientific-technological an example for the world, showcasing the
revolution can lead humanity astray. We importance of interfaith dialogue in creating
are already witnessing such debates with a more peaceful and harmonious global
the advent of general artificial intelligence. society.
Ultimately, moral authority and the word of
spiritual leaders is crucial today. That is why As the world continues to be embroiled in
I am proud that for 20 years, Kazakhstan political uncertainty, a bridge of rapprochement
has been hosting the triennial Congress of between cultures and civilizations is required
Religious Leaders. Established in 2003 in direct more than ever. I am determined to ensure that
response to the rise in interfaith disagreements Kazakhstan facilitates global dialogue between
and extremism following the 9/11 terrorist religions and nations, including through the
attack in the United States, the Congress has work of the Congress of Religious Leaders,
strengthened interfaith dialogue by bringing thus contributing to mutual understanding
together religious leaders. It has enabled and respect in societies.
meaningful dialogue on ways to combine
efforts to promote better understanding The writer is the president of Kazakhstan.
between representatives of different cultures https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-
and religious communities. Prior to becoming 758941
the president of Kazakhstan in 2019, I had the

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