Azerbaijan joins global religious leaders at congress meeting in Astana

The XXII meeting of the Secretariat of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions is taking place in Astana, Kazakhstan, on October 8.

Around 30 religious leaders and heads of international organizations from 20 countries are attending the meeting, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

They include representatives from Azerbaijan, the Vatican, Great Britain, Egypt, India, Iran, Israel, Qatar, China, Korea, Mongolia, the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, Portugal, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Switzerland, and Japan.

Kazakhstan’s religious associations, encompassing Islam, Orthodoxy, Catholicism, Lutheranism, and Judaism, are also represented in the Secretariat's proceedings.

During this meeting, discussions are focused on advancing the Concept of Development of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions for 2023-2033, as well as organizing the inaugural Forum of Young Religious Leaders.

To enhance the capabilities of spiritual diplomacy, the Secretariat will adopt regulations concerning the status of Goodwill Ambassadors for the Congress, with notable individuals appointed to these roles.

A key objective of the XXII Secretariat is to establish the date and central theme for the plenary session of the VIII Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, scheduled for autumn 2025, along with the themes for its panel sessions.

By Tamilla Hasanova