Tajikistan’s Grand Mufti Abdukodirzoda Highlights Significance of Upcoming Congress of World and Traditional Religions in Astana
Dushanbe, The Gulf Observer: The capital of Kazakhstan will host the VIII Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions on September 17–18, 2025, under the theme “Dialogue of Religions: Synergy for the Future.” The gathering will bring together political leaders, religious figures, diplomats, and experts from around the world.
On the eve of the event, Saidmukarram Abdukodirzoda, Chairman of the Ulema Council and Mufti of Tajikistan, underscored the importance of the congress as a platform for fostering mutual understanding and spiritual unity. He noted that in a time marked by intolerance, violence, and the erosion of moral standards, the forum serves as a crucial space for building trust and promoting universal human values.
Abdukodirzoda emphasized that declarations adopted at the congress have become significant international documents reaffirming the principles of peace, mutual respect, and the rejection of extremism. Highlighting Tajikistan’s long-standing tradition of interreligious dialogue, he stressed that participation in the congress aligns with the nation’s policy of promoting peace, stability, and spiritual cohesion.
The congress will officially open on September 17 at the Palace of Independence with a plenary session chaired by President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. A day earlier, on September 16, the XXIII meeting of the Forum’s Secretariat will take place under the chairmanship of Senate Speaker Maulen Ashimbayev, along with a special session on the protection of religious sites in cooperation with the UN Alliance of Civilizations.
On September 18, breakout sessions and the Second Forum of Young Religious Leaders will be held under the theme “Youth for Peaceful Coexistence: Synergy for the Future.” The agenda includes discussions on religion’s role in uniting humanity in the 21st century, religion as a factor of sustainable development, spiritual values in the digital and AI era, and joint efforts against extremism.
The closing ceremony of the congress is scheduled for September 18.
