Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, hosted the 24th meeting of the Secretariat of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions. More than 30 representatives of religions, international organizations, public institutions and civil society from 20 countries attended the meeting chaired by Erlan Karin.
Two international documents prepared in line with the "Astana Peace Declaration – 2025" were adopted at the meeting. One of the documents was an ethical code on the use of artificial intelligence in religious affairs, while the other addressed the role of religions in combating climate change.
An ethical framework for the use of artificial intelligence
The ethical code aims to ensure the responsible use of artificial intelligence technologies in religious affairs. The text contains principles designed to prevent the distortion of religious content, the spread of digitally fabricated content, discrimination and the manipulation of beliefs.
The document also advances an initiative by Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to establish an Interfaith Ethics Commission for the ethical development of artificial intelligence and create universal "principles" for algorithms.
Climate, conflicts and spiritual diplomacy
The second document focuses on the role religions can play in combating climate change and aims to strengthen responsibility toward the environment.
Erlan Karin said that the values of unity, solidarity, ethnic and interfaith tolerance, and respect for human beings align with the mission of the Congress. He said interfaith dialogue had gained importance at a time when armed conflicts, humanitarian crises, radicalism, hate speech, and risks arising from climate change and technology were increasing.
Karin said the foundation of values established in previous years had made it possible to expand the practical dimension of the Congress. Highlighting the preparation of joint documents, the strengthening of partnerships and the implementation of projects, Karin said spiritual diplomacy could complement political negotiations, help keep communication channels open and contribute to rebuilding trust.
Preparations for the Global Peace Movement
The meeting’s agenda also included Tokayev’s initiative to establish a Global Peace Movement under the auspices of the Congress. The initiative aims to bring together the peaceful potential of religions and give spiritual diplomacy a practical dimension at the international level.
As part of the implementation of the Astana Peace Declaration – 2025, the Secretariat and its partners were tasked with preparing a phased plan for drafting the movement’s concept and establishing and promoting it internationally. Karin said the Congress’s standing would be determined by the extent to which the decisions adopted were transformed into international initiatives and how they contributed to strengthening peace and trust.
Children’s rights charter and bilateral talks
The Charter on the Rights of Children with Incurable Diseases, a joint initiative of Kazakhstan and the Vatican, was also presented at the meeting in Astana. The Secretariat supported the continuation of work on the document, which was prepared with expert contributions from Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital.
Erlan Karin held bilateral talks with representatives of international and religious organizations on the sidelines of the meeting. Cooperation within the framework of the Congress and the contribution of the UAE Muslim Council of Elders to the Council’s Document on Human Fraternity and to documents on climate change and artificial intelligence ethics were discussed with Mohammed Abdulsalam, secretary-general of the Muslim Council of Elders of the United Arab Emirates.
Karin assessed future cooperation opportunities with Afra Mohammed Al-Sabri, director-general of the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence. He also discussed participation in the Congress and the development of interfaith dialogue with Qiu Shuang and Sun Xiao, representatives of Buddhist and Taoist organizations in China.
