Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), led the Organization’s delegation to the opening session of the 8th Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, hosted by the Center for Interfaith Dialogue in Astana, Kazakhstan, on 17-18 September 2025, under the chairmanship of H.E. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The opening session began with a speech by President Tokayev, who emphasized the importance of interfaith dialogue and peaceful coexistence, highlighting Kazakhstan’s role as a hub for promoting global harmony and mutual respect among different cultures and religions.

In his address, Dr. AlMalik reviewed global developments in their humanitarian context, noting that estrangement, bloodshed, destruction, greed, and instability have become dominant features of today’s world, compounded by the absence of values of brotherhood, dialogue, and coexistence. He stressed that the roots of the crises facing humanity lie in spiritual emptiness.

Dr. AlMalik underlined the pivotal role of religious leaders in overcoming humanitarian challenges, stating that “religious diplomacy,” which ICESCO has integrated into its broader vision of “civilizational diplomacy,” offers the most effective means to build a world founded on peace, security, values, and noble ethics.

Furthermore, Dr. AlMalik presented several recommendations, including the establishment of a reference observatory to provide information, conduct analyses, and propose orientations and policies for religious leaders; mobilizing experts aware of the role of civilizational diplomacy in its spiritual and religious dimensions while employing modern tools; and creating an evidence base to anticipate the capacity of religious leaders to fulfill their roles.

The Congress gathers senior religious leaders and policymakers to promote dialogue among faith leaders, address contemporary challenges in interreligious relations, foster peace, and uphold shared human values.

The ICESCO delegation included Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of ICESCO’s Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector, and Dr. Abdulhakeem AlSenan, Director of ICESCO’s Regional Office in Baku.