Opinion by Katsuhiro Asagiri (astana, kazakhstan)Wednesday, October 11, 2023Inter Press Service
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, Oct 11 (IPS) – Within the coronary heart of Central Asia, a nation famend for its wealthy cultural range, multi-ethnic society, and religious traditions has emerged as a world beacon of interfaith concord and understanding. Over the previous twenty years, Kazakhstan’s Congress of Leaders of World and Conventional Religions (The Congress) has performed an instrumental position in selling dialogue, forging unity, and advocating for peace amongst numerous faiths worldwide. Rooted in Kazakhstan’s deep religious heritage and knowledge, this initiative has developed into a logo of worldwide cooperation and tolerance. As we replicate on its exceptional journey and look forward to its future underneath the management of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, it turns into evident that the Congress is poised to make even larger strides towards fostering world concord and unity.
A Historical past of Resilience and Tolerance
Kazakhstan’s historical past is a tapestry woven with threads of resilience, tolerance, and religious fortitude. A nation that transitioned from a nomadic civilization to a contemporary, multi-ethnic, and multi-religious society confronted quite a few trials and tribulations alongside the way in which. But, the Kazakh folks maintained a steadfast connection to their religious roots, permitting them to thrive in a various and inclusive society.
The hardships endured by the Kazakh folks all through historical past have formed their deep spirituality and knowledge. From Russian imperial growth to the ravages of the USSR period, Kazakhstan confronted great challenges. Compelled settlement insurance policies, famine, and the suppression of cultural and spiritual identification had been stark realities. Nonetheless, these trials additionally ignited a collective spirit of survival and resilience, demonstrating the significance of cultural preservation and the celebration of range.
Kazakhstan’s journey to independence introduced with it a dedication to non secular freedom and tolerance. From 1949 to 89, the USSR carried out 456 nuclear exams on the Semipalatinsk nuclear testing web site in japanese Kazakhstan, an space roughly equal in measurement to Belgium. It’s estimated that about 1.5 million folks suffered well being results due to these exams. Regardless of this historical past of adversity, when the USSR dissolved, Kazakhstan, not solely assured equality for all ethnic teams and spiritual freedom but in addition efficiently secured the closure of the Semipalatinsk nuclear testing web site and the entire abandonment of the world’s fourth-largest nuclear arsenal. Since then, Kazakhstan has been probably the most lively international locations in advocating for a “nuclear-free world” primarily based on the UN framework.
Regardless of Soviet insurance policies geared toward eradicating nomadic tradition and selling settlement, Kazakhstan efficiently preserved its wealthy cultural heritage. The nation not solely maintained traditions handed down from ancestors but in addition enshrined in its structure a coverage that treats the traditions, cultures, and religions of non-Kazakh folks as equal to Kazakh tradition. This forward-thinking strategy promotes social concord and serves as a strong lesson from the suppression of Kazakh tradition through the USSR period.
The Congress: A Shining Beacon
The Congress stands as a beacon of interfaith concord, powered by Kazakhstan’s deep dedication to non secular tolerance. Serving as a particular discussion board, it unites leaders from myriad faiths to collectively foster world peace. Kazakhstan, with its mosaic of Islamic, Turkic, and nomadic influences, gives a melting pot for dialogues that intertwine East with West and bridge numerous spiritual doctrines. Upholding a impartial stance in world affairs, Kazakhstan ensures the Congress stays a sanctuary for unbiased, apolitical discussions. Addressing pressing points like spiritual extremism, terrorism, and environmental threats, the Congress strives for collective options.
President Tokayev’s Imaginative and prescient for the Future
Because the Congress is poised for additional evolution. President Tokayev’s management brings a renewed give attention to interfaith dialogue and cooperation in a world grappling with growing complexity. Whereas he believes diplomacy is important in facilitating cooperation, he sees spiritual leaders (Roughly 85% of the world’s inhabitants identifies with a faith) as indispensable brokers of change in constructing a brand new world system targeted on peace. He emphasizes the shared rules of all religions, such because the sanctity of human life, mutual help, and the rejection of harmful rivalry and hostility, as the inspiration for such a system.
President Tokayev outlines sensible methods during which spiritual leaders can contribute to world peace, together with therapeutic societal wounds following conflicts, stopping unfavorable traits that undermine tolerance, and addressing the influence of digital expertise on society. He highlights the necessity to domesticate religious values and ethical pointers to navigate the challenges posed by fast technological developments.
A Way forward for Unity and Concord
Because the Congress continues to evolve, it serves as a beacon of hope in an more and more divided world. Kazakhstan’s steadfast dedication to interfaith dialogue reminds us that spirituality and knowledge can pave the trail to a extra peaceable and harmonious world society.
Kazakhstan’s journey from its tumultuous previous to a beacon of hope for interfaith dialogue is a testomony to the deep spirituality and knowledge of its folks. The Congress continues to light up the trail to world concord and unity, demonstrating the ability of dialogue, mutual understanding, and the enduring human spirit.
Katsuhiro Asagiri is President of INPS Japan
IPS UN Bureau
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© Inter Press Service (2023) — All Rights ReservedOriginal supply: Inter Press Service
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