On January 21, a working meeting was held with representatives of the Department for Religious Affairs of the Almaty Region, organized by the Center for Religious Studies Research of the Institute of Philosophy, Political Science and Religious Studies (IPhPR).

The meeting was attended by Yergali Kosheke, Head of the Department for Religious Affairs of the Almaty Region; Aibek Babatay, Head of a Department within the Office; Yerbol Kakimseitov, Head of the Center for the Study of Religious Issues; as well as researchers of the Institute.

The meeting was opened with a welcome address by Aigul Sadvokasova, Director General of the Institute, who emphasized the importance of interagency and interdisciplinary cooperation in studying the religious situation and preventing radicalization.

During the meeting, the parties discussed current issues in religious and sociopolitical research. Particular attention was paid to monitoring the current situation, analyzing religious processes in the context of the contemporary geopolitical environment, and studying the impact of destructive online content, including the activities of radical and extremist websites.

A separate focus was placed on work with youth, schoolchildren, and adolescents; the prevention of minors’ involvement in destructive religious movements; and social risk factors, including unemployment and its impact on vulnerable population groups.

•  Following the meeting, representatives of the Department for Religious Affairs of the Almaty Region expressed interest in developing joint cooperation with IPhPR, implementing collaborative research projects, exchanging analytical materials, and organizing expert events.