The plenary session of the VIII Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions opened in Astana under the chairmanship of the Head of State, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

The forum has brought together more than 700 participants from 60 countries around the world. These days, the capital hosts representatives of Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, Shintoism, and other faiths, as well as delegates from international organizations and spiritual centers.

The Congress aims to demonstrate the constructive power of religions and to unite the efforts of spiritual leaders in addressing global challenges and urgent issues of modern times.

The Institute of Philosophy, Political Science and Religious Studies is represented at the forum by researchers from the Center for Religious Studies, Almasbek Shagyrbay and Bakhytzhan Satershinov.