Member of the National Commission Speaks on Women’s Safety at the Young Religious Leaders Forum

On October 9, 2024, the Young Religious Leaders Forum took place for the first time in Astana, bringing together representatives from more than 30 countries. The central themes of the forum included spiritual diplomacy, global warming, and the possibilities of artificial intelligence.

At the forum, Nazym Zhangazinova, a member of the National Commission for Women Affairs, Family and Demographic Policy under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, delivered a speech on the topic of women’s rights and safety in the face of global instability.

In her address, Zhangazinova stated: “Today, more than 614 million women worldwide live in conflict zones where they become victims of violence and face poverty. We all know that there are countries where women’s rights are not respected, and girls are deprived of the opportunity to receive an education. This is a harsh reality that cannot be ignored. I called on religious leaders to promote women’s rights and safety through their prayers and sermons, as their words have the power to influence the minds of millions.”

The forum also reinforced Kazakhstan’s status as a key platform for dialogue and the pursuit of unity and peace. Kazakhstan has long established itself as a leading center for interreligious interaction, evidenced by the seven Congresses of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions held since 2003. The most recent Congress, held in 2022, attracted over 100 delegations from 60 countries.

In opening the First Young Religious Leaders Forum, Maulen Ashimbayev, Chairman of the Senate of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Head of the Secretariat of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, read an address from the Head of State to the participants.

In the President’s welcome address, it was stated: “The Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions is a recognized platform for dialogue that contributes to the harmony of civilizations, the strengthening of peace, and stability. Involving the younger generation in this important mission is a demand of our time. Youth have always been heralds of creation and renewal. Their active participation in religious matters directly influences the shaping of humanity’s spiritual future. Today, the world faces new threats caused by geopolitical instability, and in these challenging times, it is crucial to create a new system of international security, where a key role is given to religious leaders. The involvement of youth will give new momentum to this work.”

In his speech, Maulen Ashimbayev emphasized that the forum is designed to become a unique platform for interreligious dialogue among young leaders and to open new opportunities for uniting efforts in overcoming current challenges.