NEW YORK, October 6 (IPS) – It’s no secret that the world is witnessing an increase in worldwide tensions and an erosion of the worldwide order in place for the reason that creation of the United Nations. Divisional blocs, unprecedented for the reason that Chilly Warfare, are making a fast return. In consequence, our planet faces severe threats, together with a brand new international arms race, the specter of using nuclear weapons and the proliferation of wars in all their varieties, together with sizzling, hybrid, cyber and business wars.
On this environment of accelerating geopolitical rigidity and turbulence, it’s of important significance to develop new approaches to strengthen dialogue and belief between civilizations.
Diplomacy is undoubtedly important to facilitate cooperation. Kazakhstan has all the time supported the settlement of disputes solely on the negotiating desk on the premise of the United Nations Constitution. Our nation has all the time upheld the ideas geared toward reaching lasting peace, safety and progress on the planet.
Regardless of all efforts, conflicts stay pervasive in lots of components of the world.
To construct a brand new system of worldwide safety, the world wants a brand new international motion for peace. I consider that the position of non secular leaders shall be indispensable right here. Round 85% of the world’s inhabitants identifies with a faith, making it an necessary consider our lives.
Non secular leaders due to this fact have important affect on world affairs. Moreover, the sacred worth of human life, mutual assist and the rejection of damaging rivalry and hostility represent a set of ideas shared by all religions. Accordingly, I’m satisfied that these ideas can type the premise of a brand new international system.
How can spiritual leaders assist promote world peace?
How can this work in apply?
First, spiritual leaders may also help heal the injuries of hatred following enduring battle. Syria is an effective instance. Kazakhstan welcomes the truth that hostilities have virtually resulted in that nation. We’re happy to have contributed to this by the Astana Course of peace talks, which since 2017 have facilitated negotiations between representatives of the Syrian authorities, the opposition, in addition to Turkey, Iran and the Russia.
But regardless that the new section of the battle is over, divisions throughout the nation stay. Non secular leaders can play an necessary position in therapeutic Syrian society by the facility of faith.
Second, human nature is contradictory. There’ll all the time be provocations and hatred. Current actions to burn the Holy Quran in numerous Northern European nations are destructive developments that undermine the tradition of tolerance, mutual respect and peaceable coexistence. On this regard, focused communication from spiritual leaders to stop such conditions and developments is essential.
Third, new applied sciences are radically altering all spheres of human life. These adjustments are largely constructive, together with improved well being care, limitless on-line info, and ease of communication and journey. On the identical time, we observe the extent to which societies are fragmenting and polarizing underneath the affect of digital know-how.
Within the new digital actuality, it is usually essential to domesticate religious values and ethical pointers. Faith has a key position to play right here too, as all beliefs are primarily based on humanist beliefs, the popularity of the supreme worth of human life and the aspiration for peace and creation.
These elementary ideas should be embodied not solely within the religious area, but in addition within the socio-economic growth of nations and in worldwide politics.
With out recourse to humanistic beliefs and ethics, the fast scientific and technological revolution can lead humanity astray. We’re already witnessing such debates with the appearance of synthetic normal intelligence.
In the end, the ethical authority and phrases of religious leaders are essential at this time.
That is why I’m proud that Kazakhstan has hosted the Triennial Congress of Non secular Leaders for 20 years. Created in 2003 in direct response to the rise in interfaith disagreement and extremism following the September 11 terrorist assaults in the USA, the Congress strengthened interfaith dialogue by bringing collectively spiritual leaders.
It enabled significant dialogue on methods to mix efforts to advertise higher understanding between representatives of various cultures and non secular communities.
Earlier than turning into President of Kazakhstan in 2019, I had the distinction of main the Congress Secretariat.
I noticed how Congress promoted tolerance and mutual respect versus hatred and extremism.
Final 12 months, our nation held the seventh Congress of Non secular Leaders. It was attended by delegations from 50 nations, together with representatives of Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Shintoism, Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, Hinduism and different religions. I had the distinction of welcoming Pope Francis, the second go to of the pinnacle of the Catholic Church to Kazakhstan after the go to of Pope John Paul II in 2001.
Over the previous twenty years, the Congress has turn into a platform for inter-civilizational dialogue on the international stage. I consider that this has contributed considerably to Kazakhstan’s success in constructing a secure and harmonious society from a inhabitants consisting of greater than 100 ethnic teams and 18 faiths who dwell peacefully in our nation at this time.
By way of its dedication to spiritual tolerance and human rights, Kazakhstan units an instance for the world, demonstrating the significance of interfaith dialogue in making a extra peaceable and harmonious international society.
Because the world continues to be plunged into political uncertainty, a bridge between cultures and civilizations is extra crucial than ever. I’m decided to make sure that Kazakhstan facilitates international dialogue between religions and nations, together with by the work of the Congress of Non secular Leaders, thereby contributing to mutual understanding and respect inside societies.
The author is the president of Kazakhstan.
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