On September 17, in Astana, Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev spoke at the opening of the VIII Congress of the Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, a unique platform for open discussion of key challenges of our time.
Tokayev noted that the territory of Kazakhstan has historically been a crossroads of cultures and a place of mutual enrichment of different civilizations.
“All major world religions and confessions have succeeded each other and peacefully coexisted on Kazakh soil. And in modern Kazakhstan, we are making every effort to preserve and develop these traditions. Our country has extensive experience in strengthening interethnic and interreligious harmony. The basis of the Kazakhstani model of ethnic and religious tolerance is the universal principle of ‘unity in diversity’,” he said.
Tokayev pointed out that not only are intercultural contradictions intensifying in the world, but the intensity of trade and sanctions wars is not abating, and a new arms race is unfolding.
“I am sure that religious leaders will do everything possible to prevent the world from sliding into chaos, reminding many politicians of common sense, good will and moral responsibility.”
Tokayev proposed discussing his idea of a “Peace Movement” under the auspices of the Congress.
“Religious hierarchs could become the moral core of this movement with a neutral, non-politicized call to end violence and seek peaceful solutions. This initiative, based on the universal values of the sanctity of life, compassion and mercy, can unite not only the broad masses of believers, but also politicians, representatives of international organizations, non-governmental structures, experts, and youth. Great hopes are still placed on the United Nations, which remains an indispensable global platform,” the Kazakh president said.
Tokayev proposed discussing the initiative to develop a joint document on the role of religious leaders in combating climate change. The document could set out general principles of environmental responsibility based on spiritual traditions with a special emphasis on supporting vulnerable regions.
The President also commented on the issue of compliance with ethical standards in the context of the beginning of a new technological era.
“Artificial intelligence, big data, bioengineering and other revolutionary innovations are radically changing all spheres of human life. But ethical standards do not have time to adapt to the high dynamics of technological progress. New challenges arise, such as protecting freedom of choice and privacy of private life, ensuring digital equality and the safety of using artificial intelligence.
“I propose creating an Interreligious Commission on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence Development, which will develop a set of universal principles for the responsible use of neural networks and other breakthrough technologies. We are talking about a kind of ‘commandments for algorithms’, which imply respect for human dignity, the inadmissibility of discrimination, and control over decisions of a fateful nature,” the Kazakh leader concluded.
Photo: akorda.kz
