Name: Regional Ecological Summit 2026
Start: 2026-04-22T00:00:00+00:00
End: 2026-04-24T00:00:00+00:00
Location: Астана, Казахстан

The United Nations expressed its support for the Summit through General Assembly Resolution 78/147 of 19 December 2023, entitled “Central Asia facing environmental challenges: strengthening regional solidarity for sustainable development and prosperity.”

The initiative was further enshrined in a number of key political documents adopted at the level of Heads of State in 2024, including:

the Karabakh Declaration of the Informal Summit of the Organization of Turkic States (6 July 2024, Azerbaijan);
the Joint Statement of the Sixth Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia (9 August 2024, Kazakhstan);
the Bishkek Declaration of the 21st Summit of the Organization of Turkic States (6 November 2024, Kyrgyz Republic).

In 2025, the initiative gained further international recognition during the opening ceremony of the UN Regional Centre for the Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan in Almaty, Kazakhstan, attended by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, as well as at the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries held in Awaza, Turkmenistan. RES 2026 aims to bring together the countries of Central Asia, in partnership with the United Nations and other international organizations, to develop common solutions to combat climate change and address broader environmental challenges. Particular emphasis will be placed on identifying the region’s concrete needs for green financing to support adaptation measures, advance low-carbon technologies, and strengthen environmental resilience across Central Asia. The Summit will serve as a regional platform for dialogue and solidarity, enhancing cooperation among governments, international organizations, scientific institutions, and the business community. It will also contribute to raising awareness of priority environmental issues, identifying practical solutions, and shaping joint action plans for the future in support of the region’s sustainable development.

Astana, The VIII Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions

On 17-18 September 2025, the capital of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Astana, will host the VIII Congress of the Leaders of World and Traditional Religions under the Chairmanship of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The VIII Congress is expected to bring together over 100 delegations from approximately 60 countries. Among the participants will be spiritual leaders of Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Judaism, Hinduism, Taoism, Zoroastrianism, and Shinto, as well as representatives of international organizations, scholars, political and public figures. Programme highlights: 16 September – The XXIII session of the Secretariat will take place under the Chairmanship of the Speaker of the Senate of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan – Head of the Secretariat of the Congress of the Leaders of World and Traditional Religions Maulen Ashimbayev. In addition, a Special Session on Safeguarding Religious Sites will take place under the auspices of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations . The session will bring together leading religious and political leaders, diplomats, and representatives of public and international organizations to address global challenges related to threats to places of worship, shrines, and religious sites. 17 September – The plenary session of the VIII Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions , chaired by the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, will take place. Centered on the theme “Dialogue of Religions: Synergy for the Future” , the session will include a series of breakout sessions addressing a wide range of pressing global issues. 18 September – The II Forum of Young Religious Leaders on the theme “Youth for Peaceful Coexistence: Synergy for the Future” . Dates and Venues of Events September 16, 2025 10:00 – The XXIII Session of the Secretariat of the Congress (Astana, Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, 57 Tauelsizdik Ave.) ; 15:00 – Special Session on Safeguarding Religious Sites under the auspices of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (Astana, Palace of Independence, 52 Tauelsizdik Ave.) . September 17, 2025 10:00 – Opening and Plenary Session of the VIII Congress of the Leaders of World and Traditional Religions (Astana, Palace of Independence, 52 Tauelsizdik Ave.). September 18, 2025 10:00 – Breakout sessions of the VIII Congress of the Leaders of World and Traditional Religions 10:00 – II Forum of Young Religious Leaders 15:00 – Closing Ceremony of the VIII Congress of the Leaders of World and Traditional Religions (Astana, Palace of Independence, 52 Tauelsizdik Ave.) .

Sep 16, 2025On-site

г.Астана, Дворец мира и согласия, просп. Тәуелсіздік, 57; г.Астана, Дворец Независимости, просп. Тәуелсіздік, 52mfa-athens

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Astana, The VIII Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions