Special Session on Safeguarding Religious Sites: Reflections and a Call for Action by the Leaders of World and Traditional Religions and State Actors

In the framework of the VIII Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, taking place on 17-18 September 2025 in Astana, and building on the longstanding partnership between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), the Congress Secretariat and UNAOC will jointly convene a “Special Session on Safeguarding Religious Sites: Reflections and a Call for Action by the Leaders of World and Traditional Religions and State Actors” on 16 September 2025.

The Special Session aims to highlight national and international best practices for the protection of religious sites and underscore the role of religious leaders in the protection of religious and ethnic minorities from the scourge of rising intolerance. Convened at a critical time marked by escalating conflicts, attacks on places of worship and religious sites, as well as a surge in discrimination and violence based on religion or belief, the Special Session will provide a timely opportunity for government representatives, religious leaders and faith-based organizations to elaborate on practical recommendations and points of action addressed to all concerned stakeholders, the media and the public at large.

Deliberations, recommendations and key points will be fed into the VIII Congress, while UNAOC will issue a separate report as part of the implementation of the United Nations Plan of Action to Safeguard Religious Sites: In Unity and Solidarity for Safe and Peaceful Worship.