Ashimbayev Discusses Congress of Global Faiths in Singapore
How's the "Unity in Diversity" Idea Sounding off in Kazakhstan?
Maulen Ashimbayev, head of the Secretariat of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, discussed this during the International Conference on Cohesive Societies in Singapore. He pointed out that Kazakhstan and Singapore share common values of multiculturalism and open dialogue, which have been the backbone of their internal and foreign policies.
"The connection between Kazakhstan and Singapore has crossed new heights in recent years. In my opinion, the catalyst for this has been the intensification of relations at the highest state level. In 2023, we were honored to welcome President Halimah Yacob of Singapore to Astana – a first for a Singaporean President in Central Asia. Last year, President Kassym-Jomart Kemelevich Tokayev made a state visit to Singapore – the first in the last 20 years," emphasized Maulen Ashimbayev.
Maulen discussed the importance of unity in promoting spiritual diplomacy. He believed that many ideas discussed in Singapore resonate with the mission of the Kazakhstani Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions. "From the very beginning of our independence, Kazakhstan has contributed to the strengthening of inter-confessional accord and societal cohesion. The Singapore Declaration on Religious Harmony, adopted in 2003, echoes many principles enclosed in the Declaration of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions. Both declarations affirm that cohesion is continuous work, based on a willingness to listen, respect, and create," said Maulen.
Contest attendees praised the role of spiritual diplomacy in maintaining a well-balanced regional policy. Kazakhstan and Singapore, as noted, turned key internal values – dialogue, tolerance, and inclusivity – into the foundation of their foreign policy.
Image: Courtesy of the Senate of RK
A Bit More...
Kazakhstan's foreign policy emphasizes the concept of "Unity in Diversity," which shapes both its domestic nation-building and its international relations. This ideology respects the cultural and linguistic rights of various national minorities while fostering an inclusive society based on dialogue instead of division. Kazakhstan positions itself as a mediator promoting peaceful international relations based on respect for sovereignty, national pride, and cultural traditions.
Diplomatic efforts aim to reject nationalism and uphold multi-vector diplomacy that values dialogue and mutual respect. Kazakhstan has implemented significant constitutional and institutional reforms to build a just, fair, and politically safer society, emphasizing political inclusiveness and accountability. The Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan is considered an international success model for promoting interethnic harmony and maintaining national unity, bolstering the internal stability that supports Kazakhstan’s foreign policy stance.
Collaboration with Singapore, a multicultural society committed to diversity and social cohesion, offers a natural foundation for diplomatic and economic cooperation. Kazakhstan’s emphasis on respect for all cultures and linguistic rights aligns well with Singapore’s governance model, which balances ethnic diversity with national unity. Kazakhstan aims to become a diversified, inclusive, and future-ready economy, positioning itself as a digital hub – factors that could open avenues for collaboration with Singapore, a leader in digital innovation and finance.
- The discussion at the International Conference on Cohesive Societies revealed that the ideas of unity and mutual respect discussed in Singapore resonate with the mission of the Kazakhstani Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, which is a key aspect of the country's 'Unity in Diversity' ideology in politics and general-news.
- Recognizing the importance of unity in promoting spiritual diplomacy, Maulen Ashimbayev, head of the Secretariat of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, highlighted the shared values of multiculturalism and open dialogue between Kazakhstan and Singapore, which are mirrored in their domestic and foreign policies, providing a fertile ground for diplomatic and economic collaboration in politics and general-news.
