Chairman of Kazakhstan’s Senate: Burning of holy books sows seeds of enmity between peoples and religions

Although religious leaders have set an example of successful dialogue and mutual understanding, disagreements in international politics, and conflicts in the world are increasing, geopolitical competition between great powers is expanding and the international security system is being eroded, Maulen Ashimbayev, the chairman of the Senate, the upper chamber of the Kazakh Parliament, and the head of the Congress Secretariat told the 21st Meeting of Secretariat of Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, Report informs.

According to him, the effectiveness of international efforts to overcome global strategic challenges is decreasing: “Against the background of today's serious crises, sustainable development, climate change, biological threats, nuclear disarmament and other fundamental challenges take a backseat. Threats related to these existential threats are increasing. Joint efforts of the world community are required to eliminate them. The spread of hate speech and hostility remains a serious threat. The acts of saboteurs who try to manipulate the religious sentiments of believers for selfish purposes are of great concern. Burning holy books and insulting religious symbols constitute vandalism that sows enmity between nations and religions.”