A special event was held on the topic «Spiritual Aspects of Development: Religion and the Modern World»

On March 2nd of this year, within the framework of the «Peace, Justice, and Effective Institutions» direction of the Sustainable Development Goals, a special event was held on the topic «Spiritual Aspects of Development: Religion and the Modern World», organized by the professors and lecturers of the Department of Religious Studies and Cultural Studies at the Faculty of Philosophy and Political Science (Bishmanov K.M., Baitenova N.Zh., Satershinov B.M., Kaupenbayeva S.M., Baltymova M.R.).

The cultural event took place at the Cathedral of the Icon of the Mother of God of Kazan in Almaty (Khabi Khaliullina street, 45a). Students from the 3rd year and 1 doctoral student in Religious Studies from Al-Farabi Kazakh National University attended the religious, cultural-historical, and educational excursion.

One of the main objectives of this meeting was to explore the historical geographical positioning of monotheistic religions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam), which have existed in the world for centuries, the role of interfaith dialogue between religious communities of different orientations that emerged in Kazakhstan in later periods, and to understand the significance of their development. It is important to note the experience in the context of tolerance at the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, which has been held in Astana in recent years.

During the cultural event, the guide made an effort to familiarize the students with the history of the church's establishment from 1871 to the present day, the building's architecture, and its spiritual and cultural significance within the Kazakhstani Christian community. The most impressive part was the history of the church located inside a cave beneath the Holy Kazan Cathedral, as well as the symbols and attributes of the Orthodox faith within it.

At the end of the educational event, participants shared their views on the role of quality education in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.