Religious Synergy in Astana at Young Leaders Forum
We live in an era of unprecedented change–a time where humanity is constantly pushing, and breaking, limits or boundaries through technological innovations. Yet much of that change is profit-driven, meaning that we may be sold something that is harmful for us as individuals or as humanity in the long-run, in the interest of a short-term benefit to a company’s stockholders or CEO. The UN has recognized this challenge–its sustainable development goals for 2030 lay out a vision where the world would work together to help those in the greatest need, without compromising our collective future. Yet even here, it is a constant challenge to get all states to cooperate, to say nothing of attempting to bring corporations and individuals on board as well.
In the midst of this tension, religion has struggled to find its position. A force that shaped humanity for prior millenia, in the 21st century religion has found itself outside the halls of power, as secular states, and increasingly companies, reshape our present and future. At times religion has adapted well, playing a positive role in promoting conscientious consumerism, or fostering civic participation that promotes empathy. But other times, religion has been harnessed by extremists who seek to divide humanity. I saw this firsthand as an 8th grader in Brooklyn, NY, when men fueled by religious extremism used airplanes to attack skyscrapers, two symbols of modernity that were at odds with their apocalyptic worldview.
State-state partnerships for sustainable development are important, but they are not enough. To ensure that humanity continues to grow, and to act in our own best interests, we need strong ethics to guide us. That is the role that religion can and should play. Rather than dividing us, religion can bring us together, and motivate us to act in the collective best interest, addressing what economists refer to us as negative externalities, like production methods that ensure profit for a small number of people at the expense of greater cost for large numbers of others, especially in the future.
In two weeks I will participate in the second ever Forum of Young Religious Leaders in Astana, Kazakhstan. This year’s theme is “Youth for Peaceful Coexistence: Synergy for the Future,” and I am proud to join friends and colleagues from a rich tapestry of religious, linguistic, ethnic and national backgrounds as we seek to find ways to learn from and amplify one another’s impact, harnessing religion to make the world a better place. It is a testament to the vibrant heritage of religious tolerance in Kazakhstan that it founded and hosts the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, as well as the Forum of Young Religious Leaders, constructing the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, where white doves adorn the roof like a beacon of hope for humanity. This is an investment in Synergy for the Future, a belief that if we come together we can learn from and inspire one another.
As we approach Rosh Hashanah, we are reminded that while our future lies in God’s just and merciful judgments, our own words, actions, and motivations have a lasting impact, and that we can always create change. This year’s forum is a further reminder that if we work together, and have the humility to learn from one another, our ability to shape the world is amplified. As the Mishnah teaches us in Avot: you aren’t expected to do all the work yourself, but you must give it your best effort.
