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The first day of the Faith Pavilion at COP28 discussed the role of religions in achieving climate action goals and the importance of engaging youth in efforts to address the climate crisis. The shared efforts aimed at finding effective and tangible solutions to tackle the consequences of climate change.

Organized by the Muslim Council of Elders in collaboration with the COP28 Presidency, the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence in the United Arab Emirates, and the United Nations Environment Programme from December 1 to 12, 2023, at Expo City Dubai. A total of four sessions attracted a significant audience from the Blue Zone associated with COP28, featuring diverse activities and events.

The first session, titled “Faith Matters in Achieving the Global Goal on Adaptation,” discussed the leading roles played by religious organizations and institutions worldwide in supporting efforts to achieve the global goal on adaptation. This contributes to meeting the needs of communities most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, particularly in the global South. The session emphasized the importance of religious organizations and institutions forming partnerships and enhancing collaboration with other sectors, supporting religious leaders at all global levels.

In the second session, titled “Contribution of Faith-Based Organizations to Building Climate Resilience and Adaptation – Youth-Led Climate Action,” participants highlighted the urgent need for attention, care, and interconnectedness to bring about tangible and real change in addressing the climate crisis. They emphasized that addressing the root causes of the climate crisis requires raising awareness in communities about the importance of preserving our shared planet.

The third session, “Interfaith Youth Dialogue on Climate Justice,” underscored the importance of youth in confronting the climate crisis by promoting cooperation, collective action, and placing climate justice at the core of all efforts. The session aimed to enhance awareness in different communities about the climate issue.

Under the title “Holistic Environmental Protection: Integrating Spiritual Wisdom for Sustainable Development,” the fourth session discussed the importance of integrating spiritual teachings and religious traditions in efforts to achieve sustainable development. These efforts should not rely solely on science, political decisions, and government actions.

The first day concluded with a session titled “Dubai Convergence” where participants emphasized the necessity of knowledge to guide decision-makers in making the necessary changes regarding climate change. They praised the efforts of religious leaders in highlighting the challenges faced by communities regarding the climate crisis and issued a clear invitation to commit to climate action and find concrete and effective solutions to the climate issue.

The Faith Pavilion will host over 65 dialogue sessions and approximately 325 speakers during its duration, bringing together 9 religions and 54 countries from around the world, along with 70 organizations and institutions working on problem-solving, partnership enhancement, and providing comprehensive recommendations to achieve environmental justice. The Pavilion seeks to activate the participation and contributions of religious communities, scholars, academics, indigenous peoples, youth, and representatives of civil society in climate action. It also aims to promote collaboration to create a better future for the Earth and humanity, engaging new audiences in finding innovative solutions to the climate crisis.

DUBAI – The 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), set to begin tomorrow, will witness the launch of the Faith Pavilion, an initiative hosted by the Muslim Council of Elders in collaboration with the COP28 Presidency, United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), the UAE Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence, and a coalition of faith partners.

Ahead of the opening, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam said that the Faith Pavilion at COP28 aims to provide a global platform for exchanging perspectives, fostering consensus, finding solutions, forming partnerships, and proposing recommendations to advance environmental justice. The pavilion also seeks to engage religious communities, decision-makers, and other civil society actors to develop a shared vision addressing the challenges of climate change.

The Secretary-General added: “The Faith Pavilion symbolizes a beacon of hope and the shared global responsibility towards protecting the planet.”

He noted that this COP, led by the United Arab Emirates, reflects a firm belief in the role of religions and the importance of unifying efforts to achieve desired progress in global climate action.

The Faith Pavilion aims to provide a platform for dialogue among religious leaders, scholars, academics, environmental experts, climate activists, women, youth, and indigenous peoples while promoting collaborative efforts to find effective and tangible climate solutions – sending a message from religious leaders to policymakers, urging them to prioritize ambitious climate action and remember the ethical responsibility to protect the Earth.

The pavilion will host over 65 sessions with 325 speakers representing nine major religions, including Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Sikhism, Baha’i, Buddhism, Indigenous Religions, and Zoroastrianism. Participants include representatives from over 70 international organizations, including universities, youth organizations, faith-based organizations, religious institutions, climate advocacy groups, indigenous bodies, non-governmental organizations, governmental and intergovernmental bodies, women’s and humanitarian aid organizations.

The Pavilion will also house the Tree of Conscience – a tree collectively planted by 28 high-level faith leaders from over 19 faiths and denominations during the Global Faith Le

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar reaffirms its solidarity with the Palestinian people and their just cause in establishing an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital.

In a statement on the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, observed by the United Nations General Assembly on November 29 of each year, the council calls for continued international efforts to achieve a permanent cessation of hostilities in the Gaza Strip. It also urges urgent measures to provide all forms of support and medical relief to innocent civilians affected by the Israeli aggression on Gaza, particularly the wounded, children, women, and the elderly.

The Muslim Council of Elders praised the ‘Great Arab Minds’ initiative launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, and Ruler of Dubai. The initiative, which is the largest of its kind in the Arab world, celebrates the outstanding achievements of Arab minds and honors their contributions that have influenced the Arab world and beyond.

The Council emphasizes that such important and inspiring initiatives contribute to supporting Arab youth, encouraging them to invest in their intellect and capabilities whilst reviving Islamic civilization, which has inspired the world in various fields. The ‘Great Arab Minds’ initiative also embodies the commitment of the wise leadership of the United Arab Emirates, led by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and the Ruler of Dubai. This commitment aims to encourage youth and provide all the necessary resources for them to develop their talents for the benefit of the future of humanity. It also underscores the diligent efforts made by the United Arab Emirates to support sustainable development and build a cultured and advanced generation armed with knowledge and skills.

The Muslim Council of Elders also congratulates Dr. Hani Najm from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the winner of the ‘Great Arab Minds’ award in Medicine. The Council praises Dr. Najm’s significant contributions to pediatric and adult cardiovascular surgery and his surgical innovations in treating congenital heart diseases. Dr. Najm has performed over 10,000 cardiovascular surgeries for children and adults and has introduced innovative surgical practices in this field. The Council affirms that his achievements will inspire more Arab youth to achieve further innovations and advancements in the field of medicine.

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the Chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, emphasized the need to reject all forms of violence and persecution targeting women and girls around the world. The council also called for raising awareness of women’s rights and preventing all forms of gender-based violence.

On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, observed annually on November 25th, the council emphasized that Islam dignifies women as mothers, sisters, daughters, and wives, elevating their status and underscoring kindness, good treatment, care, and attention towards them. The Prophet of Allah (PBUH), said, “Treat women kindly” (reported by Muslim) and Islam recognizes that people’s best choices are reflected in their treatment of their wives. It also cited the Prophet of Islam’s (PBUH) hadith, “The best of you are the best to their wives” (reported by Ahmad) and his saying, “I am the best to my family” (reported by At-Tirmidhi).

The statement also clarified that attempts by some societies to impose a specific culture on women contradict their values, religion, culture, and ethics. It also forces them to adopt an identity other than their own or limits their choices, which is considered an injustice to women. The importance for Muslim women to preserve their identity was also stressed, pointing out the Document on Human Fraternity, which was co-signed by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, and His Holiness Pope Francis in Abu Dhabi in 2019 which emphasized the necessity to end all inhumane practices and primitive customs compromising women’s dignity, asserting that women are never inferior to men but active partners in all aspects of life.

The statement further drew attention to the plight of women, girls, and children bearing the brunt of wars and conflicts. It called on the international community to take urgent measures to alleviate the suffering of Palestinian women in Gaza, where thousands have fallen victim to Israeli aggression, with thousands facing dire conditions due to the recent assault.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, has met His Excellency Ozodbek Nazarbekov, the Minister of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The meeting focused on enhancing cooperation in areas of mutual interest related to promoting awareness of Islamic heritage and civilization.

During the meeting, Judge Abdelsalam highlighted the initiatives of the Muslim Council of Elders in disseminating culture and knowledge and emphasized the council’s focus under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, on the cultural and knowledge sector as essential tools for achieving peace and coexistence. He also noted the ‘House of Wisdom for Publishing’ which impacted Arab and foreign libraries with over 190 publications covering various fields of thought, culture, heritage, and Islamic civilization in multiple languages. Additionally, he highlighted the council’s participation in international book fairs as well as organizing conferences, seminars, and cultural events aimed at enhancing cultural and religious dialogue among diverse peoples and cultures.

For his part, Minister Ozodbek Nazarbekov praised the Muslim Council of Elders for highlighting the scholars and jurists of the Islamic nation who enriched Islamic civilization and contributed to cognitive and human renaissance. He also noted his ministry’s efforts in preparing a series of documentary films about prominent Uzbek scholars and jurists, including Imam al-Bukhari, Imam al-Tirmidhi, Ibn Khwarizmi, al-Biruni, Ibn Sina, and others. He also highlighted the ministry’s focus on religious tourism to introduce Uzbekistan’s Islamic heritage, including its many religious and historical landmarks.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam has met with His Excellency Adham Ikramov, the Minister of Youth and Sport in the Republic of Uzbekistan. The meeting discussed mutual cooperation and explored various initiatives and activities focused on empowering and enhancing the active contributions of youth in building their communities.

During the meeting, Judge Abdelsalam emphasized that the Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, places a great importance on youth by establishing a range of initiatives aimed at harnessing their energies and utilizing their capabilities to promote peace and contribute to development. He also highlighted the significance of connecting youth with their Islamic heritage, not only to strengthen their cultural and religious identity but also to build their awareness and deep understanding of human values which also contributes to the active participation of youth in the development of their societies and the protection of positive values and peace globally.

The Secretary-General also outlined key initiatives of the Council related to youth that have contributed to building and developing their capabilities. Notably, 90% of participants in these initiatives, including both young men and women, have assumed leadership positions in their respective countries and that the Emerging Peacemakers Forum, which was held for the second time in Geneva this year, aims to prepare young leaders in the field of peacebuilding and affirm the principles of coexistence in societies. Abdelsalam also emphasized the importance of the participation of Uzbek youth in the upcoming edition of the forum, in order to leverage their insights, ideas, and experiences to promote tolerance and peace, especially given Uzbekistan’s diverse society which embraces over 130 different ethnicities.

For his part, Minister Adham Ikramov praised the efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, and its continuous support for youth through various purposeful initiatives and projects. He highlighted that his ministry focuses primarily on supporting the capacities of youth, the largest segment of Uzbekistan’s population, and raising their awareness and qualifications to contribute to building a balanced and knowledgeable generation which would be armed with faith and capable of taking responsibility to construct thriving societies and a better future for all. He further expressed his eagerness to enhance cooperation with the Muslim Council of Elders in various potential meaningful initiatives.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam has met with Dr. Shoazim Minovarov, the Director of the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan. The meeting discussed ways to enhance collaboration in promoting Islamic values and introducing Islamic civilization, of which Uzbekistan is a significant contributor.

During the meeting, the Secretary-General praised the efforts of the Center of Islamic Civilization in disseminating Islamic culture and knowledge, building bridges of understanding between different cultures and civilizations. He also highlighted the Council’s keen interest, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, in acknowledging Uzbekistan’s distinguished position in Islamic history and its hosting of numerous historical and cultural Islamic scientific centers. He further emphasized the Council’s eagerness to cooperate with the Center of Islamic Civilization, signing a memorandum of understanding to launch initiatives contributing to the revival of Islamic heritage and introducing it to the rest of the world.

For his part, the Director of the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan expressed his nation’s appreciation for the efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders and its pioneering initiatives, as well as its significant interest in introducing Islamic civilization. He also noted Uzbekistan’s plans to open the world’s largest Islamic Civilization Center in October, which is expected to include a library for preserving valuable manuscripts, while featuring 4,805 rare manuscripts and the first Latin-translated copy of the Holy Quran. Additionally, the center will house a museum of Islamic civilization which will serve as an important hub for Islamic studies and culture in the region, reflecting the great heritage of Islamic civilization.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides affirmed the importance of developing mutual cooperation and implementing initiatives aimed at introducing Islamic civilization, enhancing dialogue between different cultures and societies, and contributing to the dissemination of the message of tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and peace among people from around the world.

The Muslim Council of Elders welcomes the announcement of a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and urges the international community to take serious measures to grant the Palestinian people their legitimate rights, foremost among them the right to establish an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital.

The Council emphasizes the need for the ceasefire to facilitate the urgent delivery of medical, relief, and humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza and to alleviate the suffering of civilians.

The Muslim Council of Elders commends the efforts of the Arab Republic of Egypt and the State of Qatar, along with other advocates of peace, for their role in sponsoring the ceasefire. The Council also acknowledges the humanitarian and relief efforts carried out by the United Arab Emirates and many Arab and Islamic nations towards our affected brothers and sisters in Gaza. The Council calls for the continuation of Arab, Islamic, and international efforts to achieve a permanent cessation of hostilities and to end Israeli aggression against innocent civilians whist halting all other wars to ensure peace and stability for all peoples.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, has met with Her Excellency Tanzila Norbaeva, Chairperson of the Senate of Uzbekistan to discuss opportunities and challenges in promoting intercultural and interfaith dialogue and the role of women in building nations and civilizations.

During the meeting, which was attended by H.E. Mr. Saeed Matar AlQemzi, the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Uzbekistan, and several members of the Senate of Uzbekistan, the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders emphasized the cultural, artistic, and scientific diversity of Uzbekistan while also highlighting its significance as one of the important cultural centers in the Islamic world. He affirmed the council’s commitment, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, to focus on preserving and celebrating Islamic heritage, passing it on to future generations. He also noted the council’s initiatives to promote values of dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence.

The Secretary-General further expressed appreciation and gratitude towards the Republic of Uzbekistan for awarding him the ‘Religious Tolerance Medal’ and also commended Uzbekistan’s ‘Enlightenment and Religious Tolerance’ resolution which was introduced by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in 2017 and which was unanimously endorsed by UN member states on December 12, 2018. He also affirmed that Uzbekistan, through being a home for over 130 ethnicities and religions, serves as a global model for tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

For her part, H.E. Tanzila Norbaeva, Chairperson of the Senate of Uzbekistan, welcomed the delegation from the Muslim Council of Elders, led by Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam and emphasized the visit’s aim to enhance mutual cultural and religious communication and cooperation, contributing to the promotion of tolerance and coexistence. She also conveyed the greetings of the President of Uzbekistan to His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders while also praising the council’s leadership and its pioneering initiatives in promoting peace, dialogue, and coexistence. Norbaeva also acknowledged the ‘Abu Dhabi Interfaith Statement on Climate Change’ which was signed by religious leaders during the Global Faith Leaders Summit organized by the Muslim Council of Elders in Abu Dhabi.

Norbaeva also praised the efforts of the UAE in promoting tolerance and enhancing peaceful coexistence among different cultures and societies. She further noted the similarities between Uzbekistan and the UAE in embracing diverse nationalities from various backgrounds, cultures, and religions, all living in tolerance and harmony and highlighted the Senate of Uzbekistan’s preparation of over 50 legal documents emphasizing the importance of religious tolerance and that Uzbekistan is home to 16 official religions, each enjoying full and equal rights and responsibilities.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders commended H.E. Tanzila Norbaeva for chairing the Senate of Kazakhstan and also expressed his happiness at the empowerment of women in the Islamic world and Uzbekistan, which is considered a cradle of Islamic civilization. For her part, Norbaeva congratulated Judge Abdelsalam on receiving the ‘Religious Tolerance Medal’, being the first high-profile figure outside Uzbekistan to be honored with this accolade.