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With over 220 publications and various cultural events and activities, the Council’s pavilion at the Sharjah International Book Fair offers a rich experience

This marks the third participation of the Muslim Council of Elders with a special pavilion at the Sharjah International Book Fair, now in its 43rd edition, which begins today, Wednesday, November 6, under the theme ‘It starts with a book’ and will run until November 17 at the Sharjah Expo Center. The Council’s participation in international book fairs aligns with its mission to promote peace, reinforce values of dialogue and tolerance, and build bridges of cooperation among people of all backgrounds and beliefs.

The Council’s pavilion at the book fair will feature over 220 publications, including a selection of scholarly and intellectual works. Prominently featured are more than 20 works by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and President of the Muslim Council of Elders, which illustrate the tolerance of Islam and the richness of its intellectual and philosophical heritage. Notable among these are the three-volume Al-Qawl Al-Tayeb (The Good Word), Muqawmat Al-Islam (Essential Features of Islam), Ra’y Fi Hiwar Al-Sharq Wal-Gharb (A View on East-West Dialogue), Al-Awda ila Al-Iman (The Return to Faith), Kalima Ila Al-Shabab (A Message to the Youth), Fi al-Mustalah al-Kalami wal-Sufi (On Theological and Sufi Terminology), Nazarat fi Fikr al-Imam al-Ash’ari (Reflections on the Thought of Imam Al-Ash’ari), Min Dafateri al-Qadima (From My Old Notebooks), Inna al-Deen Yusr (Religion is Easy), Nahw Ijtihad Fiqhi Mu’asir (Towards Contemporary Ijtihad), Hadith fi al-‘Ilal wal-Maqasid (On Shari’a Rulings and Objectives), Al-Tariq ila Allah (The Path to Allah), Hadith Fi Al-Salam (On Peace), Al-Turath wal-Tajdid.. Munaqashat wa Rudud (Heritage and Renewal: Discussions and Responses), Ahl Al-Sunna wal Jama’ah (Ahl al-Sunna wal-Jama’ah), Adab wa Qiyam (Morals and Values), among others. 

The Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion will also feature several significant scholarly and intellectual works aimed at addressing key intellectual and cultural areas, correcting misconceptions, and promoting enlightened moderate thought. They include ‘Love in the Holy Quran’ by HRH Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad of Jordan, a member of the Muslim Council of Elders, ‘The Grand Imam and the Pope and the Thorny Path: A Testimony to the Birth of the Human Fraternity Document’ by the Council’s Secretary-General, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, ‘Rules of Understanding and Dialogue from Thought and Language’ by Dr. Mustafa Benhamza, a member of the Muslim Council of Elders, and ‘Studies on the Similarity of Style in Quranic Stories: A Comparative and Analytical Study’ by Abdul Ghani Al-Rajhi. The pavilion will also feature 24 new titles published by Al Hokama Publishing in 2024, including ‘The West and the Rediscovery of Islam’ by Professor Tijani Boulaouali, ‘Conceptualizing Peace During the European Renaissance’ by Dr. Bennacer El Bouazzati, and ‘Interfaith Encounters in Al-Andalus and Morocco: Exploring Muslim-Christian Interactions’ by Dr. Jaafar Ben El Haj Soulam. 

The pavilion of the Muslim Council of Elders will also organize a diverse cultural program that includes a series of seminars and lectures discussing various contemporary issues and topics. These include the issue of climate change and the shared responsibility to build a sustainable and improved future for upcoming generations, how to use Islamic heritage to spread and establish a culture of tolerance, coexistence, acceptance, and respect for others, the role of digital media in serving humanity, and strategies for empowering youth to use social media platforms to enhance peacebuilding.

Coinciding with the Council’s ten-year anniversary, the Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion at the Sharjah International Book Fair hosts a number of intellectual and cultural events, programs, and activities designed to meet the expectations and needs of its visitors. This includes a special area for book sales and a distinctive children’s corner, offering a number of specially designed entertaining and educational activities for children.

It is worth noting that the Sharjah International Book Fair attracts over two million visitors annually. This year, it will host more than 2,500 publishers and exhibitors from 112 Arab and foreign countries, and organize 1,357 diverse events featuring over 250 guests from 63 countries. The Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion is located in the Arab Pavilion, Hall 6, Stand M8.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders: Climate action is not optional but a necessity to protect the future of our planet

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders: Preserving the environment is part of the profound spiritual message of religions that call for mercy, responsibility, and justice towards the Earth and its future generations

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders: Today, we have a historic opportunity to transform the role of religions into an active force in confronting the climate crisis

Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam: The efforts of religious leaders and figures in facing global challenges have resulted in many inspiring initiatives

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders: The Global Faith Summit on Climate Action held in Abu Dhabi and the Faith Pavilion at COP28 represented a strong start to enhance the role of religions in addressing climate challenges

 

The Global Summit of Religious Leaders for Climate, organized by the Caucasus Muslims’ Board (CMP) in collaboration with the Muslim Council of Elders, the COP29 Presidency, the United Nations Environment Programme, and the Azerbaijan’s State Committee for Work with Religious Organizations, kicked off this morning in Baku under the patronage of His Excellency President Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The summit, themed “Global Religions for a Green Planet,” was attended by more than 300 leaders and dignitaries representing various religions, governments and civil society organizations, as well as policymakers from around the world.

During the opening session, the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, emphasized that the call to enhance climate action is part of the deep spiritual message of religions, which advocate for mercy, responsibility, and justice towards the Earth and its future generations. He explained that religions were not created in isolation from nature, as the relationship between religion and climate is deeply rooted in sacred texts; it is a relationship of respect for nature, balance with life, and profound responsibility towards everything created by God.

His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam added that we have a historic opportunity today to transform the role of religions into an active force in facing the climate crisis. The efforts of religious leaders over the past years have addressed many global challenges, and we have seen how interfaith dialogue has created inspiring initiatives such as the Document on Human Fraternity, the Egyptian Family House, and the Abrahamic Family House, among other leading initiatives and projects that have demonstrated the ability of interfaith dialogue to contribute to finding solutions to the challenges our world faces today.

The General Secretary explained that the significance of organizing today’s Global Summit of Religious Leaders for Climate in Azerbaijan lies in the determination to declare our common message and our unified call: the call of the Religious Leaders Summit for Climate to COP29 and to the world; and mobilizing efforts to encourage politicians, decision-makers, and international actors to make decisive decisions to eliminate the risks of climate change. He called for launching a global movement that makes every human being a protector of the Earth and a defender of life, emphasizing the importance of enhancing the integration between science and faith, and between spiritual and environmental knowledge, believing that climate action is not an option, but a necessary imperative to protect the future of our planet.

His Excellency affirmed the Muslim Council of Elders’ support for the summit and its goal of unifying the voices of religious leaders and figures in addressing climate challenges. He noted that the Council has a clear vision focused on enhancing the role of religious leaders and figures for climate action. It has formed a global alliance with more than 70 institutions representing most religions and faiths around the world and participated in organizing this summit. Additionally, last year, it organized the Global Faith Summit on Climate Action in Abu Dhabi under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates. The summit concluded with the launch of “The Call of Conscience: The Abu Dhabi Interfaith Statement for Climate,” signed by 30 of the world’s leading religious leaders and figures. The Council also organized the Faith Pavilion at COP28 for the first time in the history of the Conferences of the Parties. It presented the “Islamic Vision for Achieving Environmental Sustainability” about the global duty to protect the environment, among other initiatives, highlighting that the Abu Dhabi summit for religious leaders and the Faith Pavilion at COP28 represented a strong start to enhance the role of religions in facing climate challenges.

The Secretary-General concluded his speech by thanking His Excellency President Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, for his patronage of this summit and his commitment to enhancing the voice of religions in facing the climate challenge. He expressed solidarity with the victims of climate change and the wars and conflicts our world is experiencing today, especially our brotherly people in Palestine, who suffer from injustice and oppression and face difficult humanitarian conditions.

The Muslim Council of Elders participated in the 31st International Symposium on Law and Religion, organized by the International Center for Law and Religion Studies at Brigham Young University in the United States, themed “Religious Freedom as a Tool for Peacemaking.” The symposium brought together a broad spectrum of government representatives, institutions, religious organizations, academics, and experts specializing in law and religion. Discussions focused on concepts of religious freedom, academic perspectives on law and religion, ways to enhance human rights in education and religious freedoms, and the importance of interfaith cooperation to promote religious freedom and deepen the foundations of peace.

During a session titled ‘Middle East – Religious Affairs’, Mohamed Elamin, Programs Director of the Muslim Council of Elders, highlighted the Council’s efforts, under the leadership of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, to establish a culture of peace, tolerance, and coexistence, to foster communication, dialogue, and understanding among diverse cultures and societies, and to empower religious leaders in addressing humanity’s most pressing challenges.

Elamin elaborated on the Council’s initiatives over the past decade, including seven rounds of East-West dialogue that culminated in the signing of the Document on Human Fraternity by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb and His Holiness Pope Francis, which stands as a cornerstone in modern human history. He added that the Council has launched over 15 international Peace Convoys, which have traveled across the globe to address misconceptions and promote a moderate, enlightened perspective. The Council has also prioritized youth involvement in peacemaking through initiatives such as the Emerging Peacemakers Forum and the Student Dialogues for Human Fraternity program.

Elamin also referenced the Faith Pavilion initiative launched by the Muslim Council of Elders at COP28, the first inclusion of such a pavilion at a Conference of the Parties. This initiative saw significant engagement from various societal groups, including religious leaders, environmental experts, academics, and representatives of youth, women, and indigenous communities. Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, will host the second Faith Pavilion at COP29 in November, with the goal of sustaining COP28 initiatives, enhancing collective spiritual efforts, and rallying ethical voices to create effective solutions for the climate crisis.

The International Center for Law and Religion Studies is a prominent academic institution in the field of international religious freedom. Since 1994, it has organized the International Symposium on Law and Religion to provide a global platform for government leaders, religious figures, academics, and legal experts worldwide, aiming to discuss and expand knowledge on the interconnected domains of law and religion, fostering their mutual impact and global expertise.

Under the Patronage of the President of Azerbaijan, the Muslim Council of Elders Co-Organizes the Global Summit of Religious Leaders for Climate Early Next Month

Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders: The Global Summit of Religious Leaders for Climate in Baku Reflects the Muslim Council of Elders’ Ongoing Commitment to Strengthening Interfaith and Intercultural Dialogue for a More Understanding, Harmonious, and Sustainable World

Spiritual Leader of Muslims in Azerbaijan and the Caucasus: We Aim to Build on the Success of Last Year’s Global Faith Leaders Summit in Abu Dhabi to Unite the Voices of Science and Religion in Addressing Climate Challenges

Under the patronage of President Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Caucasus Muslims’ Board (CMB), in collaboration with the Muslim Council of Elders, the COP29 Presidency, and Azerbaijan’s State Committee for Work with Religious Organizations and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), is organizing the Global Summit of Religious Leaders for Climate in Baku. The summit is part of Azerbaijan’s preparations for hosting COP29 and will gather over 300 government representatives, senior UN officials, leaders of international organizations, prominent global religious leaders, scholars, and environmental experts from around the world.

The summit, held under the theme “World Religions for a Green Planet,” aims to emphasize the central role that religions play in global efforts to address climate change. It will highlight a unified stance among global and traditional religious leaders who stand against wars and environmental destruction and advocate for peaceful conflict resolution. The summit will also serve as a platform for dialogue among experts, academics, political and religious leaders, and representatives from public and international organizations. Discussions will focus on urgent modern challenges—particularly wars and environmental crises—to promote international cooperation in tackling climate change and to issue a united call to curb environmental disasters and uphold world peace. This collective vision calls for ending violence, reducing arms, and protecting our planet from environmental threats.

Over the course of two days, the summit will address several key issues, including religious perspectives on climate change, the role of social media and faith communities in protecting the environment, and building trust through interreligious dialogue. It will also explore the harmful impact of terrorism, religious and racial intolerance, hate incitement, and wars on the environment, peaceful communities, and natural ecosystems.

Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, noted that the summit, scheduled for November 5-6 in Baku, represents the Council’s ongoing commitment to promoting interfaith and intercultural dialogue to build a world of greater understanding, harmony, and sustainability. He highlighted the crucial role that religious leaders can play in addressing global challenges, especially climate change, and praised Azerbaijan’s leadership, under President Ilham Aliyev, in advancing interfaith and intercultural dialogue. He added that Azerbaijan’s initiatives have fostered a society that values peaceful coexistence, tolerance, and mutual dialogue, offering an inspiring model for fostering understanding and peace.

He further noted, “Azerbaijan has declared 2024 the ‘Year of Solidarity for a Green World,’ a call that aligns with the Call of Conscience: The Abu Dhabi Joint Statement for Climate, issued last year as a key outcome of the Global Faith Leaders Summit for Climate hosted in Abu Dhabi. This solidarity encourages humanity to live in harmony with nature and work together to protect our world from climate change. We hope this summit will take another step forward in raising global awareness of climate issues.”

For his part, His Virtue Sheikh ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade, Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims’ Board and spiritual leader of Muslims in Azerbaijan and the Caucasus, stated that the environmental challenges facing humanity today are among the most urgent and dangerous threats to life on Earth. He emphasized that the climate crisis and its destructive impacts demand stronger international collaboration which can also address climate change fundamentally and effectively. This, he noted, was successfully achieved during COP28, which served as an effective platform that brought together policymakers, religious leaders, scientists, and environmental experts, who spent time finding tangible solutions to various climate challenges.

Sheikh-ul-Islam also expressed his hope that the Global Summit of Religious Leaders for Climate in Azerbaijan will build on the success of the previous summit held in Abu Dhabi last year. He also emphasized the vital role that religious leaders can play in raising community awareness of environmental preservation and praised the Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, for uniting the voices of faith and science in the mission to protect our shared planet.

In 2023, as part of its mission to elevate the role of religious leaders in addressing global challenges—especially climate change—and in conjunction with the UAE’s hosting of COP28, the Muslim Council of Elders organized the Global Faith Leaders Summit for Climate on November 6-7. The summit was held in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence, the COP28 Presidency, and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The summit gathered representatives from 18 religions and 30 denominations from around the world, alongside scholars, environmental experts, and civil society members, including youth, women, and indigenous peoples. The event also concluded with the Call of Conscience: The Abu Dhabi Joint Statement for Climate, urging the global community to take concrete actions to address the climate crisis and protect the planet.

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Professor Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, strongly condemns the terrorist attack on the headquarters of Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAS) in the capital, Ankara, which resulted in the loss of life and injuries to several innocent people.

The Muslim Council of Elders unequivocally rejects such acts of terrorism, which contradict the tolerant teachings of Islam, all divine religions, and international laws, norms, and conventions. The Council calls for strengthened international cooperation to eliminate terrorism and eradicate it at its roots.

The Muslim Council of Elders extends its deepest condolences to Turkey and its people, especially the families of the victims, and prays for a swift recovery for the injured.

His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, attended the official inauguration of His Excellency Prabowo Subianto as President of Indonesia and Gibran Rakabuming Raka as Vice President. The event, held at the Indonesian Parliament in Jakarta, was attended by 19 heads of state and government, 15 special envoys from friendly nations, and a large number of ministers, ambassadors, members of the Muslim Council of Elders, and official delegations.

His Excellency the Council’s Secretary-General conveyed the greetings of His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and President of the Muslim Council of Elders, and wished the new president success in leading Indonesia towards further development, prosperity, and the fulfillment of its people’s aspirations. He praised Indonesia as a model of cultural diversity and peaceful coexistence among various ethnic and religious groups.

For his part, the newly inaugurated President of Indonesia expressed his heartfelt thanks and appreciation to His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, President of the Muslim Council of Elders, and the members of the Council. He expressed his gratitude for the participation of the Muslim Council of Elders alongside numerous official delegations at the inauguration ceremony, affirming that Indonesia deeply values this participation, which reflects the strong bonds of love and friendship with the nation and people of Indonesia.

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the leadership of His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, affirms that youth are the cornerstone of building nations and advancing societies. They are the foundation of the present and the strength of the future. The Council highlights the necessity of investing in the energies of youth and developing their capabilities, contributing to enhancing their civilizational and societal roles in peacebuilding and confronting global challenges. 

In a statement released on International Youth Day, which falls on August 12th each year, the Muslim Council of Elders emphasized the importance of supporting and empowering youth and fostering positive belonging among them. The Council noted that, according to United Nations statistics, half of the world’s population is under 30 years of age, and this key segment of society is expected to increase by the end of 2030. This necessitates intensifying and doubling current efforts and providing a conducive and stimulating environment that activates the role of youth, enhances their capabilities, and develops their potential to face the various challenges confronting the world today, foremost among them being issues of extremism, hatred, poverty, and climate change.

The Muslim Council of Elders is committed to supporting and empowering youth to innovate and create in the field of peacebuilding and human coexistence. This aligns with the Council’s vision to build a promising generation of young leaders who will guide the world with their skills, capabilities, virtues, and relationships towards establishing lasting peace and stability. This is achieved through a series of targeted programs, foremost among them being the “Emerging Peacemakers Forum,” the “Student Dialogues on Human Fraternity” program, the “Ethics Education Fellowship Program,” and the “Azadi Fellowship Program” to promote dialogue and coexistence.

The Council also works on involving youth in various significant events it has organized, including the first-ever “Faith Pavilion” at COP28, where youth participated in exchanging ideas and opinions on globally significant environmental and climate issues. Additionally, the Council engaged youth in several international book fairs, initiatives, conferences, and major forums such as the Human Fraternity Majlis, which was held for the first time this year, witnessing substantial and active participation from youth to shape new visions that contribute to promoting the values of tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

Muslim Council of Elders and Malaysia Discuss Ways to Enhance Cooperation in Promoting the Values of Dialogue, Tolerance, and Coexistence

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, met with the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim, to discuss ways of enhancing cooperation in areas of mutual interest, particularly in promoting and strengthening the values of tolerance, coexistence, and fraternity among different religions and cultures, as well as addressing the challenges facing the Muslim world.

During the meeting, Judge Abdelsalam highlighted the pivotal role played by the Muslim Council of Elders in fostering dialogue, both between religions and within the Islamic community, to enhance peace and mutual understanding. He emphasized the Council’s ongoing efforts to engage with Muslims worldwide to better understand their most pressing issues and draw inspiration from their historical experiences in building civil peace and societal harmony. He commended Malaysia for being a leading model of diversity and plurality, while maintaining Islamic values, particularly in light of the country’s ongoing development and progress across various fields.

For his part, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, stressed the importance of strengthening efforts to achieve unity among members of the Muslim community to address shared challenges. He expressed his and the Malaysian people’s appreciation for the recent official visit by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, to Malaysia in July. During that visit, the Grand Imam delivered a keynote address at the opening of the Malaysian Scholars and Youth Council titled “The Moderation of the Ummah: Lessons from Past and Future Challenges.” The Prime Minister expressed his eagerness to meet with the Grand Imam again soon to discuss the key challenges facing the Muslim world and commended the Muslim Council of Elders’ commitment to enhancing cooperation with Malaysia in support of the global Muslim community and the promotion of peaceful coexistence.

Ambassador of Uzbekistan to the UAE congratulates the Muslim Council of Elders on the announcement of the second edition of the Faith Pavilion at COP29

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, received the Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the United Arab Emirates, Abdulaziz Okulov, at the Council’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi, where they discussed ways to strengthen mutual cooperation.

During the meeting, Judge Abdelsalam emphasized that the Muslim Council of Elders places significant importance on empowering religious leaders to tackle global challenges, particularly the issue of climate change. This includes organizing the Global Faith Leaders Summit for Climate and the Faith Pavilion at COP28, held for the first time in the history of the Conference of the Parties (COP), and announcing the second edition of the Faith Pavilion at COP29 in Azerbaijan which aims to build on the success of the first edition and ensure the sustainability of COP28’s initiatives.

For his part, the Ambassador of Uzbekistan expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders in promoting and reinforcing the values of dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence. He congratulated the Council on the announcement of the second edition of the Faith Pavilion at COP29, which will take place from November 11 to 22 in the capital of Azerbaijan, Baku.

Faith Pavilion at COP29 Aims to Mobilize Moral and Spiritual Voices to Find Effective Solutions for the Climate Crisis

Faith Pavilion at COP29 Unites Ethical and Religious Voices to Inspire Hope and Promote Collective Action to Overcome Climate Challenges

Faith Pavilion at COP29 Aims to Sustain COP28 Initiatives and Strengthen Collective Spiritual Efforts for Climate Solutions

As the global climate crisis escalates, the Faith Pavilion, organized by the Muslim Council of Elders, is set to play a pivotal role at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29), to be hosted in Baku, Azerbaijan, this November. Building on the success of its inaugural edition at COP28, which was held last year in the United Arab Emirates, and which saw widespread global participation and international acclaim, the Faith Pavilion will once again bring together a diverse coalition of 97 organizations representing 11 different religions and sects. This collective will offer unique moral and ethical perspectives to enhance climate action.

The Faith Pavilion will reunite this global coalition to provide religious and moral insights on strengthening climate efforts through a comprehensive program, including over 40 discussion sessions exploring the integration of spirituality and ethics into climate action. Discussions will address restoring spiritual roots to tackle the climate crisis, exploring non-economic impacts of climate change through religious perspectives while empowering students to address environmental challenges through faith teachings, the role of women’s leadership in achieving climate justice, fostering partnerships for climate adaptation, and harnessing indigenous and interfaith wisdom.

At COP29, the Faith Pavilion will also explore other topics related to sustainable lifestyles, faith-inspired eco-villages, innovative climate financing, and intergenerational dialogue. The Pavilion will highlight the principles outlined in the ” Call of Conscience: Abu Dhabi Joint Statement for Climate,” within an interactive framework that will make the Faith Pavilion a hub for transformative ideas and collaborative solutions. These efforts will be driven by shared values and the commitment of faith communities worldwide. The Pavilion will emphasize the shared dedication of these diverse communities to addressing environmental challenges and explore how spiritual teachings can inspire urgent climate action.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, underscored the pressing need for climate action to adopt innovative solutions grounded in ethical values and scientific knowledge. He emphasized the crucial role that religious and intellectual leaders play as a powerful moral voice capable of guiding individuals and communities toward embracing the principles of justice and sustainability. Judge Abdelsalam noted that the Faith Pavilion at COP29 builds on the significant success of its inaugural edition at COP28 in Dubai and aims to ensure the continuity of COP28’s initiatives while strengthening the collective spiritual effort in addressing climate challenges.

Judge Abdelsalam extended his gratitude to the Higher Committee that oversaw preparations for COP28 for its support of the Faith Pavilion initiative, organized by the Muslim Council of Elders during COP28. He commended the committee’s commitment to maintaining this essential initiative as a permanent platform for dialogue among thought and religious leaders, with the objective of identifying effective solutions to the pressing challenges posed by climate change.

In a significant development, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) will, for the first time, present a series of scientific sessions at the Faith Pavilion. Sessions will focus on bridging the gap between science and religion, offering advanced insights into the environmental crisis while grounding these discussions in ethical and spiritual frameworks. The collaboration underscores the importance of integrating scientific knowledge with moral imperatives to address the climate crisis.

The Faith Pavilion at COP29 will also continue to frame climate change as a profound religious and ethical issue. Religious leaders from the 11 represented faiths and sects will issue a call to global policymakers, urging them to consider the spiritual and moral consequences of environmental neglect and take immediate, decisive action to protect the planet. This ethical framing is expected to influence broader COP29 negotiations, encouraging decision-makers to incorporate moral considerations into their future climate strategies.

Recognizing the vital role of young people in the fight against climate change, the Faith Pavilion will also prominently feature youth leaders from various faith backgrounds who will bring fresh perspectives and highlight the need for intergenerational collaboration in addressing the climate crisis. Additionally, the Pavilion will showcase successful youth and community-driven initiatives led by faith-based organizations, demonstrating the tangible impact of grassroots climate action.

The Faith Pavilion at COP29 aims to bridge the gap between spiritual, scientific, and policy-driven approaches by fostering collaboration among the participating organizations, religious leaders, scientists, and policymakers. The Pavilion will also seek to address potential challenges and enhance the effectiveness of faith-driven climate advocacy. This collaborative spirit will be crucial in ensuring that the voices of faith communities are meaningfully integrated into global climate policy.

Moreover, the Pavilion will deliver a strong message of unity and hope, emphasizing the potential for collective action to overcome the climate crisis. Participants at the Faith Pavilion will call on the global community to embrace a sustainable relationship with nature, grounded in ethical principles of stewardship, compassion, and justice. 

As the world gathers in Baku, the Faith Pavilion will undoubtedly serve as a beacon of spiritual leadership, guiding the way toward a more just and sustainable future for humanity.

About the Faith Pavilion at COP29

The Faith Pavilion at COP29, co-hosted by the Muslim Council of Elders and the Faith Pavilion Coalition, is a continuation of an interfaith initiative that began at COP28 in Dubai, UAE. It aims to infuse moral and ethical perspectives into global climate discussions. As an integral part of the United Nations Climate Change Conference, the Pavilion serves as a dedicated platform for Faith-Based Organizations and Religious Institutions from various major religions to advocate for climate justice and inspire meaningful action.