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‘Religions and Climate Change: Southeast Asia’ Conference Sends a Message of Support and Hope to Global Summit of Religious Leaders in Abu Dhabi

‘Religions and Climate Change: Southeast Asia’ Conference Issues a Loud Call Against Irresponsible Policies that Exacerbate Climate Change

‘Religions and Climate Change: Southeast Asia’ Conference Calls on Leaders, Officials, Policymakers, and Businessmen to Take Urgent Action to Reduce the Causes and Negative Impacts of Climate Change

The ‘Religions and Climate Change: Southeast Asia’ conference, organized by the Muslim Council of Elders under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar concluded in Jakarta, Indonesia with attendance by 150 representatives from various religions in the Southeast Asia region, along with scholars, thinkers, and youth engaged in climate change issues. The conference discussed the role of religions in addressing the negative impacts of climate change, conveying a message of hope to the Global Summit of Religious Leaders and Icons scheduled to be held in Abu Dhabi on November 6 and 7.

The conference’s participants expressed their support for the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28), which will be hosted by the United Arab Emirates at the end of the year. They also expressed hope for positive outcomes that will contribute to finding effective solutions to the issue of climate change for a better future for humanity.

The concluding remarks of the conference emphasized that religious leaders bear a historical responsibility to contribute to the protection of planet earth which involves making a strong call against irresponsible policies that exacerbate the climate crisis. The remarks also urged leaders, policymakers, economists, and businesspeople to take urgent action to mitigate the causes of climate change and the subsequent negative effects that threaten life on earth.

Furthermore, the statement called for the necessity of directing and enhancing community participation in supporting various initiatives for sustaining community life. This includes transitioning to environmentally friendly energy, implementing circular economies, incorporating religious education programs (both formal and informal), and raising awareness about environmental issues. It also advocated for regular dialogue between figures and business leaders to in an effort to reach ethical, and religious values in business practices.

Within Southeast Asia, the remarks urged religious leaders at both the regional and community levels to participate in efforts to address climate change by leveraging faith-based teachings and all forms of religious practices in an attempt to increase community awareness in dealing with the impacts of climate change, including prevention, mitigation, adaptation, and resilience. Additionally, it called for the promotion of education and the inclusion of education on climate change and sustainable development as part of religious teachings and practices in a bid to change societal behaviors towards the environment.

Indonesia’s former Minister of Religious Affairs, His Excellency Dr. Lukman Hakim Saifuddin, delivered the closing remarks and handed a copy of them to Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, in order for them to be submitted during the Global Summit of Religious Leaders and Icons, scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi in November, as a precursor to the COP28 conference in Dubai.

The Indonesian capital Jakarta hosted a conference on the role of religions in addressing the negative impacts of climate change under the theme: ‘Reviving Religious Values and Local Cultures in Addressing Climate Change for Environmental Conservation and Sustainable Development’. The conference was part of a series of conferences organized by the Muslim Council of Elders to engage representatives of various religions and to generate ideas and solutions to reduce the negative impacts of climate change and raise awareness of its risks in preparation for the Global Summit of Religious Leaders and Icons, which will be held in Abu Dhabi on November 6 and 7. Additionally, the Muslim Council of Elders will organize the ‘Faith Pavilion at COP28’, hosted by the United Arab Emirates at the end of the current year, for the first time in the history of the Conference of the Parties. The pavilion is expected to serve as a global platform for interfaith dialogue on addressing the issue of climate change.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam has today met with Haji Yahya Cholil Staquf, the Chairman of Nahdlatul Ulama Organization, in the Indonesian capital, Jakarta. During the meeting, the pair discussed potential ways to enhance mutual cooperation for the benefit of the Islamic world.

During the meeting, the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders expressed his appreciation for the Nahdlatul Ulama Organization, considered the largest Islamic association in Indonesia, for its efforts in the fields of preaching, education, and social work. He also noted that the regional office of the Muslim Council of Elders in Indonesia has a clear strategy to collaborate with major institutions and associations and to promote values of goodness, justice, love, coexistence, and peace with the additional aim of enhancing the role of scholars and reviving Islamic heritage.

For his part, the Chairman of Nahdlatul Ulama Organization congratulated the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders on the opening of the Council’s regional office in Jakarta, and the success of the ‘Religions and Climate Change’ conference. He further expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the Council under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, in crystallizing a vision for religious leaders and symbols to face global challenges, including climate change. He also expressed his anticipation for further cooperation with the Muslim Council of Elders in various projects and initiatives that serve the Islamic world. The Chairman of Nahdlatul Ulama Organization also praised the Muslim Council of Elders and COP28’s imitative to establish a ‘Faith Pavilion’ for the first time in the history of the Conference of Parties. He affirmed the organization’s keenness to participate in the global summit of leaders and symbols of religions on the issue of climate change, which will be held by the Muslim Council of Elders in Abu Dhabi in November.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, emphasized that diversity and differences are a divine decree and that religious leaders and figures should utilize this diversity and differences to work together in confronting global challenges that necessitate the unity of religious leaders to achieve a better future for humanity.

During his meeting with 30 leaders, figures, and representatives of various religions in Indonesia, the Secretary-General called for interfaith dialogue to shift from being a mere slogan to a practical application in reality. He clarified that His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, and His Holiness Pope Francis, the Pope of the Catholic Church, provided an inspirational model for how the relationship between religious leaders and figures should be.

Judge Abdelsalam stated that the historical Abu Dhabi Document for Human Fraternity, co-signed by the Grand Imam and Pope Francis in 2019, presented the world with a roadmap to enhance the spirit of dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence in the face of narratives of extremism, hatred, and discrimination.

The Secretary-General also praised the Indonesian model of shared diversity, coexistence, and mutual respect among different religions in Indonesia. He explained that the regional branch of the Muslim Council of Elders in Indonesia will work to convey and present the Indonesian experience to the world as an exemplary model.

For their part, leaders, figures, and representatives of various religions in Indonesia, as well as participating intellectual figures, expressed their welcome to the Secretary-General, congratulating him on the official opening of the regional branch of the Muslim Council of Elders in Indonesia. They expressed their eagerness to collaborate with the Muslim Council of Elders on various projects and initiatives, affirming that under the leadership of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, the Council is making significant efforts to promote peace and disseminate the values of dialogue, tolerance, coexistence, and peace among followers of different religions and cultures.

His Excellency Bambang Soesatyo, the Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly of the Republic of Indonesia has received Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders to discuss ways to enhance mutual cooperation.

During the meeting, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, expressed the council’s appreciation under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar for Indonesia, its leadership, and people. He affirmed that Indonesia represents a pioneering model of human tolerance and coexistence and that the branch of the Muslim Council of Elders in Indonesia will work to disseminate the Indonesian model of coexistence and introduce it in the Southeast Asia region and globally. He also noted that the council will coordinate with relevant institutions within Indonesia to promote the values of dialogue and collective action in confronting global challenges, particularly the climate change crisis.

For his part, the Speaker of the Indonesian People’s Consultative Assembly 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 expressed his aspirations to enhance cooperation with the council in areas of promoting dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence. He also emphasized that the opening of the Indonesian branch of the Muslim Council of Elders would contribute to the implementation of many joint initiatives and projects while also commending the organization of the Muslim Council of Elders for the conference ‘Religions and Climate Change: Southeast Asia’ and its potential to shape a common vision for religious leaders and figures on the issue of climate change. Furthermore, the Speaker of the Indonesian People’s Consultative Assembly expressed his admiration and appreciation for the efforts led by the United Arab Emirates in promoting peace and human fraternity regionally and globally.

President Joko Widodo of Indonesia received Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, along with a delegation of council members, at the Merdeka Palace on Thursday. He congratulated the Muslim Council of Elders on the official opening of its office in Indonesia and commended the council for organizing the ‘Religions and Climate Change’ conference for the countries of Southeast Asia. President Widodo also expressed his support for COP28, which will be hosted by the United Arab Emirates at the end of the year.

During the meeting, President Widodo 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, in promoting peace and coexistence. He also recognized the significant initiative of the council in formulating a common vision for the leaders and symbols of religions regarding the issue of climate change and emphasized his strong belief in the importance of interfaith dialogue and expressed his intention to visit the Faith Pavilion at COP28.

President Widodo also expressed his nation’s great appreciation for the efforts of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, in promoting coexistence and human fraternity. He further praised that the historical Abu Dhabi Document of Human Fraternity, which was co-signed by His Eminence the Grand Imam and His Holiness Pope Francis in Abu Dhabi in 2019. He also expressed his delight in the collaboration between the Muslim Council of Elders’ branch in Indonesia and academic and religious institutions in the country to disseminate and enhance the values of fraternity and coexistence regionally and globally.

For their part, the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, and the council’s delegation conveyed their appreciation on behalf of the Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, to the nation of Indonesia, its leadership, and people. The delegation affirmed that Indonesia holds a special place in the hearts of all Muslims, not only due to its vast land and population, but also because of its rich history, unique civilization, and inspiring tale of stability, development, and coexistence.

The Secretary-General and the council’s delegation also expressed their gratitude to President Widodo for embracing the regional branch of the Muslim Council of Elders, which will serve as an effective channel of communication with other Southeast Asian nations. They also praised Indonesia for hosting the ‘Religions and Climate Change’ conference and for its leading efforts in addressing climate change. They further emphasized that the Muslim Council of Elders will closely work with Indonesian governmental, international, and civil institutions, including Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah, among others, to fulfil its mission of promoting peace and spreading the values of dialogue, coexistence, and fraternity.

The delegation of council members included His Excellency Dr. Muhammad Quraish Shihab, member of the Muslim Council of Elders and former Minister of Religious Affairs of Indonesia, Dr. Ahmed Al-Haddad, member of the Muslim Council of Elders and head of the Fatwa Department in Dubai, Dr. Muhammad Zainul-Majdi, member of the Executive Office of the Muslim Council of Elders, and Dr. Mukhlis Hanafi, Director of the Indonesian branch of the Muslim Council of Elders.

Muslim Council of Elders Officially Inaugurates its Regional Branch in Indonesia Amidst the Presence of Officials, Religious Leaders, and Ambassadors to Southeast Asia

The Muslim Council of Elders has opened its regional office for Southeast Asia in Jakarta, the Indonesian capital, this Wednesday morning. The ceremony was attended by H.E. Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders,  along with a distinguished group of officials, religious leaders, and ambassadors to Southeast Asian countries. Prominent attendees included H.E. Dr. Yusuf Kalla, former Vice-President of the Republic of Indonesia; Dr. Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, Minister of Religious Affairs; H.E. Abdullah Salem Obeid Al Dhaheri, UAE Ambassador to Indonesia; and H.E. Ashraf Mohamed Moguib Sultan, Egypt’s Ambassador to Indonesia. The gathering also saw participation from various representatives of Arab, Islamic, and Southeast Asian nations, as well as numerous religious scholars, academics, university leaders focused on environmental and interfaith issues, and delegates from Al-Azhar in Indonesia.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, stated that the official launch of this branch aligns with the Council’s mission and objectives under the leadership of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders. The Council endeavors to promote values of dialogue, tolerance, peace, and human coexistence.

The Secretary-General highlighted that the Jakarta branch, inaugurated today, will function as an effective communication channel with all Southeast Asian countries. It will actively participate in organizing a series of inspiring events and initiatives, emphasizing Indonesia’s pivotal role in fostering tolerance and mutual coexistence.

The Muslim Council of Elders boasts regional branches in Malaysia and Pakistan. The Indonesian branch has been operating virtually since 2021, with the goal of establishing effective platforms for engagement with countries and regions globally, emphasizing the promotion of peace in both Muslim and non-Muslim communities. It further aims to advance dialogue, tolerance, mutual coexistence, and human fraternity.

It is noteworthy that the official inauguration of the Muslim Council of Elders’ branch in Indonesia coincides with the launch of the “Religions and Climate Change” conference. Organized by the Council, this conference hosted 150 representatives from various religions in Southeast Asia, as well as scholars, intellectuals, and youth leaders concerned with climate change issues. The objective of the conference was to underscore the role of religions in addressing the adverse impacts of climate change.

The Muslim Council of Elders is an independent international entity chaired by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar. Founded in Abu Dhabi in 2014, the Council is comprised of eminent  Muslim scholars and intellectuals known for their justice, wisdom, and moderation

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the Chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, emphasizes the need for unifying efforts to spread a culture of tolerance, coexistence, and peace, and to reject all forms of violence, prejudice, hatred, and discrimination. It also noted that peace is the only path to progress for nations and peoples.

In a statement marking the International Day of Non-violence, observed by the United Nations on October of every year, the Council stated that the world is facing a true challenge in the midst of the proliferation of calls for violence, bigotry, hatred, and wars and conflicts that resulted in millions of refugees, displaced, and homeless people. The Council also calls for amplifying the voices of wisdom, coexistence, and dialogue.

Under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, the Muslim Council of Elders exerts numerous efforts to eradicate violence and promote the values of peace, as stipulated in the historic Abu Dhabi Document on Human Fraternity which was co-signed by His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and His Holiness Pope Francis in 2019. The Document calls on world leaders, international policymakers, and the global economy to seriously work on spreading a culture of tolerance, coexistence, peace, and to intervene immediately to stop bloodshed, and to halt the current world’s wars, conflicts, environmental degradation, and cultural and moral decline.

The Muslim Council of Elders also works on several initiatives aimed at disseminating and enhancing the values of peace, such as the International Peace Convoys that have traversed all continents of the world to correct misconceptions and confront extremist ideologies. Additionally, the Emerging Peacemakers Forums targets a generation of young people capable of promoting peace in their respective communities around the world.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam has met with various leaders and representatives of different religions in India. The meeting took place during his participation at the Youth Summit on Human Fraternity and Compassion, held in the state of Rajasthan in India.

During the meeting, the Secretary-General emphasized that diversity is a divine decree and that faith in this diversity urges us to show compassion, empathy, and solidarity towards one another. He also stressed the importance of collectively spreading the values of dialogue and mutual respect amongst humanity. He further affirmed that any attempts to impose a religion or set of beliefs on all people contradicts divine will.

Judge Abdelsalam also noted that religions leaders and symbols must set an example by promoting the importance of unity, human fraternity, and upholding all moral values. He highlighted the need to elevate the values of tolerance and coexistence among all people while noting that the COVID-19 pandemic has shown that no one is truly secure alone and that we all face a shared and common destiny and set of challenges. He further emphasized that together, we can work towards alleviating the suffering of the deprived, weak, poor, displaced, and the persecuted in compliance with our own human fraternity.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders is participating in the Youth Summit on Human Fraternity and Compassion, which spans over three days, with the participation of over 500 Indian youth. The event features prominent speakers from India and different parts of the world, including previous honorees of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity.

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the Chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, strongly condemns the twin terrorist attacks that occurred in the provinces of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, resulting in dozens of deaths and injuries.

The Council affirms its unequivocal rejection of such terrorist acts that contradict religious teachings, divine laws and international norms that criminalize attacks on innocent civilians and places of worship. The Council also calls for a strong response to terrorism and to eradicate its roots.

The Muslim Council of Elders expresses its deepest condolences to the state of Pakistan, its leadership, government, and people, as well as to the families of the victims, whilst wishing the injured a swift recovery.