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His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, the Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence of the United Arab Emirates, honored the organizing partners of the Faith Pavilion at COP28, the first of its kind in the history of COP conferences.

The honoring took place during the inauguration ceremony of the Faith Pavilion, organized by the Muslim Council of Elders in collaboration with the COP28 Presidency, the UAE’s Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence, and the United Nations Environment Programme at Expo City Dubai, in the presence of Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Secretary of State of the Vatican, and Dr. Salama Dawood, President of Al-Azhar University, along with various officials and religious leaders.

Faith Pavilion partners were honored with commemorative medals, including Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, the UAE’s Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and President of COP28, Dr. Salama Dawood, President of Al-Azhar University, Cardinal Miguel Ángel Ayuso, Prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Her Excellency Afra Al Sabri, the General Director of the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence in the UAE and His Excellency Miguel Ángel Moratinos, High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations.

The Faith Pavilion at COP28 aims to provide a global platform for exchanging perspectives, fostering consensus, finding solutions, and forming partnerships to propose recommendations for enhancing environmental justice. It also seeks to engage religious communities, decision-makers, and other stakeholders in civil society to develop a shared vision to address the challenges of climate change.

The Faith Pavilion, the first of its kind in the history of COP conferences, organizes numerous events and activities with representatives from 9 religions, 54 countries, and more than 70 organizations and institutions worldwide. These include universities, youth, religious, indigenous peoples’, governmental and non-governmental international organizations, women’s institutions, and humanitarian aid organizations. The pavilion offers various programs and activities, including 65 dialogue and discussion sessions with over 325 speakers, focusing on promoting a shared consensus regarding climate action.

– Pope Francis and Grand Imam of Al-Azhar to sign Interfaith Statement in support of urgent climate action during the Inauguration of the first-ever Faith Pavilion at COP28

– The inauguration of the Faith Pavilion was held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, President of the United Arab Emirates

– The document, signed by high-level faith leaders from across the world, shows commitment to take swift and decisive action to address the climate emergency

– The COP28 Faith Pavilion will bring interfaith cooperation to a global stage, to inspire ambitious goals and to call for concrete commitments on climate change.

 Dubai, 3rd December 2023 – His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Ahmed Al-Tayeb and His Holiness Pope Francis will today sign a declaration of support for urgent climate action, giving video addresses to the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai.

Video messages from Pope Francis and Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Ahmed Al-Tayeb will be broadcast to delegates at COP28, giving messages of urgency and hope for robust climate action.

The Pope and Grand Imam will then sign the Interfaith Statement on Climate Action for COP28, designed to harness the collective influence of religious representatives to inspire humanity to advance environmental justice, in recognition that the vast majority of the global population identifies with a religion.

Rooted in the principles of justice, causing no harm, and fostering peace with all living beings – the statement issues a resolute call to action directed at heads of state, governments, civil society, and business leaders. It impels urgent responses, including the acceleration of energy transitions, transition to circular models of living in harmony with nature, and rapid adoption of clean energy.

The statement was drafted by high-level faith leaders from around the world ahead of COP28, at the Global Faith Leaders Summit held in Abu Dhabi in November, organized by the Muslim Council of Elders in collaboration with the COP28 Presidency and the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP).

In his video address to be shown at COP28, His Holiness Pope Francis said: “Today, the world needs alliances that are not against someone, but for the benefit of everyone. Let us, as religious representatives, set an example to show that change is possible, to demonstrate respectful and sustainable lifestyles, and let us fervently ask the leaders of nations to preserve our common home.”

In his video address to be shown at COP28, His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar said: “The exceptional initiatives undertaken by the Muslim Council of Elders – firstly, inviting diverse religious figures to sign the Abu Dhabi Interfaith Statement for COP28 and secondly, establishing the first-ever Faith Pavilion at COP28 – are precious opportunities in making the voice of religious leaders heard in the face of global challenges – especially advancing the protection of our common home from irreversible destruction, which looms larger every passing year.”

For his part, His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence in the United Arab Emirates added, “We welcome you to the Faith Pavilion, a collaborative initiative led by the Muslim Council of Elders in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme and the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence. We also affirm that the United Arab Emirates, under the wise leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, stands as a nation dedicated to peace, embracing it both as a means and an end. The UAE also prioritizes tolerance, harmony, and human fraternity as fundamental principles and plays a pivotal role on the global stage by diligently working towards protecting the environment and achieving sustainable development. The UAE is also deeply committed to cooperation and collective action, firmly believing that the progress and stability of the world depends on such collaboration.”

COP28 President Dr. Sultan Al Jaber said: “Climate change cares little about our politics, our borders, or our differences in religion. Our success depends on our ability to come together as one global community to solve it, and global faith communities play a significant role in instilling awareness of the shared social responsibility of all people worldwide towards environmental protection. Faith communities have come together in a truly historic moment of hope, peace, and optimism, uniting around a shared commitment to protect our planet.”

Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders said: “The first-ever Faith Pavilion at COP28 is a place of peace and cooperation for all – bringing together the wisdom of religions at COP28.”

He added that the signing of the Abu Dhabi Interfaith Statement for COP28, by representatives of various religions and beliefs, sends a strong message to policymakers about the importance of mobilizing faith communities to raise awareness about the climate crisis.

The statement has also been signed by faith and spiritual leaders from around the world, representing Anglicans, Bahá’is, Bohras, Buddhists, Coptic Orthodox, Eastern Orthodox, Evangelicals, Hindus, Jains, Jews, Mahikaris, Mandaeans, Protestants, Roman Catholics, Shia Muslims, Sikhs, and Sunni Muslims.

First-ever Faith Pavilion calls for climate policy changes

In the statement, the faith leaders also committed to supporting the first-ever Faith Pavilion at COP28, where over 300 high-profile faith leaders and public figures are taking part across 70+ sessions fostering meaningful interfaith collaboration and engagement, with the goal of catalysing effective and ambitious climate action. The space will host dialogues and sessions promoting climate justice collaboration among religious and Indigenous representatives, scientists, young people, and political leaders.

The second day of the Faith Pavilion at COP28 continued with the hosting of 7 dialogue sessions that focused on the close connection between religions and nature-based solutions, addressing key climate issues such as funding, loss and damage, and the role of religions in raising awareness about the dangers of the climate crisis. 

Participants in the first dialogue session, titled “Making a case for equitable and coordinated funding streams – Case of Loss & Damage,” stressed that religious entities are at the forefront of various challenges. This requires investing in adaptation, enhancing resilience, and activating early warning systems for climate crises to reduce any losses suffered by communities during climate disasters.

In the second session, titled “Mindfulness for Earth in Higher Education,” participants highlighted that many communities worldwide face food insecurity and limited access to natural resources. Conversely, more developed communities suffer from overconsumption and waste, posing a significant challenge to achieving Earth’s climate neutrality.

The third dialogue session, focusing on “Integral Ecology Faith-Based Journeys Towards Ecological Conversion: Sharing strategies for overcoming the dominant technocratic approach to climate change,” emphasized the urgent need for women’s leadership to promote collaborative cooperation and unify efforts in addressing the climate crisis. It stressed that religious scholars, empowered within their communities, are best positioned to spread climate awareness.

The fourth dialogue session, concentrating on the role of religions in supporting commitments to halt the spread of traditional fuels, affirmed the necessity of reminding countries of the moral and ethical dimensions of protecting the Earth. Meanwhile, the dialogue session “Faith and Nature: Partners in Landscape Restoration and Nature-Based Solutions” discussed how religious leaders and communities can be essential drivers in addressing climate change adaptation and mitigation challenges, showcasing the significant contributions made by religious leaders to restoration efforts in climate-vulnerable communities.

The second day concluded with a dialogue session on “Intergenerational Dialogue on the Role of Youth in Adaptation,” which emphasized the vital role of youth in climate adaptation and the support provided by religious organizations in this field. Participants underscored the importance of empowering youth in the climate sector, noting that progress in climate action will create new job opportunities and improve the lives and livelihoods of millions, especially young people.

Tomorrow’s sessions are expected to focus on ways to enhance climate justice for women, the role of religious leaders in addressing climate change, localizing religious action to confront the climate crisis, the impact of climate repercussions on water, and the role of youth in climate advocacy.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, welcomed Professor Dr. Salama Dawood, President of Al-Azhar University who visited the Faith Pavilion at COP28, organized by the Muslim Council of Elders in collaboration with the Presidency of COP28, the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence in the United Arab Emirates, and the United Nations Environment Programme and is taking place from December 1 to 12 in Expo City Dubai.

During the visit, the President of Al-Azhar University explored the pavilion, gaining insights into key activities organized. He also commended 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 addressing global issues and challenges, emphasizing the role of religious leaders in confronting them.

Dr. Salama Dawood also stressed the importance of collaboration among different religions and cultures to address current environmental challenges. He affirmed that collective cooperation and efforts from all parties are keys to success in facing the impacts of climate change and pointed out that religious teachings advocate for environmental preservation as an integral part of our human, moral, and social responsibilities.

For his part, the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam emphasized that the world looks forward to the role of major religious leaders and institutions in raising awareness about the climate and other issues and challenges threatening humanity. He also highlighted the significant historical and leading global role of Al-Azhar across scientific, religious, ethical, and humanitarian levels.

The Faith Pavilion, the first of its kind in the history of COP conferences, organizes numerous events and activities with representatives from 9 religions, 54 countries, and more than 70 organizations and institutions worldwide. These include universities, youth, religious, indigenous peoples’, governmental and non-governmental international organizations, women’s institutions, and humanitarian aid organizations. The pavilion offers various programs and activities, including 65 dialogue and discussion sessions with over 325 speakers, focusing on promoting a shared concensus regarding climate action.

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.