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Leaders and representatives from all major world religions are laying the groundwork for the Global Faith Leaders Summit, which will take place this week in Abu Dhabi under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and will underscore the crucial role of faith communities and religious institutions in addressing the climate emergency.  Ahead of the summit, high-level religious leaders representing over 30 faiths – as well as academics, environmental experts, youth, female leaders, and indigenous constituencies – are completing a months-long collaborative process to deliver an ambitious unified faith declaration on climate action, which will be signed by leading religious figures during the summit.   In recognition that over 84 percent of the global population identifies with a religion, the faith declaration on climate action will harness the collective influence of religious representatives, communities, and institutions to inspire humanity to advance climate justice.   The two-day summit is organized by the Muslim Council of Elders (MCE) in collaboration with the COP28 Presidency and the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP).  COP28 President, Dr. Sultan Al Jaber said: “Inclusion is at the heart of our COP Presidency – faith-based communities and organizations play a crucial role in helping the world address climate change. We aim to ensure that COP28 amplifies the call to action from global religious leaders to many of the world’s communities to drive and engage in climate action.”    Muslim Council of Elders Secretary-General Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam said: “We are looking forward to this landmark event, which will address the collaboration between faith and science and amplify the voices of religious leaders and faith communities in saving the future of our planet, mitigating the negative impact of climate change, and ensuring a just energy transition.”   His Eminence Cardinal Miguel Ángel Ayuso, Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue and a featured participant in the upcoming summit, added: “All of us participants – representing various religions and backgrounds – recognize we have a moral and religious responsibility to shape an ethic of care for the earth – our shared home. This summit, bringing together both the high-level and grassroots, is a call to all of humanity to safeguard nature.”  Taking place on November 6 and 7, the summit comes ahead of the 28th Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC (COP28), which will be hosted by the UAE from November 30 to December 12, 2023.  During COP28, MCE – in collaboration with the COP28 Presidency, UNEP, and a coalition of faith partners – will host the Faith Pavilion, the first pavilion of its kind at a COP event. This pioneering space is designed to be the focal point for fostering meaningful interfaith collaboration and engagement, with the ultimate goal of catalyzing effective and ambitious climate action.  COP28 UAE is expected to convene over 70,000 participants, including heads of state, government officials, international industry leaders, private sector representatives, academics, experts, youth, and non-state actors. As mandated by the Paris Climate Agreement, COP28 UAE will deliver the first ever Global Stocktake – a comprehensive evaluation of progress against climate goals. The UAE will lead a process for all parties to agree upon a clear roadmap to accelerate progress through a pragmatic global energy transition and a “leave no one behind” approach to inclusive climate action.

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the Chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, condemns the massacre committed by the Israeli occupation forces against the Palestinian people in the Jabalia Refugee Camp, which resulted in hundreds of martyrs and wounded. The Council warns that the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip continues to cause a humanitarian catastrophe for innocent Palestinian civilians.

The Muslim Council of Elders reiterates its call to the Arab and Islamic worlds as well as the global community, international institutions, and all the free people of the world to urgently act to stop the Israeli occupation’s brutal and ongoing aggression against innocent civilians in the Gaza Strip, and for an immediate cessation of hostilities in accordance with the resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on October 27, 2023.

The Council emphasizes that the continuation of this humanitarian crime against the Palestinian people along with the ongoing massacres against innocent civilians, and the loss of thousands of martyrs, most of them being women and children, constitute a blatant violation of international law and thwarts the aspirations of the Palestinian people who have been dreaming of peace and struggling for the establishment of an independent state and obtaining their legitimate rights for over seventy years.

The former President of the Republic of Indonesia, Megawati Sukarnoputri, received the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, at her residence in the Indonesian capital, Jakarta. During the meeting, the pair discussed the vital importance of enhancing the role of women in promoting the values of dialogue, peace, and coexistence.

Sukarnoputri, who is also a member of the judging committee for the 2024 Zayed Award for Human Fraternity, expressed her heartfelt appreciation for the tireless efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed El-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar. She also commended the Council’s commitment to promoting peace, human fraternity, and addressing women’s issues and also emphasized the need to provide women with full opportunities and to harness their capabilities and potential, thereby contributing to the progress and development of nations and societies.

The former President of Indonesia also praised the United Arab Emirates and its exemplary model of coexistence and tolerance, acknowledging its significant role in serving humanity and advocating for issues within the Islamic world.

Furthermore, the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders underscored that Indonesia, with its rich heritage and distinctive model of diversity and mutual coexistence and that the Council is eager to activate mutual cooperation with all segments of Indonesian society and disseminating the Indonesian experience in the region and globally. This objective, he noted, will be pursued by the council’s branch in Indonesia through various collaborations with major institutions and associations in the country.

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the Chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, expresses its condolences for the victims of the earthquake that struck the provinces of Herat and Badghis in Afghanistan. This tragic event has led to the loss of hundreds of lives and left many injured.

The Muslim Council of Elders extends its deepest condolences to the Afghan people and the families of the victims, praying to the Almighty, in His infinite mercy, to grant the deceased peace, and to bestow swift recovery upon the injured

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar emphatically asserts that ongoing Israeli violations against the Palestinian people and the Al-Aqsa Mosque spell grave consequences, especially given the escalating Israeli aggression.

In a statement, the Muslim Council of Elders urgently implores the international community to intervene and halt Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people and the Al-Aqsa Mosque and called to support the Palestinian people’s rights to establish an independent state, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The Council also issued a stern warning that persistent Israeli offenses against the Palestinian people will only exacerbate and intensify the situation. The Council also issuee a plea to the global community to shoulder their legal, ethical, and humanitarian responsibilities and bring an end to the Israeli occupation of Palestinian land. This is particularly urgent as the international community continues to maintain a distressing silence in response to such appeals.

Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders to Visit Iraq in January 2024

His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, is scheduled to visit the Republic of Iraq in January 2024, for the very first time.

The Grand Imam expressed his joy in visiting Iraq, a land steeped in history, the cradle of Arab identity, and a homeland of civilization and prophets. His Eminence also conveyed his deep appreciation and affection for the Iraqi people.

For his part, the Prime Minister of Iraq Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani expressed his delight at the anticipated and significant visit of the Grand Imam, which is eagerly awaited by Iraqis of all backgrounds. He also emphasized the high regard in which His Eminence is held regionally, within the Islamic world, and internationally and stressed that the Grand Imam’s upcoming visit to Iraq will be of great interest to all Iraqis and will undoubtedly resonate deeply with Muslims, given Al-Azhar’s esteemed position as the world’s largest Islamic institution.

This visit also holds paramount importance for His Eminence the Grand Imam, particularly in terms of supporting Islamic causes. Foremost among these is the unity, solidarity, and cohesion of the Muslim world. Preparations for the Grand Imam’s Iraq visit had commenced at an earlier stage but were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

‘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.