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Muslim Council of Elders Calls for Comprehensive Ethical Governance of AI to Balance Innovation and Human Protection

Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam: Artificial Intelligence Is an Ethical and Human Issue Touching the Core of Human Existence and Dignity

The Muslim Council of Elders participated in the 16th session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD16), held in Geneva from October 20 to 23, 2025, under the theme “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Inclusive and Sustainable Development.” The conference saw extensive participation from experts, officials, and representatives of international organizations worldwide.

In his address during the session titled “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Inclusive and Sustainable Development,” His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam emphasized that artificial intelligence (AI) is not merely a scientific or economic matter but a profoundly ethical and human issue that touches the essence of human existence and dignity. He underscored the necessity for technology to serve humanity without compromising its well-being.

Judge Abdelsalam noted that managing the digital transformation demands genuine collaboration among scientists, philosophers, religious leaders, and policymakers to ensure technology maximizes human good rather than perpetuating inequality and dominance among nations. He outlined three key strategies for developing nations to capitalize on AI opportunities: investing in human capital, fostering a fair and inclusive innovation ecosystem, and establishing balanced international partnerships rooted in knowledge and expertise exchange to promote shared development within a framework of mutual human responsibility. Judge Abdelsalam also commended the United Arab Emirates for its support to developing countries through infrastructure development and training young talent to keep pace with rapid advancements in AI, thereby contributing to global sustainable development.

The Muslim Council of Elders called for the adoption of comprehensive ethical governance for AI that balances innovation with human protection through principles of responsible innovation, digital justice, transparency, and accountability. Judge Abdelsalam stated, “No matter how advanced technology becomes, it lacks a conscience and does not comprehend compassion.” He clarified that “AI is not the end of humanity’s journey but a new phase in its quest to explore its potential and capabilities,” adding that “intelligence alone is insufficient to build a better world unless guided by wisdom and humanity.”

Judge Abdelsalam highlighted the Muslim Council of Elders’ initiative, “A Joint Document on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence,” developed in collaboration with Al-Azhar and the Holy See reflects the ethical and spiritual responsibility to address major technological challenges, ensuring humanity remains at the core of the digital transformation while embedding principles of dignity, justice, and responsibility in modern technology development.

He concluded by asserting that “progress without ethics is gain without purpose.” He noted that religious leaders, led by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, have consistently affirmed that ethical balance is not an obstacle to development but a fundamental pillar. He also added, “When innovation is guided by the spirit of human fraternity and ethical wisdom, AI will not only advance our economies but also elevate human dignity.”

His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders has received a youth delegation from the World Council of Churches. During the meeting, His Eminence emphasized that religions carry a message of love and peace, never serving as a pretext for wars or conflicts while expressing his hope that young people will lead in promoting a culture of dialogue, tolerance, coexistence, and peace.

His Eminence highlighted that Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders are deeply committed to fostering global peace through numerous international initiatives, such as the East-West Dialogue which has been pursued in collaboration with various Western religious institutions, including the Catholic Church, the World Council of Churches, the Church of England, and other global religious organizations. These efforts culminated in the signing of the historic Document on Human Fraternity in Abu Dhabi in 2019.

The Grand Imam also noted that a key challenge of contemporary civilization is its materialistic nature, which often lacks the ethical values necessary to guide human life. He affirmed that religious institutions worldwide play a crucial role in fostering a culture of peace and promoting values of dialogue, tolerance, and shared coexistence.

For their part, members of the World Council of Churches youth delegation expressed their appreciation for the Grand Imam’s significant efforts in advancing peace and reinforcing values of moderation and balance globally, contributing to a brighter future for humanity.

On Tuesday, His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, received Aga Khan V, leader of the Ismaili community and Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network, to explore avenues for enhancing mutual cooperation.

His Eminence emphasized that the mission of Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders centers on promoting peace and fostering human fraternity among all people. This commitment has fostered openness to collaboration with religious and cultural institutions worldwide to realize this noble objective. He highlighted the initiative to convene the inaugural Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference in the Kingdom of Bahrain, aimed at strengthening bonds of fraternity within the diverse fabric of the Muslim world, moving beyond past divisions, and establishing a platform to unify the voices of Islamic scholars and religious institutions in addressing the crises and challenges confronting the Muslim world.

His Eminence affirmed a commitment to deepening cooperation with the Aga Khan Development Network through joint developmental and awareness initiatives, particularly those targeting youth and addressing contemporary challenges. He noted that the Muslim Council of Elders, under his leadership, possesses extensive experience in such impactful projects in partnership with Al-Azhar, with the goal of promoting moderation, tolerance, and an accurate representation of Islam.

For his part, Aga Khan V expressed commended the Grand Imam for his significant efforts to present an authentic portrayal of Islam and advance the values of human fraternity. He praised His Eminence’s initiatives to unify the Muslim world and expressed his eagerness to strengthen partnerships with Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders to promote Islam’s moderation and tolerance, especially among youth in Europe.

Aga Khan V stated, “We are delighted at the prospect of collaboration across various fields with your Eminence. Our extensive development network focuses on culture, awareness, and education in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan. Additionally, through numerous projects, we strive to promote awareness of Islam’s tolerant essence in several European countries.”

A delegation from the Muslim Council of Elders concluded a visit to the state of Utah in the United States of America, having met with religious leaders, academics, and officials to promote the values of human fraternity, strengthen interfaith collaboration, and advocate for ethical innovation in artificial intelligence.

During the visit, His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam held meetings with leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including President Dallin H. Oaks, Elder David A. Bednar, and Elder Gerrit W. Gong. Discussions focused on shared values, peaceful coexistence, and the ethical implications of technological advancements. Judge Abdelsalam also engaged with Utah’s Muslim community at the Khadeeja Islamic Center Mosque and met with Lieutenant Governor Deidre M. Henderson, underscoring the importance of inclusive dialogue between religious institutions and governmental bodies.

The delegation also visited Brigham Young University (BYU), having met with President Shane Reese to explore opportunities for collaboration in academic research, student exchange programs, youth leadership development, and initiatives related to artificial intelligence. The delegation also participated in a Strategic Planning Collaboration Workshop with representatives from the Muslim Council of Elders and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, focusing on shared priorities for youth programs, technological projects, and efforts to enhance interfaith dialogue.

Additionally, the delegation toured the Conference Center, several local meetinghouses, and the Bishop’s Central Storehouse, gaining insights into the Church’s worship practices, community life, and humanitarian efforts.

Judge Abdelsalam stated, “I have been deeply inspired by all that I have witnessed in the remarkable state of Utah, which is truly a place of warmth and hospitality.” During his visit to BYU, he added, “Brigham Young University exemplifies the belief that science and religion are not in conflict, and that all truths are complementary and harmonious.”

For his part, Elder David A. Bednar commended the growing partnership between the Muslim Council of Elders and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, stating, “I am grateful for the deepening relationship between the globally influential Muslim Council of Elders and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which has grown significantly in importance and depth.” He further emphasized that the coming period will see further collaboration on numerous inspiring projects and initiatives.

The Muslim Council of Elders participated in the Eighth Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, held in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, from September 17 to 18, under the patronage of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of the Republic of Kazakhstan with attendance by prominent religious leaders and figures from around the world.

In his address during the congress’s main session, His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam emphasized that this distinguished gathering reflects a shared commitment to dialogue, which transcends mere exchanges of words. It represents a culture demanding courage and resolve, particularly when involving religions—not just rituals and practices but comprehensive visions of the human self, the other, and the ethical values that guide them toward fostering refined interactions, mature human relationships, and constructive engagement.

He noted that the Muslim Council of Elders has consistently championed interfaith dialogue, working for years to promote its values through numerous global initiatives. Notable among these is the historic Document on Human Fraternity, co-signed in 2019 in Abu Dhabi by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, and the late Pope Francis of the Catholic Church. Additionally, the Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference was organized to foster dialogue among all components of the Islamic world.

He further highlighted that the Muslim Council of Elders launched the “Call of Conscience: Abu Dhabi Joint Statement by Religious Leaders for Climate” and, for the first time in the history of the Conference of the Parties, established the Faith Pavilion at COP28 and COP29. The Council is currently collaborating with Al-Azhar and the Holy See to develop a document on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, recognizing this transformative technology’s potential to benefit humanity while requiring an ethical and value-based framework to ensure its optimal use for all.

His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam emphasized the crucial role that religious leaders can play amid the wars and conflicts facing the world today, particularly the unjust aggression against innocent civilians in the Gaza Strip, which has resulted in tens of thousands of victims. Over two million people are currently enduring policies of killing, starvation, and attempted forced displacement. He called on religious leaders and figures to work together to rally support for halting this aggression and finding effective solutions to wars and conflicts around the world.

The Muslim Council of Elders also expressed its appreciation for the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions’ outstanding efforts to promote tolerance, mutual respect, and deeper understanding among religious communities. Since its inception in Astana in 2003, the Congress has laid the foundation for a pioneering experience. The Council also praised Kazakhstan’s rich religious, cultural, and civilizational diversity, which has defined its historical landscape through the ages and continues to thrive today.

Grand Imam and Singapore’s President Discuss Conference on ‘Religions for Development and Peace’ to be Organized by the Muslim Council of Elders

His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, received His Excellency Tharman Shanmugaratnam, President of the Republic of Singapore, and First Lady Jane Yumiko Ittogi, to strengthen academic and advocacy cooperation.

During the meeting, His Eminence commended Singapore’s exemplary model of scientific and educational advancement, which he observed during his previous visit to the country. He also affirmed Al-Azhar’s commitment to training Singaporean imams, enhancing their skills in addressing contemporary issues, and establishing an Arabic language learning center in Singapore to serve its people in studying the language.

For his part, President Shanmugaratnam praised His Eminence’s efforts in promoting global peace and harmony. He stated, “I come to you today with a multi-ethnic and multi-religious delegation, reflecting the profound respect and admiration we hold for you, which words cannot fully convey.”

The Grand Imam and President Shanmugaratnam also discussed the dire situation in the Gaza Strip, stressing the urgent need to advocate for an immediate and unconditional end to the aggression targeting innocent civilians. His Eminence declared, “We call on you and the world’s wise leaders to exert every effort to intervene and halt this aggression.” His Eminence also expressed appreciation for efforts toward recognizing the State of Palestine.

Furthermore, the Grand Imam and President Shanmugaratnam discussed Singapore’s participation in the ‘Religions for Development and Peace’ conference, which will be organized by the Muslim Council of Elders in collaboration with Al-Azhar. His Eminence remarked, “We have agreed with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to hold the ‘Religions for Development and Peace’ conference to showcase these nations as models of development and interfaith coexistence, and to share their pioneering experiences with the Muslim world. This will foster knowledge and expertise exchange, contributing to a comprehensive vision for the advancement of our Muslim world. We are fully confident that Singapore’s participation and support will ensure the conference’s success in fulfilling its mission and amplifying its message.”

President Shanmugaratnam welcomed Singapore’s participation and pledged his nation’s support to ensure the conference’s success.

Muslim Council of Elders Calls for an International Alliance to Protect Religious Sites

The Muslim Council of Elders participated in a special session discussing cooperation with the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations to protect religious sites, held on the sidelines of the 8th Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions in Kazakhstan, with numerous religious leaders from around the world in attendance.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam emphasized that discussing the protection of religious sites is fundamentally about safeguarding humanity’s memory and its priceless spiritual heritage. He noted that religious sites embody the story of humanity’s relationship with the Creator and the evolving narrative of this connection across thousands of years and generations.

The Muslim Council of Elders called for an international alliance to protect religious sites, particularly during times of war and amid ongoing conflicts in various parts of the world. It stressed that no distinction should be made in preserving and protecting religious sites from destruction or neglect, regardless of the faith they represent, underscoring the importance of safeguarding all such sites.

The Council expressed its full commitment to contributing to the preservation of religious sites, which serve as the world’s spiritual conscience and moral compass. This is especially critical today, as threats to these sites have exceeded all imaginable limits. The Council highlighted the ongoing destruction of places of worship in Palestine, particularly in Gaza, where mosques, such as Al-Omari Mosque, and certain churches have been targeted and destroyed. It emphasized the urgent need to adopt a global strategy to protect places of worship, especially during times of war and conflict.

– Grand Imam of Al-Azhar: The Prophet’s Birthday Commemorates the Birth of the Best, Most Noble, Merciful, and Greatest of People (PBUH)

– Grand Imam of Al-Azhar: Islam’s Call is Universal, Embracing All Humanity with the Ethics of Mankind
  
– Grand Imam of Al-Azhar: Arab and Islamic Solidarity is the Only Solution to the Palestinian Cause

– Grand Imam of Al-Azhar: We Are Advocates of Justice and Fairness, Forged by Willpower, Knowledge, and Armament to Protect Land, People, and Sacred Sites

– Grand Imam of Al-Azhar: A Glad Tiding for This Generation is Its Celebration of the 1,500th Anniversary of the Prophet’s Birth (PBUH)

– Grand Imam: The Birth of the Prophet (PBUH) Marks the Birth of a Universal Divine Message and the Principle of Equality Among Peoples

Grand Imam of Al-Azhar: Islam Prohibits Excessive Killing and Destruction and Strictly Forbids the Killing of Children, Women, and the Elderly

 -Grand Imam of Al-Azhar: Islam Prohibits Killing the Enemy’s Children, While Zionists Kill Gaza’s Children by Starvation and Lure Them into a Hellfire Poured Upon Their Heads

His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, extended heartfelt congratulations to the Arab and Islamic nations—peoples and leaders alike—on the occasion of the anniversary of the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).  

During his speech at the Prophet’s Birthday celebration, His Eminence affirmed that the Prophet’s birth (PBUH) is not merely the birth of a leader, a great figure, a reformer, or a valiant conqueror—though he embodied all these qualities and more in his noble prophetic essence, with the fullest share of excellence. Rather, it represents the emergence of a “final divine message” carried by a final Prophet, tasked with calling all people, from the East to the West, to a single message grounded in equality among nations and races.  

His Eminence highlighted that one of the blessings of this noble anniversary is that this year’s celebration marks the 1,500th anniversary of the Prophet’s birth (PBUH), a centennial milestone that occurs only once every hundred years. He described it as a glad tiding for this generation, praying: “May it be a harbinger of relief for the afflicted, the alleviation of distress and sorrow for the wretched and oppressed, through Your mercy, O Most Merciful, and through the mercy with which You sent Your Messenger to the worlds.”  

He explained that “mercy” was one of the Prophet’s (PBUH) most defining characteristics, shaping all his actions, words, and interactions with his family, companions, friends, and even enemies throughout his noble life. This mercy was ideally suited to a universal call that transcends time and place, embracing all humanity with its virtues and flaws, good and evil, righteousness and wickedness, justice and oppression, guidance and misguidance, obedience and disobedience.  

The Grand Imam also shed light on one of the most prominent manifestations of the Prophet’s mercy: Islamic legislation on warfare. He emphasized that Islam established strict ethical rules for war, unprecedented in human history, limiting fighting to repelling aggression, prohibiting excessive killing and destruction, and strictly forbidding the killing of non-combatants such as children, women, the elderly, and religious figures. Muslim jurists, he noted, developed the “jurisprudence of conduct” early in Islamic history, which can be considered a precursor to international law. They unanimously agreed that warfare must avoid excessive killing, destruction, or devastation, confining combat to repelling aggression without descending into vengeance, genocide, or false displays of dominance. He quoted the Arab literary figure Mustafa Sadiq Al-Rafi’i: “Muslims in their battles carry weapons and ethics together; behind their weapons are their morals, making their weapons themselves ethical.”  

His Eminence also clarified that discussing war in Islam is not intended to compare Muslim wars with modern conflicts, their causes, or the brutal scenes broadcast from Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, or other regions dragged into wars they have no part in. He noted that comparison requires shared characteristics, which are absent here. Islam prohibits killing the enemy’s children and holds soldiers responsible for protecting their lives, while other regimes incite the starvation of Gaza’s children, luring them into a hellfire poured upon their heads, reducing their frail bodies to dust.

He stated that it is time to recall the lessons of history and take heed from the events in this region, particularly in Palestine, which endured a century of Crusader occupation, during which thousands of Muslims, Christians, and Jews were killed, and Crusader states were established. Yet, when Arabs and Muslims united behind the heroic leader Saladdin, the Crusaders retreated, and the land returned to its rightful owners. He affirmed that the only solution is Arab solidarity backed by Islamic solidarity to strengthen and support it.  

His Eminence further stressed that Muslims are not advocates of wars or conflicts but champions of justice, fairness, and mutual respect. The justice and peace they call for are conditioned on fairness, respect, and the reclamation of inalienable rights that cannot be bought, sold, or negotiated—justice and peace that reject humiliation, submission, or any compromise on even a speck of homeland soil or sacred sites. This justice and peace are forged through willpower, knowledge, education, sound economic development, market control, and armament that enables its bearers to repel any attempt to harm the land or people. He also praised the Egyptian, Arab, and Islamic stance rejecting the dissolution of the Palestinian cause and plots to displace Palestinians, through efforts to protect the Palestinian people’s right to remain on their land and support their legitimate rights.

Prime Minister of Lebanon Renews Invitation to Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders to Visit Lebanon

His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, has received His Excellency Dr. Nawaf Salam, Prime Minister of Lebanon, on Thursday to discuss enhancing mutual cooperation and renew Lebanon’s invitation for the Grand Imam to visit the country.

During the meeting, His Eminence expressed his heartfelt wishes for the progress for the Republic of Lebanon, which he deeply cherishes due to its ability to overcome challenges, and for the Lebanese people to live in peace and security. He prayed that Almighty Allah protect Lebanon, unite its people, and swiftly alleviate their hardships.

His Eminence also emphasized that the unity of the Ummah is the path to its progress and advancement amid today’s global challenges. To this end, Al-Azhar, the Muslim Council of Elders, and the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in the Kingdom of Bahrain convened the Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference, which was hosted by the Kingdom of Bahrain in order to revive the values of unity and solidarity. His Eminence stressed the urgent need for these noble values in light of the ongoing inhumane aggression and genocide targeting innocent people in Gaza for nearly two years.

His Eminence also affirmed Al-Azhar’s readiness to host Lebanese imams (Sunni and Shia) and conduct joint training at the Al-Azhar International Academy for Training Imams and Preachers. The training curriculum would be tailored to address the unique characteristics and diversity of Lebanese society, as well as its challenges, by focusing on values of unity, solidarity, and positive coexistence among all.

For his part, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Lebanon expressed his delight at meeting the Grand Imam for the second time and conveyed his nation’s appreciation for His Eminence’s role in promoting values of fraternity and coexistence. He renewed Lebanon’s invitation for the Grand Imam to visit and noted that Lebanon has endured numerous conflicts, and the scourge of sectarian strife, which has cost countless lives and yet its people are still committed to restoring Lebanon’s vitality and progress.