NEWS

The second day of the Faith Pavilion at COP29 featured a series of significant sessions that focused on issues of loss and damage resulting from climate change and their non-economic impacts through faith-based perspectives. The discussions highlighted the scientific gaps hindering necessary measures to address this escalating crisis, especially for communities most vulnerable to climate change repercussions. Participants called for intensified efforts and the provision of sustainable and innovative solutions that enhance climate justice and integrate spiritual values into global climate action.

In the daily opening keynote of the pavilion, Elder Jack N. Gerard, General Authority Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, emphasized that faith in God represents a bond uniting humanity toward a common goal: the duty to care for and protect the Earth. He affirmed that spiritual values and principles are integral to global efforts to preserve the environment. Elder Gerard highlighted the crucial role of religious leaders in guiding communities toward sustainable behaviors and enhancing environmental awareness. He noted that the teachings of all religions urge the preservation of the Earth’s resources and caring for one another, regardless of cultural or religious differences. He called for strengthened cooperation among various religious and social groups to achieve the noble goal of protecting the planet and ensuring a better future for coming generations.

In the first session titled “Beyond Material Loss: Exploring Non-Economic Impacts of Climate Change Through Faith-Based Perspectives,” speakers underscored the psychological, spiritual, and environmental effects of loss and damage. They emphasized the importance of protecting the deep bonds that unite humans with nature. The speakers called for the fair allocation of climate loss and damage funds and the inclusion of climate change education in school curricula to safeguard the future of children. They also highlighted the necessity of inclusive dialogue with local communities to find collective solutions to the climate crisis.

Participants in the second session, “Science and Policy Gaps for Effective Measures to Avert, Minimize, and Address Loss and Damage,” discussed the scientific gaps that impede effective measures to prevent and address losses and damages caused by climate change. They pointed out that national adaptation plans and nationally determined contributions often acknowledge increasing losses and damages but lack clear details on how to tackle these issues, especially regarding non-economic losses like loss of life and cultural heritage. The speakers explained that the absence of accurate and systematic data on environmental disasters and early warning systems affects countries’ abilities to estimate their losses accurately.

In a session titled “Accessibility and Utility of Loss and Damage Funding for Community Resilience: Advocating Local Accountability Mechanisms,” participants emphasized the importance of accessing and utilizing dedicated loss and damage funding to enhance communities’ resilience to climate challenges, particularly in Global South countries most susceptible to climate change impacts. They commended efforts by religious organizations in Africa to form networks that promote climate justice and gather precise data on climate-induced damages, including infrastructure loss and impacts on mental health and biodiversity.

The fourth session focused on “How Women’s Leadership Can Achieve Climate Justice,” and highlighting pivotal issues related to women’s roles in confronting climate and environmental challenges. The discussion addressed strategies to enhance women’s inclusion in environmental dialogues and conferences at both local and international levels. Participants stressed that women and children, along with indigenous communities and marginalized groups, are the most affected by the repercussions of climate change. This situation necessitates developing precise scientific indicators to measure the negative climate impacts on this key segment of society.

Running from November 12 to 22, the Faith Pavilion aims to build on the success achieved in its first edition during COP28, hosted by the United Arab Emirates last year, which garnered wide global participation and significant international acclaim. By implementing a series of dialogue sessions—including more than 40 discussion panels—the pavilion focuses on enhancing cooperation among religions to care for the Earth, exploring best practices for sustainable adaptation planning by faith actors, encouraging sustainable lifestyles through religion, examining non-economic impacts of climate change through faith-based perspectives, improving access to loss and damage funding, advocating for local accountability mechanisms, and promoting inclusive climate justice for all.

Today marked the opening of the Faith Pavilion at COP29, organized by the Muslim Council of Elders, with over 97 organizations from 11 diverse religions and denominations participating. The pavilion provides a platform for religious and ethical perspectives to strengthen climate action efforts.

Delivering the day’s keynote speech, Professor W. Cole Durham Jr., President of the G20 Interfaith Forum, emphasized the urgent need for a dedicated Faith Pavilion at COP events to amplify calls for action and foster awareness, both crucial for meeting the conference’s objectives and outcomes. He highlighted that values of respect and stewardship are fundamental human principles that underpin much of the work within the environmental sphere.

The first session, “Interfaith Collaboration in Action: Stewardship of the Earth,” focused on the responsibility of religious communities to ensure their followers are aware of the importance of protecting the earth and its resources. Speakers shared how learning and applying core religious principles can build bridges of communication and influence behaviors that support environmental preservation. Humanity, they affirmed, must act to save the earth and prevent the natural disasters that claim countless lives globally.

The second session, “Ethics, Inclusiveness, and Participation,” presented effective practices for sustainable adaptation planning led by faith organizations. Speakers emphasized that COP conferences are essential platforms for sharing best practices in climate resilience, particularly for developing countries that rely on adaptation planning. They noted that adaptation financing is a critical need for these countries, pointing out that while developed nations have pledged to double their contributions, these commitments remain unfulfilled, creating significant gaps that impede climate action programs.

In the third session, “Encouraging Sustainable Lifestyles through Faith,” speakers underscored the importance of giving nature a chance to recover, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the earth showed signs of regeneration in the absence of human interference and highlighted the gap between intentions and actions regarding the environment, which continues to hamper conservation efforts. This session called for an active role from faith leaders to inspire individuals and communities to adopt sustainable practices for the environment.

Running from November 12 to 22, the Faith Pavilion builds on the success of its first edition at COP28, held last year in the United Arab Emirates. With over 40 discussion sessions, the pavilion will focus on interfaith collaboration for environmental stewardship, sustainable adaptation practices led by faith communities, promoting sustainable lifestyles through religious values, addressing non-economic impacts of climate change, improving access to loss and damage funding, advocating for local accountability mechanisms, and promoting inclusive climate justice for all.

The Muslim Council of Elders, including all its members, the Secretary-General of the Council, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, and the staff at the General Secretariat and its foreign branches, extend heartfelt condolences to His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, on the passing of his late sister, Samihah Mohamed Al-Tayeb. May Allah, in His infinite mercy, grants her a place in the highest paradise among the prophets, martyrs, and the righteous, and provide patience and solace to her family, loved ones, and all who cherish her memory. Verily, we belong to Allah, and to Him we shall return.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, mourned the passing of the sister of His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, who passed away this morning, Wednesday.

The Secretary-General expressed his condolences, saying, “With acceptance of God’s decree and destiny, I offer my deepest condolences to my mentor and my sheikh, His Eminence the Grand Imam Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, may God protect and care for him, to His Eminence Sheikh Mohammed Al-Tayeb, and to all the esteemed members of the family, on the passing of his elder sister, Hajjah Samiha Mohammed Ahmed Al-Tayeb. I pray to Almighty God to envelop her in His vast mercy, admit her into His spacious gardens, and grant her family and loved ones patience and consolation. Indeed, to God we belong and to Him we shall return.”

Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders: The environmental crisis requires global solidarity and a collaborative approach that is inclusive and multilateral

The Faith Pavilion at COP29 has officially launched in Baku, Azerbaijan, with participation from over 97 organizations representing 11 faiths and sects. This initiative features more than 40 diverse sessions offering religious and ethical perspectives on enhancing climate action efforts.

Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, highlighted that the Faith Pavilion at COP29 represents a major advancement in supporting global climate efforts. He noted that this initiative builds on the momentum and success achieved in the previous edition at COP28, adding that the Faith Pavilion is COP28’s gift to the world, aiming to unify religious voices and gather moral and spiritual energies to address the escalating climate challenges that threaten humanity and the future of our planet.

Judge Abdelsalam emphasized that the environmental crisis requires global solidarity, inclusive and multilateral collaboration, and the integration of diverse approaches. He explained that the Faith Pavilion aims to introduce innovative visions and sustainable solutions that enhance responses to the climate crisis. The initiative underscores the need to combine scientific frameworks with spiritual and ethical values to inspire humanity toward decisive steps to protect the planet, promoting a culture of Earth stewardship as a divine trust that calls for collective responsibility and dedicated action.

The second edition of the Faith Pavilion at COP29, running from November 12 to 22, emphasizes interfaith collaboration for Earth stewardship. It seeks to explore effective adaptation planning practices by faith actors, promote sustainable lifestyles through faith, investigate the non-economic impacts of climate change from faith-based perspectives, address access to loss and damage funding, and advocate for local accountability mechanisms and inclusive climate justice.

The first edition of the Faith Pavilion took place at COP28, hosted by the United Arab Emirates last year, marking the first such initiative in the history of COP events. Organized by the Muslim Council of Elders in collaboration with the COP28 Presidency, UAE’s Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence, and UNEP, it provided a global platform for exchanging perspectives and seeking solutions to the climate crisis. The Pavilion featured over 360 speakers from 54 countries and 9 religious sects, and more than 70 organizations worldwide across 65 sessions. The initiative garnered international engagement, with approximately 4,000 articles published in 30 languages across 70 countries, accounting for 7% of the media coverage related to COP28.

Bangladesh’s Interim Government Invites the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders to Visit the Country. 

His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, received Mr. Muhammad Yunus, head of Bangladesh’s interim government and 2006 Nobel Peace Prize winner, this morning. Their meeting took place at the Grand Imam’s residence in Baku, Azerbaijan, on the sidelines of the 29th United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29).

During the encounter, the head of Bangladesh’s interim government expressed his pleasure at meeting His Eminence the Grand Imam and conveyed his country’s deep respect for Al-Azhar’s role in shaping thousands of Bangladeshi minds through its educational and ideological frameworks. He highlighted Bangladesh’s pride in its relationship with Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders, and its eagerness to strengthen these ties and explore new avenues of cooperation across various fields.

He further recounted the significant historical role of Al-Azhar during the early 1980s when it supported his “Bank for the Poor” initiative, which later earned him the Nobel Peace Prize. This initiative provided microfinance to women and homemakers to help them manage small projects to support their families. While initially met with opposition from most religious leaders in Bangladesh on the grounds of non-compliance with Sharia, Al-Azhar welcomed the project and endorsed it with a legal fatwa. This support was crucial in directing the project towards significant contributions to Bangladesh’s development. 

For his part, the Grand Imam emphasized Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders’ strong ties with Bangladesh, and their intention to enhance these through welcoming more Bangladeshi students at all educational levels at Al-Azhar. He noted that the upcoming period would see enhanced constructive cooperation in areas of mutual interest that meet the desires and aspirations of the Bangladeshi people. He prayed for Allah’s guidance for Mr. Muhammad Yunus in his mission to lead Bangladesh to safety, stability, and security.

Mr. Yunus invited His Eminence the Grand Imam to visit Bangladesh, noting the enthusiastic anticipation of his arrival among the Bangladeshi people. The Grand Imam warmly accepted the invitation, promising to schedule the visit soon.

Also present at the meeting were Prof. Dr. Nazir Ayad, Grand Mufti of Egypt; Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders; and Ambassador Abdel Rahman Moussa, Al-Azhar’s Advisor for Foreign Affairs.

President of Tajikistan Invites Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders to Visit the Country

His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, met this morning with His Excellency Emomali Rahmon, President of Tajikistan, in Baku, Azerbaijan, on the sidelines of their participation in the 29th session of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29).

The Grand Imam expressed Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders’ deep appreciation for their relationship with Tajikistan, noting that the coming period would see increased cooperation across various fields, especially in training imams and preachers to enhance their skills in promoting Islam’s moderate stance on contemporary issues.

President Rahmon expressed his pleasure at meeting the Grand Imam and commended his significant efforts in conveying the true and moderate message of Islam on various issues. He also highlighted Al-Azhar’s vital role in teaching Islamic sciences and educating Muslims worldwide, noting Tajikistan’s pride in its many esteemed scholars and leaders who have graduated from Al-Azhar.

President Emomali Rahmon extended an official invitation to the Grand Imam to visit Tajikistan, emphasizing the Tajik people’s love for Al-Azhar and its scholars and their anticipation of this important visit. His Eminence welcomed the gracious invitation, affirming his commitment to fulfill it at the earliest possible opportunity.

Grand Imam to the President of Iraq: We Are Committed to Including All Islamic Nations and Schools of Thought in the Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference Hosted by Bahrain

The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, met with His Excellency Abdul Latif Rashid, President of Iraq, to explore avenues for strengthening mutual cooperation.

The Grand Imam emphasized the deep-rooted ties between Al-Azhar and the people of Iraq, expressing his eagerness to visit this esteemed nation, which boasts profound historical significance. He praised the contributions of Iraqi scholars over the centuries and their enduring efforts in advancing Islamic and Arabic sciences, which continue to be a wellspring for scholars and researchers worldwide.

His Eminence also underscored the importance of unity among Islamic and Arab communities in addressing contemporary challenges facing the Islamic world. He affirmed his commitment to including all Islamic countries, religious authorities, scholars, and specialists in Islamic jurisprudence from various Islamic schools of thought in the forthcoming Intra-Islamic conference, set to be hosted by the Kingdom of Bahrain early next year. President Abdul Latif Rashid commended the conference’s theme, noting its significance in uniting scholars of the Islamic world for meaningful dialogue. He assured that Iraq would provide distinguished representation to match the event’s importance.

President Rashid expressed Iraq’s gratitude—both at the leadership and popular levels—for the stance of the Grand Imam and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders on various issues impacting the Islamic world. He remarked that the statements and positions issued by Al-Azhar on these matters are followed closely by the Iraqi people, who hold Al-Azhar and its scholars in the highest regard.

The President renewed Iraq’s invitation to the Grand Imam to visit, underscoring the importance of this visit as a message of solidarity for Iraq. The Grand Imam affirmed his commitment to honoring this gracious invitation at the earliest possible opportunity.

Grand Imam Congratulates President of Azerbaijan on the Organization of COP29 and the Global Summit of Religious Leaders for Climate

President of Azerbaijan: Participation of the Grand Imam in COP29 is an Honor for Azerbaijan and Reflects Our Commitment to Coordination between Religious Leaders and Political Decision-Makers to Raise Climate Awareness

President of Azerbaijan: Bahrain’s Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference is a Key Step Toward Unifying the Islamic Nation, and We Are Keen to Participate

His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, met with His Excellency Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, upon his visit to Baku to attend the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29).

The Grand Imam expressed his appreciation for Azerbaijan’s hosting of COP29 and the Global Summit of Religious Leaders for Climate, commending the distinguished organization of these pivotal events while wishing that the efforts of the leaders and scholars participating in the conference would bear fruit in addressing one of the gravest threats to humanity: climate change. He also referenced last year’s signing of the “Call of Conscience: Abu Dhabi Joint Declaration for Religious Leaders on Climate” and the launch of the “Faith Pavilion” at COP28, which established a global platform for interfaith dialogue on climate issues.

His Eminence also noted the significance of his visit coinciding with the designation of Shusha as the Culture Capital in the Islamic World for 2024, which, he said, reminds the Islamic world of the importance of regaining its role in the new global order. He emphasized the need to draw from the rich heritage of Islamic civilization to achieve comprehensive progress across various fields. He noted that the first step toward such advancement is unity, highlighting the efforts of Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders in promoting Islamic unity, particularly through the upcoming intra-Islamic dialogue conference in the Kingdom of Bahrain. This conference aims to foster dialogue between different Islamic schools of thought, notably Sunni and Shia, with the goal of creating a unified Islamic voice on contemporary challenges facing the Muslim world.

The Grand Imam also reaffirmed Al-Azhar’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Azerbaijan to achieve common objectives and to enhance collaborative efforts between the Muslim Council of Elders and the Caucasus Muslims Board to benefit the Muslims of Azerbaijan.

President Aliyev expressed his gratitude to the Grand Imam for accepting his invitation to participate in COP29, commending his work in promoting global peace, fraternity, and tolerance. He affirmed that the Grand Imam’s visit to Azerbaijan contributes significantly to strengthening relations, especially in interfaith dialogue. The president praised the ongoing efforts of Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders to achieve unity within the Islamic world, acknowledging that the intra-Islamic dialogue conference in Bahrain represents a key step toward fostering cohesion and unity among Muslims. He emphasized that Azerbaijan is keen to participate actively in this important Islamic event.

President Aliyev added that the Grand Imam’s presence at COP29 is an honor for Azerbaijan and reflects its commitment to facilitating collaboration between religious leaders and political decision-makers to raise awareness of the critical climate crisis. He lauded the “Faith Pavilion” initiative, organized by the Muslim Council of Elders for the second consecutive year at COP29, expressing confidence that this platform will further amplify religious awareness regarding environmental and climate crises, building on the success of its inaugural edition at COP28 last year.

His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, has arrived in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, to participate in the opening of the 29th session of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP29). This participation follows an official invitation extended to His Eminence by President Ilham Aliyev of the Republic of Azerbaijan during their meeting at Al-Azhar in Cairo in June of this year.

The Grand Imam is scheduled to deliver a keynote speech addressing Islam’s perspective on environmental conservation and the climate change crisis. His speech will explore how the voice of religion can be utilized to strengthen the role of religious leaders in raising awareness of this critical issue and finding solutions to this serious threat to life on Earth.

During his visit, the Grand Imam is also expected to meet with various officials, religious leaders, intellectuals, and cultural figures, aiming to unify perspectives and foster collaborative efforts to address global challenges, with a particular focus on climate issues and the ongoing conflicts affecting our world.

Last year, the Grand Imam, along with other prominent religious figures, co-signed the “Call of Conscience: Abu Dhabi Joint Statement for Climate” prior to COP28 in the United Arab Emirates. He also participated virtually alongside His Holiness Pope Francis in launching the inaugural Faith Pavilion, which was organized by the Muslim Council of Elders.