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Ethical Development and Consolidating Development Efforts to Address Climate Change discussed on day 10 of the Faith Pavilion

On day 10 of the Faith Pavilion at COP28, five dialogue sessions were held featuring 28 speakers. Discussions focused on the ethical development pathways for climate-resilient food systems, the consolidation of development and interfaith efforts to preserve natural resources impacting food security, and the moral imperative of faith communities to address water, food and climate justice.

Participants in the first session, titled “Ethical Development Pathways for Climate-Resilient Food Systems,” emphasized the need for a holistic approach to address the just and fair transition to local and climate-resilient food systems. They highlighted the crucial role of behavioral change in this process and underscored the importance of religions in guiding individuals toward values and religious ethics that promote food sustainability.

The second session, “Consolidated Development and Interfaith Efforts to Preserve Natural Resources Impacting Food Security – A Case from Egypt” showcased best practices and practical experiences in interfaith climate action in Egypt. Participants emphasized the importance of studying erroneous agricultural practices to confront climate crises and preserve natural resources. They also stressed the significance of converting agricultural waste into organic fertilizers instead of burning it, raising awareness about the need to reduce carbon emissions.

In the third session, “Faith Communities Have a Moral Imperative to Address Water-Food-Climate Justice,” participants affirmed that the vital connection between sustainable food and agriculture, water, and climate change requires a comprehensive approach to addressing climate change alongside other issues.

Prof. Pedro Arrojo-Agudo, UN Special Rapporteur for Human Rights to Water and Sanitation, commended the organization of the Faith Pavilion at COP28, stating that its sessions and discussions would contribute to sustainability efforts and climate environmental justice in the field of human rights.

The fourth session, titled “Listen to Those Who Listen to the Earth: A Plea for an Urgent Ethical Blue Framework by Indigenous Populations and World Religions,” discussed the importance of transitioning from shared ethical and religious narratives to shared commitments to environmental protection and safeguarding the Earth. Participants also emphasized that engagement in environmental justice would make communities more resilient to the impacts of climate change.

Prof. Nazila Ghanea, UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief, emphasized that freedom of religion and belief for all, regardless of their thoughts, conscience, religion, or beliefs, is crucial for preserving natural resources and the right of all individuals to access water to confront the climate changes affecting everyone.

The fifth session, “Eco-Affinity: Water and Climate Activism through Contemplative and Faith-Based Practice,” highlighted that the healing of the planet from the consequences of climate change is inseparable from our own healing. Participants emphasized the importance of exploring awareness, environmental affinity, and the unity of nature, society, and the economy as driving factors to achieve sustainable and positive outcomes for nature. They also encouraged a shift from fear of the climate crisis to facing and addressing it.

The sixth session, “‘Science-Based Targets for Faith’: Advancing a Global Standard for FBOs to Measure, Manage, and Report GHG Emissions,” discussed science-based goals to reduce emissions set by organizations in alignment with scientifically derived goals in the Paris Agreement. Participants presented fundamental concepts of science-based targets and their potential applications for faith-based organizations. They provided examples of creed-based organizations that successfully implemented science-based goal methodologies to mitigate the effects of climate change.

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the Chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, welcomes the recent positive developments and peace-building initiatives between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Armenia.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, stated that the Council supports global efforts to promote peace and affirmed the Council’s backing for this initiative, expressing hope that it would significantly contribute to enhancing stability, consolidating the steps taken toward peace, and fostering development for the peoples of Azerbaijan and Armenia, as well as the broader Caucasus region.

The Council emphasized the paramount importance of continuing to build bridges of communication, promoting the values of dialogue, cooperation, and trust which should lead to a permanent peace agreement between the two nations, facilitating the final resolution of the conflict and establishing enduring peace.

The Muslim Council of Elders is an independent international organization aimed at promoting peace, understanding, and cooperation in Muslim and non-Muslim societies alike. The council is chaired by Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and is comprised of senior Muslim scholars and leaders from around the globe. Among its members is His Eminence Sheikh ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazadeh, the spiritual leader of Muslims in Azerbaijan and the Caucasus.

Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, has met with Master Ji Jing, the head of Gao Zun Monastery and a board member of the Europe Asia Center, along with Rui Yan, the Director of the Center. The meeting took place during COP28 conference at Expo Citu Dubai, focusing on discussions to enhance the role of religious leaders in addressing global challenges.

Master Ji Jing and Rui Yan visited the Faith Pavilion at COP28, and learned about the significant initiatives and activities presented by the Pavilion which is organized by the Muslim Council of Elders in collaboration with the COP28 Presidency, the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence in the UAE, and the United Nations Environment Programme. The Pavilion serves as a platform for dialogue, bringing together religious leaders and communities to find solutions to climate challenges.

The head of Gao Zun Monastery and the Director of the Europe Asia Center praised the organization of the Faith Pavilion, describing it as a historic initiative at COP conferences. They emphasized that the religious and cultural diversity reflected in the Pavilion contributes to enhancing the role of religious leaders in addressing the negative impacts of climate change. They also expressed appreciation for the efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders, led by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, in unifying the voices of religions to save the Earth. They also commended “The Call of Conscience: Abu Dhabi Statement on Climate Action for COP28” and its call to world leaders to take tangible and effective actions to address the climate crisis.

The Faith Pavilion at COP28 hosted numerous religious leaders, scholars, environmental experts, youth, and representatives of indigenous peoples, aiming to discuss and explore solutions to address climate change challenges and raise awareness about the dangers of this global threat through 70 dialogue sessions involving over 300 speakers from around the world.

Bhupender Yadav, India’s Minister of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, visited the Faith Pavilion at COP28, organized by the Muslim Council of Elders in collaboration with the COP28 Presidency, the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence in the UAE, and the United Nations Environment Programme. During the visit, he Yadav was introduced to the various initiatives and activities of the pavilion aimed at raising awareness about the climate crisis.

Yadav 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 various global challenges, notably climate change. He emphasized that this pavilion provides a crucial opportunity to engage religious leaders in discussions on how to tackle climate issues, fostering cooperation and understanding among different religious communities in their shared endeavor to protect the environment and its natural resources.

He also expressed his deep belief in the significant role of religions in changing behavioral patterns harmful to the environment, advocating for raising awareness in communities to enhance their understanding of the climate crisis and the necessity to mitigate its impacts, especially on vulnerable and marginalized communities. He affirmed that collective commitment is essential to work towards environmental conservation, as all religions call for collaborative action, unity, and cooperation to build a better and sustainable future for planet Earth.

The Faith Pavilion at COP28 aims to bring together religious leaders, scholars, youth, environmental experts, and indigenous peoples most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change in one place. It hosts over dialogue sessions and more than 300 speakers from various fields to unite leaders in adopting a unified stance on the climate crisis and issuing a call to policymakers and decision-makers for urgent action.

The Muslim Council of Elders, led by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, calls for urgent international efforts to unify and halt wars and conflicts and the need to ensure a secure and dignified life for all humans, irrespective of their differences. It asserts that all divine laws aim to honor humanity and preserve its right to live in peace and security.

In a statement on the Human Rights Day, observed every December 10, the council highlights the importance of adopting a human rights-based approach to address global challenges threatening humanity. It also calls for the recognition of human dignity and equal rights in freedom, justice, and peace worldwide—a principle advocated by Islamic Sharia which also stresses the necessity of preserving human life and prohibits aggression against it. This principle is also enshrined in the historic Abu Dhabi Document on Human Fraternity, co-signed by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, and His Holiness Pope Francis of the Catholic Church. The document asserts that freedom is a right for every human being and that justice based on mercy is the path to a dignified life.

On this occasion, the Muslim Council of Elders also urges the international community to activate the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and work towards protecting the rights of the Palestinian people. It emphasizes the genuine right of the Palestinian people to a dignified life and the establishment of their independent state with Jerusalem as its capital. The council also calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities in the Gaza Strip, the prevention of forced displacement policies, and all forms of violence against innocent civilians. Thousands of women and children have fallen victim to such acts, reflecting the magnitude of the suffering faced by the Palestinian people.

Calls for Reconsidering the Management of Climate Disasters from Ethical and Religious Perspectives

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Emphasizes the Importance of Increasing Awareness on How to Preserve the Earth

Day 9 of the Faith Pavilion at COP28 continued with a total of 7 sessions hosting 27 speakers. The discussions focused on enlightened perspectives on disasters and climate events, climate and nature advocacy and action, mobilizing faith communities for land restoration, faith in action for climate justice in addressing loss and damage, the Mediterranean Climate Hub, and faithful stewardship in addressing the climate crisis in blue food systems.

The first session, titled “Living Spirit or Commodity? Traditional and Faith-Informed Perspectives on Land and Land Use in Disasters and Climate Events,” explored ways to confront climate disasters and adapt to climate change effects. Participants emphasized the role of religious leaders and communities in recovery and proposing solutions to the crisis. They called for creating innovative methods to prepare for climate disasters using modern technological means, changing the culture of preparedness, and adopting a proactive approach to disaster management to reduce individual risks.

In the second session, “Climate and Nature: Strengthening Advocacy and Action,” participants highlighted the interconnectedness of the climate and nature crises, emphasizing that one cannot be solved without the other while also underscoring the need for cooperation and partnership with religious leaders and communities, engaging new effective entities from different sectors to bridge the gap between science and religion. Participants praised the organization of the Faith Pavilion at COP28, affirming that religious communities can shape ideas and programs at the societal level to create a better future for everyone and protect the environment.

The third session, “How to Mobilize Your Faith Community Towards Land Restoration,” focused on the belief that 85% of the world’s population follows a belief or religion, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between different religions to address the common cause of land restoration and the climate crisis. Participants discussed the common values among religious leaders and representatives of various religious groups to support the responsibility of preserving the land and saving the planet from climate change threats.

Indian spiritual and humanitarian leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar emphasized the importance of focusing on organic farming to preserve the environment. He outlined the methods implemented to conserve heavy rainfall and utilize it in agriculture, affirming that religious leaders and communities should enhance awareness of how to preserve the land and ensure its sustainability. He also urged officials to develop plans and solutions to address the climate crisis, highlighting that religious leaders have credibility with their communities.

In the fourth session, “Faith in Action for Climate Justice in Addressing Loss & Damage,” participants discussed the vital role played by active religious entities in leading climate action. They appreciated the announcement by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, to establish a $30 billion fund for global climate solutions, addressing the climate financing gap and facilitating affordable access to it and that the fund’s significance in fairly reducing the impact of the climate crisis.

The fifth session, “Mediterranean Climate Hub,” explored the future of youth movements and initiatives within the framework of adaptation and climate change. Participants discussed the impact of climate change on the Mediterranean region and emphasized the need for cooperation and participation in environmental and humanitarian solidarity to find solutions sustaining the region’s resources.

The sixth session, “Pastoral Care and Support for Negotiators” focused on the unique role and power of religious leaders in influencing and shaping negotiations to mitigate the effects of the climate crisis and enhance climate justice. The seventh session, “Faithful Stewardship: Addressing the Climate Crisis in Blue Food Systems,” discussed the challenges faced by blue food systems, including aquaculture and fisheries, in the context of climate change. Participants emphasized the importance of prioritizing funding for blue food systems to achieve social and environmental resilience while respecting social justice to save the planet Earth.

The Muslim Council of Elders is organizing the Faith Pavilion at COP28 in collaboration with the COP28 Presidency, the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence in the UAE, and the United Nations Environment Programme. Held from December 1 to 12 at Expo City Dubai, the pavilion will feature representatives of nine religions participating in around 70 dialogue sessions with over 300 speakers from around the world.

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, welcomes the decision by the Danish Parliament to ban the inappropriate treatment of religious texts of significant importance to recognized religious communities. This law, it notes, effectively bans the burning of the Holy Quran.

The Council emphasizes that enacting this law is an important step towards promoting a spirit of tolerance, mutual coexistence, and respect for sacred religious texts and symbols. It also calls on other nations facing similar assaults on freedoms and religious sanctities to enact similar legislation to counteract bigoted, hateful, and Islamophobic speech.

His Excellency Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in the Kingdom of Bahrain and member of the Muslim Council of Elders, visited the Faith Pavilion at COP28 and was welcomed by the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam. His Excellency Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Mohammed Al Khalifa conducted a comprehensive tour of the pavilion, familiarizing himself with its various initiatives and activities 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.

Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Mohammed Al Khalifa commended the relentless efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders under the leadership of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar. He also acknowledged the council’s significant role in amplifying the influence of religious leaders and symbols in addressing global challenges. He noted that the Faith Pavilion serves as a tangible manifestation of the ‘The Call of Conscience: Abu Dhabi Statement on Climate Action for COP28’, the historic document which was signed by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb and Pope Francis, symbolizing the commitment of the world’s most prominent religious figures to continue collaborative efforts towards a better future for humanity.

Expressing gratitude to the United Arab Emirates for hosting the Faith Pavilion at COP28, Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Mohammed Al Khalifa extended his appreciation to the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, for his instrumental role in organizing the pavilion. He emphasized that the pavilion represents a global platform for religious participation and dialogue on environmental issues. The overarching goal is to generate ambitious and effective visions and actions for achieving environmental justice.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders welcomed the visit of the Chairman of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in the Kingdom of Bahrain while expressing his appreciation for Bahrain’s consistent efforts, spearheaded by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, in promoting dialogue between religions, fostering peaceful coexistence, and serving the causes of Islam and Muslims. He also commended the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in the Kingdom of Bahrain for championing values of dialogue, tolerance, and human fraternity and underscored the pivotal role played by the King Hamad Center for Peaceful Coexistence in enhancing dialogue and coexistence among followers of different religions. He also highlighted the historical significance of organizing the Faith Pavilion at COP28, bringing together religious leaders and symbols from various faiths to discuss common solutions for addressing the climate crisis.

The Muslim Council of Elders is organizing the Faith Pavilion at COP28 in collaboration with the COP28 Presidency, the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence in the UAE, and the United Nations Environment Programme. Held from December 1 to 12 at Expo City Dubai, the pavilion will feature representatives of nine religions participating in around 70 dialogue sessions with over 300 speakers from around the world.

Inger Andersen, the Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme, visited the Faith Pavilion at COP28, 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 at Expo City Dubai.

During the visit, Andersen praised the efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, in unifying the voices of religions to address the climate challenge. Leaders from various religions worldwide gathered through the Faith Pavilion at COP28 to discuss and explore the best solutions for mitigating the negative impacts of climate change. She also emphasized that religions give us the courage to speak the truth and provide us with determination to face global challenges, including the climate crisis as well as engaging religious leaders in global climate action will contribute to the necessary fundamental change to protect the planet.

The Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme familiarized herself with the initiatives and events of the pavilion, including dialogues held throughout COP28. She stressed the importance of enhancing collaboration between science and religion to confront the climate crisis, preserve the environment and its natural resources, and build a better and more sustainable future for future generations.

The Muslim Council of Elders is organizing the Faith Pavilion at COP28 in collaboration with the COP28 Presidency, the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence in the UAE, and the United Nations Environment Programme. Held from December 1 to 12 at Expo City Dubai, the pavilion will feature representatives of nine religions participating in around 70 dialogue sessions with over 300 speakers from around the world.

Peace Ambassador Shri Shri Ravishankar: Religions play a crucial role in addressing the challenges of climate change

Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme Calls on World Leaders and Religious Communities to Participate in Tropical Deforestation – to protect the Earth

Call to Instill Ethical Values Related to Climate Action for Children

On day 8 of the Faith Pavilion at COP28, four discussion sessions were held, engaging approximately 16 speakers. The discussions focused on the intersection of religion, youth, and the environment, the ethical foundations of climate action, the involvement of farmers in shaping adaptation policy, and the role of religions in protecting forests, climate, and indigenous peoples.

The day commenced with an opening address by Shri Shri Ravishankar, who praised the organization of the Faith Pavilion at COP28. He emphasized the crucial role religions play in inspiring individuals to preserve the environment and in formulating policies to address climate challenges.

Ravishankar highlighted successful stories of utilizing natural resources in agriculture and environmental conservation, stressing the need to pay attention to the planet’s health. He also underscored the importance of preserving and improving water resources to combat climate threats and commended government initiatives, such as the ban on plastic bags, to safeguard the environment. He urged individuals to actively participate in initiatives aimed at saving the Earth from the risks of climate change and the imperative role of religious communities in inspiring and motivating individuals to conserve the environment, avoid water wastage, and implement projects for protecting the planet and its environment was emphasized.

The first session, titled “Religion, Youth, and Environment: A Global Response through Local Action,” explored projects by youth participants in the global ACWAY movement. These young changemakers, committed to interfaith work and peacebuilding, showcased how their initiatives and projects between religions can address climate change issues and environmental protection.

The second session, titled “The Ethical Foundations of Climate Action: Integrating Bhagavad Gita’s Teachings to Empower School Students in Combating Climate Change,” presented a model educational program established by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) as part of the “Faith for Earth” initiative. The program enables students worldwide to embrace core values and translate them into positive environmental impacts.

The third session, “Amplifying the Voice of Smallholder Farmers in Shaping Adaptation Policy: A Faith-Based Response,” challenged common perceptions of the role of religious institutions in addressing climate challenges. Participants emphasized the need to involve farmers in discussions and solutions related to the climate crisis, along with directing them to use modern farming methods for land preservation and resource sustainability.

In the fourth session, “Religions in Action for Forests, Climate, and Indigenous Peoples: Innovations from the Interfaith Rainforest Initiative in Brazil, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Indonesia, and Peru,” the role of religions in protecting forests and prioritizing strategies to address climate change was discussed. The session showcased innovations from the Interfaith Rainforest Initiative in five countries containing 70% of the world’s remaining rainforests.

Inger Andersen, the Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), emphasized that addressing tropical deforestation is one of the most urgent challenges today. She called for the leadership and influence of the world’s religions to halt and reverse tropical deforestation, requiring a commitment from religions alongside the Rainforest Coalition. She also pointed that all religious leaders, organizations, and communities worldwide were invited to participate in efforts to combat tropical deforestation to protect the Earth and future generations.

The Muslim Council of Elders is organizing the Faith Pavilion at COP28 in collaboration with the COP28 Presidency, the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence in the UAE, and the United Nations Environment Programme. Held from December 1 to 12 at Expo City Dubai, the pavilion will feature representatives of nine religions participating in around 70 dialogue sessions with over 300 speakers from around the world.