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Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders: The Abu Dhabi Joint Statement for the Climate Change reaffirms the determination of religious leaders to support global climate action

Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders: Religious leaders are the voice of humanity, supporting the efforts of world leaders and decision-makers in facing climate change

President of the Congress of Christian Leaders: The Faith Pavilion at COP28 is a historic initiative that must be integrated into the framework of future COP conferences

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, underscored that the Faith Pavilion at COP28 functions as an inspirational platform and a bridge for communication between science and religion. It conveys a universal message that underscores the collective responsibility of everyone in preserving the environment and constructing a better, sustainable future for both current and forthcoming generations.

During a discussion session titled “Advancing Understanding for Our Common World,” held on the fifth day of the Faith Pavilion at COP28, the Secretary-General asserted that there is no inherent conflict between science and religion. He noted the continuous benefits derived globally from the legacy of Muslim scholars across diverse fields. Abdelsalam also emphasized the significant role religion plays in addressing the climate crisis, highlighting that, as stewards of the Earth entrusted with knowledge and research, humans bear the responsibility of preserving the environment as an inherent duty in their lives and behaviors.

Abdelsalam clarified that the ‘Call of Conscience: Abu Dhabi Joint Statement for Climate Change’ co=signed by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, along with His Holiness Pope Francis, Pontiff of the Catholic Church, and 28 other leaders and symbols of international religions, reaffirms the commitment of religious leaders to supporting global climate action. He also emphasized that the essence of the call is for religious leaders to be the collective voice of humanity, backing the efforts of world leaders and decision-makers in addressing the impacts of climate change.

For his part, Rev. Johnnie Moore, President of the Congress of Christian Leaders said, “The faith pavilion at COP28 is historic and has to be maintained because it brings together people of different faiths to talk about ways of mitigating climate change, which is very significant and will yield great results. As people of faith, we should educate ourselves on issues concerning climate change and environmental protection in order to disseminate the right information to our communities to save the planet.

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 to formulate a common vision and take a unified stance among religious leaders, scholars, environmental experts, youth, women, and representatives of indigenous peoples in addressing the adverse effects of climate change.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, welcomed Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See, and a delegation from the Catholic Church to the Faith Pavilion at COP28. The delegation explored the activities presented by the pavilion, 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, serving as a global platform for interfaith dialogue on climate issues.

Cardinal Parolin and the visiting delegation praised the Faith Pavilion at COP28, the first of its kind in the history of COP conferences, for its religious and cultural diversity and acknowledged its potential to enhance the role of religious leaders and symbols in addressing the negative impacts of climate change. They 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 confront global challenges.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders welcomed Cardinal Pietro Parolin and the accompanying delegation, affirming that the Grand Imam Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb and His Holiness Pope Francis have jointly provided an inspiring model for promoting peace, coexistence, and human fraternity.

The Vatican delegation included Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See, Cardinal Miguel Ángel Ayuso, Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, Monsignor George Koovakkad, Coordinator of External Trips for His Holiness Pope Francis, and Bishop Archbishop Christophe Zakhia El-Kassis, Apostolic Nuncio to the United Arab Emirates.

The Faith Pavilion at COP28 hosts numerous religious leaders, scholars, environmental experts, youth, and representatives of indigenous peoples to discuss and explore solutions addressing the challenges of climate change. Through 70 dialogue sessions, over 300 speakers from around the world participate in raising awareness about the dangers of this global threat.

The fourth day of the Faith Pavilion at COP28 garnered substantial interest and engagement from visitors in the Blue Zone, particularly in the dialogue sessions taking place. Visitors commended the presented topics, insights, and innovative ideas for enhancing their awareness of climate issues and understanding the intricate connection of climate change to various aspects of life, including health, employment, and education.

Sessions centered around the intricate relationship between financing, human rights, and climate justice from a religious perspective. They underscored the crucial role of faith-based actors in mobilizing communities and advocating for climate justice as well as the issues of climate-forced migration and displacement, emphasizing the impact of religious communities on environmental discourse by adding an ethical and moral dimension to enhance awareness and knowledge among individuals and societies.

In the session discussing Islamic social finance for climate action, participants emphasized that the presence of the Faith Pavilion at COP28 is a significant step towards mitigating the impacts of climate change but they also called for practical and tangible solutions to activate the ethical responsibility of companies, ensuring that their projects preserve the environment and natural resources.

Participants in the dialogue session on faith-consistent investing underscored the importance of investments aligning with religious traditions to address climate-induced poverty. They also discussed ways to respond to community displacement crises and support global climate efforts by investing in companies that actively contribute to eliminating poverty resulting from climate change.

The fifth dialogue session focused on harnessing diversity, particularly gender, faith, and climate change, emphasizing the need for collaboration to achieve a sustainable future. Participants also acknowledged the crucial role of indigenous women in environmental preservation and recognized their knowledge and experience in building resilience and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The final dialogue session of the day underscored the urgent need to respect religious values related to environmental protection and sustainability and disseminate them across societies.

The Faith Pavilion at COP28 continues its activities on the fifth day with a dialogue session titled “Advancing Understanding for Our Common World’. The session will feature the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, and will discuss the role of religious organizations and leaders in promoting understanding at local, regional, and global levels. Additionally, other sessions will focus on drawing inspiration and learning from indigenous communities, addressing challenges hindering the desired and equitable transition in the energy sector, and supporting climate-displaced children through community responses.

Sheikh Dr. Abdul Aziz bin Ali bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, the Environmental Advisor to the government of Ajman government, popularly known as the ‘Green Sheikh’ participated in a seminar during the fourth day of the Faith Pavilion at COP28. The pavilion is 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 and takes place at Expo City Dubai from December 1 to 12.

During the seminar, Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al Nuaimi emphasized the importance of awareness, education, and nurturing future leaders to shed light on the climate crisis as decisive factors in shaping perspectives and understanding the urgent need for collective action to protect the planet Earth. He highlighted the UAE’s commitment, under its wise leadership, to support climate and environmental work at local, regional, and global levels. The UAE has achieved unprecedented milestones by hosting COP28, including the early adoption of the negotiation agenda and pledging to activate the Green Climate Fund addressing losses and damages.

The Green Sheikh also commended the efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders, led by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, in raising awareness about climate issues and enhancing the role of religions in addressing them through the Faith Pavilion at COP28. He alsl noted that Islamic teachings have a profound impact on tackling climate change.

Sheikh Al Nuaimi presented the Green Sheikh initiative and all the environmental awareness activities carried out in collaboration with various organizations. He noted that hundreds of individuals have been trained on preserving nature, protecting the environment, and ensuring the sustainability of natural resources. He stated, “We are the most intelligent creatures on earth and its caretakers. We are all together on this planet irrespective of our beliefs and this world is our home, and we need to protect it.”

The Faith Pavilion at COP28, organized by the Muslim Council of Elders, hosts a variety of events and activities attracting a large audience from the Blue Zone in COP28, with 70 dialogue sessions featuring over 300 speakers from around the world.

His Excellency Dr. Khalifa Al Dhaheri, Chancellor of Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities has visited the Faith Pavilion at COP28 where he met the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam. The pavilion is co-organized by the Muslim Council of Elders in collaboration with the COP28 Presidency, the UAE Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence, and the United Nations Environment Programme and will run from December 1 to 12 at Expo City Dubai.

H.E. Dr. Khalifa Al Dhaheri expressed his appreciation for 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 promoting the role of religious leaders in addressing global challenges, notably climate change. He also emphasized that the Faith Pavilion at COP28 reflects the values of tolerance and coexistence upheld by the United Arab Emirates and its wise leadership.

For his part, the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders welcomed Dr. Khalifa Al Dhaheri’s visit to the Faith Pavilion at COP28, highlighting the importance of integrating science and religion in spreading noble values and confronting global challenges.

The Faith Pavilion at COP28 is the first of its kind in the history of COP conferences, and is co-organized by the Muslim Council of Elders in collaboration with the COP28 Presidency, the UAE Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence, and the United Nations Environment Programme. It also serves as a global platform for interfaith dialogue on climate-related issues.

On the third consecutive day, the activities of the Faith Pavilion at COP28 continued with a total of six sessions that attracted a large number of visitors to the blue zone. The sessions focused on climate justice, gender equality in the face of climate challenges, the role of religions in addressing climate change, and adapting to the climate crisis, especially in dealing with crises such as food and water security.

In the first session titled “Interfaith Feminist Climate Justice for the Human Right to a Healthy Society and Environment,” participants emphasized the significant connection between climate change, human health, and the planet. They also highlighted challenges, such as inadequate access to balanced diets and hunger, especially among girls and women, stressing the importance of involving women in climate decision-making.

The second session, “Practical Faith Leadership in Addressing Climate Change,” affirmed the great importance Islam places on climate protection. Participants emphasized that the religion’s teachings always call for environmental preservation and the responsible use of natural resources as an integral part of human responsibility towards creation.

The third session, “Localizing Faith Action for Human Security in the Face of Climate Change: An African Perspective,” called for increased climate financing, enhanced climate justice, justice for indigenous peoples, and support for faith-based climate action. Participants urged religious entities to apply accountability, oversight, and monitoring principles to avoid misusing funds allocated for climate change mitigation.

The fourth session focused on ways to enhance adaptation and address water scarcity and also pointed out that conflicts in many parts of the world are linked to water scarcity due to climate change, emphasizing the need to take climate change seriously, especially amid the increasing demand for water by people, industries, and agriculture.

In the fifth session, “Moving Faith Forward: Youth Leadership and Faith-Based Climate Advocacy,” participants underscored that youth are leaders of the future and must be equipped with diverse knowledge and strengthened capabilities to effectively engage in and address contemporary global challenges.

The final session, “Afrodescendant People’s Day: Hope and Resilient Communities Against Climate Change,” emphasized the importance of supporting the climate agenda for African communities most affected by climate change impacts. Participants called for the formulation of an internationally recognized African climate agenda that could play a pivotal role in providing the necessary funding to support projects related to addressing losses and damages.

Tomorrow, on the fourth day of the Faith Pavilion at COP28, several sessions will focus on the interconnection of financing, ethics, and human rights, forced migration and displacement, faith and indigenous peoples, Islamic social financing for climate action, and faith-consistent investment to address climate challenges and poverty resulting from climate change.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

First-ever Faith Pavilion calls for climate policy changes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

During the visit, the President of Al-Azhar University explored the pavilion, gaining insights into key activities organized. He also commended the efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, in addressing global issues and challenges, emphasizing the role of religious leaders in confronting them.

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

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

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