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In 2023, the Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, intensified efforts to activate the role of religious leaders in addressing global issues and challenges. The Council aimed to contribute to finding effective and tangible solutions, particularly in addressing the climate issue, amidst the negative repercussions of the climate crisis threatening life on Earth.

Simultaneously, with the United Arab Emirates hosting the twenty-eighth session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28), the Muslim Council of Elders worked to enhance the role of religious leaders in confronting this existential challenge. The importance of the role of religious leaders and their efforts in addressing the negative impacts of climate change was emphasized during the first meeting of the Joint Committee for Dialogue between the Muslim Council of Elders and the Vatican’s Department for Interreligious Dialogue.

The year 2023 witnessed significant global movements to rally the voices of religious leaders against climate change. The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, conducted several visits to Rome, meeting with His Holiness Pope Francis to discuss launching an initiative to activate the role of religious leaders in addressing climate challenges. The goal was to unify the efforts of leaders from various faiths and sects to achieve climate justice and establish ethical responsibility to preserve Earth as a common home for humanity.

Likewise, 50 young participants from 24 countries attended the second edition of the Emerging Peacemakers Forum, organized by the Muslim Council of Elders in collaboration with the World Council of Churches and the Rose Castle Foundation, which sent a message of hope to COP28. They planted an olive tree and called for environmental peacemakers to work towards protecting life and its natural resources on Earth.

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the United Arab Emirates, the Muslim Council of Elders, in collaboration with COP28 Presidency, the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence in the UAE, and the United Nations Environment Programme, organized the Global Summit for Religious Leaders on Climate. Representatives from 18 religions and 30 denominations worldwide, along with scholars, academics, environmental experts, and community representatives, including youth, women, and indigenous peoples, attended the summit. The summit issued the ‘Call of Conscience: Abu Dhabi Statement on Climate Action for COP28’ which was co-signed by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb and His Holiness Pope Francis, along with 28 other religious leaders, calling for effective actions to address the climate crisis and preserve the Earth.

The Muslim Council of Elders concluded its activities in 2023 to activate the participation of religious leaders in global climate action and find innovative solutions to address climate issues. This included organizing the Faith Pavilion at COP28, a first in the history of COP conferences, in collaboration with the COP28 Presidency, the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence in the UAE, and the United Nations Environment Programme. The pavilion hosted over 65 dialogue sessions with participation from around 700 international personalities, providing a global platform for interfaith discussions to take ambitious and effective measures that promote environmental justice and preserve the environment for current and future generations.

A delegation from the Pakistan Branch of the Muslim Council of Elders visited the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony in the capital city, Islamabad. The purpose of the visit was to discuss ways to enhance joint cooperation in spreading and promoting the values of dialogue, tolerance, and human coexistence.
During the meeting, both sides emphasized the urgent need to confront violence, religious hatred, and all forms of religious extremism. They also discussed the importance of correcting misconceptions among young people and promoting the moderate and tolerant teachings of Islam. Mr. Muhammad Arshad, the cooperating director of the Pakistan Branch of the Muslim Council of Elders,  along with Mr. Aizaz Ali Shah, the Branch Media Officer presented these ideas. The introductory presentation covered the Muslim Council of Elders and its initiatives aimed at spreading and promoting values such as tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and harmony between Muslim and non-Muslim communities. Additionally, he also highlighted the principles outlined in the Document on Human Fraternity, signed by His Eminence the Grand Imam, Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Sheikh of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, and His Holiness Pope Francis, Pope of the Catholic Church in 2019 in the Emirati capital, Abu Dhabi. This document is considered a symbol of human unity, emphasizing the commitment of world religions to peace and peaceful coexistence among diverse cultures and peoples.
In response, Dr. Atta-ur-Rahman, Federal Secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, and Mr. Hafiz Abdul Quddus, Director of the Ministry Research and Reference Department, expressed their profound appreciation for the impactful role played by the Muslim Council of Elders in disseminating and solidifying the values of coexistence and peace on local, regional, and global levels. They underscored the significance of promoting these values within Pakistani society to foster greater harmony and understanding among diverse religions and cultures.
It is noteworthy that the Council of Muslim Elders is an independent international body led by His Eminence the Grand Imam, Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Sheikh of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif. Established in Abu Dhabi in 2014, its membership comprises a group of scholars, experts, and distinguished figures within the Islamic community known for their wisdom, justice, independence, and moderation. The council aims to contribute to the enhancement of peace in both Muslim and non-Muslim societies, mitigating the intensity of unrest, wars, and conflicts. Additionally, its mission involves promoting and strengthening the values of dialogue, tolerance, peace, and human coexistence.

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, expresses deep concern over the killing of Imam Hussein Sharif, the imam of a mosque in Newark, New Jersey, USA who was fatally shot by an unknown assailant in the mosque parking lot after performing Fajr prayers on Thursday.

The Muslim Council of Elders strongly condemns such heinous acts that contribute to spreading discord and escalating hate speech, bigotry, and racism. It calls for those responsible to be brought to justice and emphasizes the need to enhance efforts to promote values of dialogue, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence.

The Council extends its sincere condolences to the family of the deceased, the local community in Newark, and the entire Islamic community in the United States, praying that the Almighty grants the Imam mercy, places him in the vastness of His gardens, and grants patience and solace to his family and loved ones.

His Excellency Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia, has received the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, to discuss enhancing cooperation and the crucial role of the Muslim nation’s wise scholars in addressing the challenges facing our world.

During the meeting, President Widodo expressed his appreciation for His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, and the UAE’s efforts in promoting tolerance and peace worldwide.

President Widodo also recognized the efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders, chaired by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed El-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, in promoting peace, tolerance, coexistence, and human fraternity. He also commended the Council’s role in fostering the role of religious leaders in facing global challenges, particularly the issue of climate change and its serious consequences. He lauded the significant level of cooperation between the Muslim Council of Elders and both the Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah organizations, which has positively influenced the promotion of coexistence and human fraternity in Indonesia and the wider Southeast Asia region.

For his part, the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders expressed the Council’s and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb’s appreciation for Indonesia, its leadership and people, and its pioneering role in serving the causes of the Muslim world. He highlighted Indonesia’s civilizational model of Islam and its inspiring religious and cultural diversity in the Southeast Asian region. The Secretary-General indicated that the upcoming period would witness more joint initiatives and projects between the Southeast Asian branch of the Muslim Council of Elders and religious and state institutions in Indonesia and the region, aimed at building bridges of communication and advancing the values of dialogue and harmonious coexistence.

The secretary-general commended Indonesia’s significant efforts in addressing the climate change crisis and the Indonesian experience as a leading model in this area.

The meeting was attended by State Secretary Minister Pratikno, Indonesian Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, Sheikh Yahya Cholil Staquf, President of the Nahdlatul Ulama association, Saifullah Yusuf, Secretary-General of Nahdlatul Ulama association, Dr. Haedar Nashir, General President of Muhammadiyah, Dr. Abdul Mu’ti, Secretary-General of Muhammadiyah, His Excellency Abdullah Salem Obeid Al Dhaheri, UAE Ambassador to the Republic of Indonesia, and His Eminence Sheikh Muhammad Quraish Shihab, former Indonesian Minister of Religious Affairs and member of the Muslim Council of Elders.

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, strongly condemns the extremist statements made by the Ministers of Finance and National Security in the Israeli government which call for the displacement of Palestinians outside the Gaza Strip and the reoccupation of the territory, including the construction of illegal settlements.

The Council reaffirms its unequivocal rejection of these offensive statements and all provocative practices and violations against the Palestinian people. It urges the international community to assume its responsibilities and halt all forms of Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people. The Council also calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities in the Gaza Strip, allowing the delivery of humanitarian aid to innocent civilians, especially the most vulnerable groups such as the sick, women, and children. Additionally, the Council supports the legitimate right of the Palestinian people to establish an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital.

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, urges institutions and individuals to enhance their focus on the Braille language, which serves as a bridge connecting the visually impaired (blind and visually impaired individuals) with various knowledge and sciences.

In a statement on the occasion of World Braille Day, observed on the 4th of January every year, the council emphasizes that disseminating and promoting Braille language, as well as translating scientific publications, books, and writings in various fields of knowledge into this language, enhances educational and cognitive opportunities for those who rely on it in their daily lives. This contributes to building an inclusive and supportive society.

The Muslim Council of Elders places significant importance on promoting the use of Braille as a means to disseminate values of tolerance, peace, and coexistence. The council collaborated with the Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination to translate the Document on Human Fraternity, co-signed by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, and Pope Francis of the Catholic Church, in Abu Dhabi in 2019, into Arabic, English, and Italian Braille. The goal was to make it accessible to the visually impaired worldwide.

This initiative aligns with the council’s ongoing efforts to provide fair opportunities for all segments of society to access knowledge in various fields. It also reflects the council’s commitment to promoting the rights of persons with disabilities and encouraging their full participation in their communities.

It’s worth noting that Braille is a tactile representation of alphabetical and numerical symbols using six dots to represent each letter and number. It is used by blind and visually impaired individuals to read printed books and periodicals in visible print, ensuring their access to human information and knowledge.

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the Chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, strongly condemns the terrorist attack that took place in the city of Kerman, southern Iran, resulting in the deaths of hundreds and injuries.

The Council reaffirms its rejection of such criminal acts that are inconsistent with the teachings of religions, divine laws, all international treaties, and laws, as well as human principles that condemn violence and terrorism in all their forms.

The Muslim Council of Elders expresses its deepest condolences to the families of the victims and their loved ones, as well as to the Iranian people. The Council prays that the Almighty envelops the victims in His mercy and grants swift recovery to the injured.

In 2023, the Muslim Council of Elders witnessed exceptional participation in several international book fairs, including Cairo, New Delhi, Alexandria, Abu Dhabi, Rabat, Indonesia, and Istanbul. The Council presented more than 200 publications that promote the values of tolerance, human fraternity, and coexistence. The Council’s participation in these exhibitions aligns with its mission to promote peace, foster dialogue and tolerance, and build bridges of communication among people of diverse backgrounds.

The Council initiated its participation in international book fairs in 2023 with the Cairo International Book Fair held from January 25 to February 6. During this event, the Council introduced ten new publications aimed at correcting misconceptions, combating hate speech, racism, and prejudice, and offering possible solutions to address them. Additionally, it focused on enhancing dialogue between the East and the West, establishing common living among all humans, and organizing informative seminars on topics such as the Muslim woman, contemporary challenges, the pursuit of knowledge, human fraternity, Islamic heritage reading methods, the call for secularism, and its danger on humanity, as well as the integration of sciences in Islamic civilization, renewal in Islamic thought, and the legitimacy of Sunnah in Islamic legislation.

For the first time, the Muslim Council of Elders participated in the New Delhi Book Fair, the largest in Asia, from February 25 to March 5, 2023. The Council’s pavilion received significant attention and praise from various segments of Indian society throughout the exhibition. Visitors commended the intellectual and cultural publications, especially the Arabic releases characterized by diverse and rich topics aimed at promoting peace, common coexistence, human fraternity, and rejecting violent, extremist, and hateful rhetoric. The Council also hosted seminars during the fair.

In Abu Dhabi, the Council organized an exceptional pavilion during the 32nd Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, held from May 22 to 28. The Council presented over 165 diverse publications addressing significant intellectual issues. It also offered a distinctive cultural program, including activities and events discussing dialogue, tolerance, coexistence, youth, peace industry, humanity, and environmental benevolence. 

With a distinctive participation in the 28th International Book Fair in Rabat from June 1 to 11, the Council provided visitors with a unique and exceptional experience. This included exploring significant scientific and intellectual publications in addition to organizing a diverse program of seminars, lectures, and intellectual and scientific councils. The topics covered various important and diverse issues in Islamic thought. 

Throughout the past year, the Muslim Council of Elders continued to have a clear and positive impact on cultural and intellectual fields. The Council participated in a special pavilion at the Alexandria International Book Fair from July 12 to 26, offering diverse publications aimed at promoting peace in Muslim and non-Muslim societies, spreading the values of dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence.

In September, the Council participated in the 21st edition of the Islamic Book Fair 2023 held in Jakarta, Indonesia. The Council’s pavilion received the award for the best pavilion, distinguishing it as the largest of its kind in Southeast Asia for Islamic books. Visitors praised the events and activities organized by the pavilion, notably cultural seminars discussing various vital topics.

The Muslim Council of Elders concluded its participation in international book fairs with the Istanbul International Arabic Book Fair, its eighth edition. The Council’s pavilion, comprising over 190 diverse publications in thought, culture, and Islamic heritage, received significant attention from various segments of society, visitors, and participants from around the world. It also attracted prominent researchers in various fields. 

Among the prominent releases of the Muslim Council of Elders participating in international book fairs for the year 2023 are “Love in the Quran” by Prince Ghazi Al Hashimi, a member of the Muslim Council of Elders, and “The Pope and the Grand Imam: A Thorny Path” by the Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders. Additionally, “Fatwa and its Regulations, the Responsibilities of the Mufti and the Inquirer” by Dr. Ahmed Maabed Abdel Karim, a member of the Council of Senior Scholars at Al-Azhar. Other contributions include “Methods of Thinking in Creed” by Emad Khafaji, “Freedom of Thought in Islam” by Sadiq Arjoun, and “Islam, the West, and Tolerance: Embracing Coexistence” by Aaron Tyler. 

The Council also presented 11 works by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders. These works highlight the tolerance of Islam and the richness of its intellectual and philosophical heritage. Titles include “Elements of Islam,” “In the Al-Azhar Method,” “In Terminology, Theological and Sufi,” “Insights into the Thought of Imam Al-Ash’ari,” “Heritage and Renewal: Discussions and Responses,” “Ahlul Sunnah Wal Jama’ah,” “Discussion on Illnesses and Purposes,” “The Good Saying,” “Indeed, Religion is Easy,” “Etiquette and Values,” and “From My Old Notebooks.”

Continuing its mission, the Muslim Council of Elders presented several new releases for 2023. Notable titles include “Basis of Understanding from Thought and Language” by His Eminence Dr. Mustapha Benhamza, member of the Higher Scientific Council of Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders and President of the Ulema Council of Oujda in Morocco. Additionally, “The Sunnah and its Role in Establishing Sharia Judgments” by Muhammad Saad Jalal, senior scholar at Al-Azhar. 

Recognizing the importance of translation as a bridge between civilizations for constructive communication, the Council continued its efforts in translating purposeful books to promote peace. Among the translated works are “Religious Tolerance in World Religions” by Jacob Neusner and Bruce Chilton, and “Confronting Islamophobia in Europe” by several researchers.

The Council is scheduled to participate at the Cairo International Book Fair at the end of this month where it will present a collection of new publications dedicated to tolerance, respect, acceptance of others, and the promotion of values of human fraternity and coexistence.

Opening Two New Branches of the Muslim Council of Elders in Indonesia and Kazakhstan During 2023

The External Branches of the Muslim Council of Elders in 2023: Bridges for Communication and Dissemination of the Values of Dialogue and Coexistence

In 2023, the external branches of the Muslim Council of Elders witnessed intensive activities in Malaysia, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Kazakhstan. Numerous events and activities were organized with the aim of promoting peace and spreading the values of dialogue, tolerance, and mutual coexistence, while simultaneously building bridges of communication with Muslims worldwide.

In October 2023, the Muslim Council of Elders inaugurated its regional branch in Southeast Asia, headquartered in Jakarta, Indonesia. This move was warmly welcomed and praised by President Joko Widodo of Indonesia and wider Muslim communities in Southeast Asia. The branch is expected to work towards achieving the Council’s goals in promoting the values of tolerance, coexistence, and communication with Muslim communities in the Southeast Asia region.

The branch in Indonesia organized the ‘Religions and Climate Change’ Summit, which was attended by approximately 150 prominent religious leaders, academics, environmentalists, and officials from Indonesia and Southeast Asian countries. The conference, along with ambassadors from Arab and Islamic countries in Indonesia, aimed to discuss and explore collaborative solutions among religions and decision-makers globally to address tangible and effective solutions to climate change.

During the past month of Ramadan, the Council’s Indonesian branch broadcasted the radio program “With the Elders” on major Indonesian radio stations, focusing on the human values emphasized in the Abu Dhabi Document on Human Fraternity. The program featured esteemed council members such as Dr. Quraish Shihab, Dr. Luqman Abdul-Hakim, former Minister of Religious Affairs, Dr. Mohammed Zain Al-Majd, and Dr. Mukhlis Hanafi, the director of the Council’s branch in Indonesia.

Additionally, the Indonesian branch received recognition for having the best booth at the Indonesia Islamic Book Fair last September, marking its active participation in this significant event for Islamic literature in Southeast Asia. The branch also collaborated with Al-Azhar Foundation and Indonesian scholars to organize educational and outreach programs in around seven different states. This included launching a video content production competition on tolerance and coexistence in Indonesia, with more than 70 participants. The results were announced, and the winning videos were translated into Arabic. Furthermore, a Friday sermon on Human Fraternity was disseminated in celebration of the International Day of Human Fraternity.

In Malaysia, the branch of the Muslim Council of Elders issued several books in Malay on contemporary issues, including “Islam and the Environment” by Datuk Senator Dr. Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri, member of the council. Additionally, they translated the Abu Dhabi Document on Human Fraternity and the council’s informational booklet into Malay, English, Chinese, and Tamil. These translations were distributed to various state sultans, religious leaders, diplomatic missions, and ministers.

Furthermore, the Malaysian branch launched the radio program “With the Elders” to discuss humanitarian values, tolerance, and coexistence in Ramadan. The program aired on popular Malaysian radio stations in the eight largest states, featuring the council member, Datuk Senator Dr. Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri. The branch also organized an iftar attended by leaders and representatives of various religious communities, praising the efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders in promoting peace, dialogue, and humanitarian values.

The Malaysian branch initiated the “Get to Know Each Other” campaign targeting non-Muslims, aiming to introduce Islam and counter Islamophobia. They organized seminars and lectures in various Malaysian states, establishing partnerships with the Federal Territories Religious Affairs Ministry, Unity Foundation, and the Islamic University of Malaysia. These agreements aim to achieve the council’s goals, focusing on promoting tolerance, coexistence, and peace among diverse communities.

In Pakistan, 2023 witnessed intensive efforts by the branch of the Muslim Council of Elders, emphasizing the dissemination of values related to tolerance, coexistence, and human fraternity. They provided a revised Urdu translation of the Human Fraternity Document, the council’s informational booklet, and distributed them to 100 influential figures in Pakistan. Additionally, 1000 copies were sent to religious and academic institutions. The Friday sermon in some Pakistani mosques addressed human fraternity on the occasion of the International Day of Human Fraternity. Finally, three books from the council’s publications were translated into Urdu, printed, and distributed.

Continuing its global role and expanding its interaction with Muslims worldwide, the Muslim Council of Elders opened a branch in the Kazakh capital, Astana. This regional branch covers Central Asia and the Caucasus, aiming to achieve the council’s goals in promoting and enhancing coexistence, dialogue, and communication with Muslim communities in the region. The branch will translate and publish council publications in local languages, revive the intellectual heritage of Muslim scholars in the region, and introduce them to the younger generations.

In 2024, the Muslim Council of Elders seeks to broaden its efforts by opening more offices and external branches in various countries. The goal is to promote, enhance, and double its endeavors to spread the values of dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence while actively confronting all forms of racism, bias, discrimination, and Islamophobia.

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed El-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, continued its steadfast efforts to advance Muslim-Christian dialogue throughout 2023. These endeavors, rooted in the Council’s mission to foster peace and disseminate the values of dialogue, tolerance, and human coexistence, encompassed the implementation of several noteworthy initiatives.

The Muslim Council of Elders embraced a series of significant initiatives to enhance Muslim-Christian dialogue, underscoring the Council’s dedication to fortify respect, promote collaboration among adherents of diverse religions and cultures, forge communication bridges, and amplify the role of religious leaders in tackling global challenges.

In this vein, the Muslim Council of Elders emphasizes that the current challenges impacting global peace and security require immediate and positive dialogue among followers of diverse faiths and cultural backgrounds. This commitment aligns with the principles outlined in the Document on Human Fraternity, a groundbreaking accord signed by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed El-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, and His Holiness Pope Francis, the Head of the Catholic Church, in Abu Dhabi in 2019. The Document advocates for the respect and acceptance of others and the promotion of dialogue and coexistence for the improvement of humanity’s future.

Recognizing the importance of continuing Muslim-Christian dialogue, which has seen seven rounds of discussions between the East and the West, the Council made significant efforts in 2023 to foster dialogue and mutual understanding. The Council signed a memorandum of understanding with the Vatican’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, leading to the establishment of a permanent joint committee for Muslim-Christian dialogue. The agreement also outlined annual meetings to coordinate joint efforts and initiatives aimed at enhancing dialogue and coexistence. The first meeting of the Permanent Committee for Muslim-Christian Dialogue between the Muslim Council of Elders and the Vatican’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue was hosted in the Kingdom of Bahrain in May 2023. The focus of the inaugural gathering was on activating the role of religious leaders and discussing mechanisms for involving religious authorities and institutions in supporting international climate action through interfaith and intercultural dialogue.

In 2023, the Muslim Council of Elders also engaged in purposeful meetings to enhance communication with various Christian denominations, fostering friendly relations and mutual respect among followers of different religions and denominations to achieve peace and general harmony. A notable meeting took place between His Eminence Dr. Ahmed El-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and the Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, and Bishop Georg Bätzing, the President of the German Bishops’ Conference. The meeting emphasized the importance of promoting dialogue among religious leaders to confront all forms of hatred, bigotry, and discrimination.

Additionally, the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, conducted several visits to the Italian capital, Rome. During these visits, he met with His Holiness Pope Francis, the Head of the Catholic Church, to discuss launching an initiative to activate the role of religious leaders in addressing climate challenges and coordinate efforts to convene the Global Faith Summit on Climate Action. During the Summit, the ‘Confluence of Conscience: Uniting for Planetary Resurgence’ – also known as ‘The Abu Dhabi Interfaith Statement for COP28’ – was endorsed. The Statement was signed by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed El-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and the MCE Chairman, and His Holiness Pope Francis, the Head of the Catholic Church, as well as 28 faith leaders and figures from around the world. The Council also organized the Faith Pavilion at COP28 for the first time in the history of the Conference of the Parties (COP) meetings.

In the same context, the year 2023 saw several coordination meetings by the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders with various Christian religious leaders. Prominent figures included Cardinal Miguel Ayuso, Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue; Archbishop Justin Welby of Canterbury; Dr. Jerry Pillay, Secretary-General of the World Council of Churches; Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, Prefect Emeritus of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches; Bishop Anba Ermia, General Bishop and President of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center; Bishop Dr. Bertram Meier of Augsburg; and Cardinal Louis Raphaël Sako, Patriarch of the Chaldean Catholic Church. These meetings were centeredon fostering mutual cooperation and launching various initiatives aimed at enhancing the involvement of youth in peace-making efforts. They also emphasized the crucial role of religious communities in addressing contemporary global challenges and promoting a culture of dialogue, tolerance, and human fraternity.

In 2024, the Muslim Council of Elders remains committed to advancing its efforts in fostering purposeful and constructive dialogue among followers of diverse religions and cultures. The goal is to amplify the voice of wisdom and reaffirm the collective message of peace and coexistence inherent in all religions and divine laws.