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The Faith Pavilion, organized by the Muslim Council of Elders, wrapped up sessions at the 29th United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan. The pavilion stressed the importance of achieving climate justice, empowering women and youth, supporting vulnerable groups impacted by climate change, finding sustainable solutions for environmental crises, using indigenous peoples’ traditional knowledge, and fostering interfaith cooperation to address climate challenges and promote harmony between humans and nature.

Over two weeks, the Faith Pavilion hosted over 54 dialogue and discussion sessoons, featuring over 230 speakers from 97 organizations representing 11 different religions and sects from around the world. The pavilion was held in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence, the United Nations Environment Programme, the COP29 Presidency, the Caucasus Muslim Board, the Hamad Global Center for Peaceful Coexistence, and the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions in Kazakhstan. The pavilion drew significant attention and diverse participation, earning high praise from COP29 attendees for its critical role in underscoring the contributions of religious leaders to global climate initiatives and as an exemplary model of interfaith collaboration in tackling shared environmental challenges.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, highlighted that the Faith Pavilion at COP29 showcased the extraordinary role of religions in tackling climate challenges. He emphasized that the climate crisis is not merely a scientific or economic challenge; it is a true test of global awareness and moral responsibility. He pointed out that the Faith Pavilion conveyed a crucial message: religious values can transform into a powerful force that inspires profound and enduring change. He thanked the Republic of Azerbaijan and Preident Ilham Aliyev for supporting the Faith Pavilion at COP29 and affirmed the Council’s commitment to ongoing efforts in mobilizing religious leaders for climate action, building on the successes of the Faith Pavilions at COP28 and COP29 to achieve impactful outcomes that realign humanity with nature and safeguard our shared planet.

At the Faith Pavilion, a major focus was on enhancing climate justice. Discussions centered on ensuring that vital resources reach communities and nations severely impacted by environmental disasters. There was a strong emphasis on supporting local projects that facilitate climate adaptation and mitigate the harsh impacts of climate change. The sessions also highlighted the importance of forging sustainable partnerships between local and regional entities and leveraging traditional community knowledge to address environmental disasters. These discussions aimed at developing innovative solutions that respect and bolster local cultures’ resilience to climate change.

The sessions also highlighted the critical role of empowering women in confronting the climate crisis, recognizing that they are often at the forefront of managing its impacts within their communities. Participants stressed the urgent need to elevate women’s roles as leaders capable of crafting and implementing innovative solutions to environmental challenges. Building on the significance of this role, the Faith Pavilion saw the launch of the Global Alliance of Women Religious Leaders to Combat Climate Change. This initiative serves as a platform to strengthen the leadership role of women in religious communities and empower them to address climate challenges effectively.

Youth engagement was a focal point during the dialogue sessions, highlighting the importance of tapping into the energy of young people to develop sustainable solutions that incorporate innovation and technology. There was a strong push for greater youth involvement in climate-related decision-making, emphasizing the need to equip them with necessary skills through training programs and workshops. These programs are designed to empower youth to actively participate in crafting and executing environmental projects both locally and globally, thus fostering communities that are more aware and better prepared to handle future climate crises.

The discussions at the Faith Pavilion also emphasized the urgent need to integrate climate issues into educational curricula to inform upcoming generations about the importance of environmental protection and the conservation of natural resources. This educational initiative is seen as fundamental to cultivating a global consciousness about sustainable environmental practices. Additionally, the sessions highlighted the value of strengthening partnerships between religious beliefs and scientific knowledge to create effective climate change strategies. There was also a focus on investing in early warning systems, including the development of advanced technologies for monitoring environmental risks and providing preemptive alerts. This is particularly crucial in regions frequently affected by natural disasters like floods and droughts, as it helps reduce potential losses and damage.

​The 29th session of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) was held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11 to 22. This conference featured numerous activities underscoring the necessity of rallying international efforts to address the climate challenge. A significant emphasis was placed on the critical role of women in environmental leadership. Reflecting this, the Faith Pavilion launched the Global Alliance of Women Religious Leaders to Combat Climate Change, a platform aimed at enhancing the leadership role of women in religious communities and enabling them to effectively confront climate challenges.

The sessions held on Days 9 and 10 at the Faith Pavilion, organized by the Muslim Council of Elders at COP29 addressed a broad range of critical topics related to climate change and sustainable development. These included the role of spiritual and faith-based values in supporting global efforts to combat the climate crisis, the importance of integrating youth, women, and indigenous communities into global climate action, and the urgent need to develop climate-resilient cities and implement nature-based solutions to improve water quality and food security.

On Day 9, You Lin, Director of Fo Guang Shan New York Temple, emphasized that climate change and ecosystem destruction have become pressing global emergencies requiring concerted action to care for and sustain nature. She noted that environmental protection begins with individuals through pure thoughts and positive behavior and called for collective action to achieve sustainable development and ensure a better future for the planet and its resources for future generations.

Upendo Mwakyusa, Founder and Executive Director of The Call for Environmental Conservation (CFEC), delivered the youth address, highlighting the essential role of young people in combating climate change and building sustainable communities. She stressed the importance of focusing climate action on women, youth, and children, who are among the groups most vulnerable to climate challenges. She also emphasized that these groups should not only be seen as victims but also empowered to become part of effective climate solutions.

The first session, titled ‘Urbanization in Asia: Overcoming barriers and scaling urban Nature-based Solutions’ explored the challenges posed by rapid urban expansion in Asia amidst climate change. Participants noted that by mid-century, hundreds of coastal cities in Asia will face threats such as rising sea levels, extreme storms, and unsustainable urban practices. They highlighted the need for more climate-resilient cities by improving early warning systems, creating adaptation plans for extreme weather, and implementing nature-based solutions to improve water quality, reduce temperatures, and enhance food security.

The second session, ‘Processing the H.E.A.R.T’ discussed the importance of integrating spiritual values and ethical principles into global climate dialogues. Speakers emphasized the necessity of including voices from faith organizations, religious leaders, civil society, youth, and women in climate efforts. They called for ongoing dialogue between religious leaders and policymakers to ensure their perspectives are incorporated into climate policies, fostering environmental action within communities and spreading knowledge about climate change mitigation practices.

The third session, ‘Interfaith Dialogue on COP29 Stocktake and What is Needed for COP30’, underscored the urgency of joint multilateral efforts to address the global climate crisis. Participants highlighted the need to raise awareness within communities about the risks of climate change and emphasized the critical role of faith communities in advancing these efforts. They showcased effective environmental programs such as tree planting and renewable energy adoption.

The final session on Day 9,’African Experiences of Faith, Advocacy, Action, and Intergenerational Community Accompaniment for a Just Planet’ highlighted African initiatives combining faith, collective action, and community advocacy to address the climate crisis. Speakers stressed the importance of empowering communities with knowledge about climate impacts and solutions, including renewable energy adoption, sustainable land-use practices, climate-resilient infrastructure development, and comprehensive mitigation measures. They called for ambitious climate action to ensure a fair and sustainable future, particularly for vulnerable groups such as farmers and fishermen.

On Day 10, the session titled ‘Belief to Action: The Roles of Religious Leaders and Power of Faith-based Values on Planetary Health’ emphasized the central role of faith-based values in advancing efforts to combat climate change and achieve sustainable development. Participants discussed integrating religious and ethical teachings, such as simplicity and respect for life, into environmental policies to drive behavioral change and foster positive transformations at both individual and societal levels. They highlighted the ability of religious leaders to contribute to building a more sustainable and equitable future.

The Faith Pavilion at COP29 builds on the success of its inaugural edition at COP28, framing climate change as a profound religious and moral issue. It continues to explore best practices for promoting sustainable lifestyles, examining the non-economic impacts of climate change through faith-based perspectives, and urging global policymakers to consider the spiritual and ethical consequences of environmental neglect while taking decisive action to protect the planet.

Today, His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, received Mrs. Verónica Alcocer García, the First Lady of Colombia.

His Eminence Prof. Dr. Al-Tayeb warmly welcomed Mrs. Verónica, expressing his deep appreciation for Colombia. He requested that she convey his greetings to President Gustavo Petro, commending the Colombian President’s efforts and repeated calls for peace and the cessation of violence in Gaza. His Eminence affirmed that Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders are committed to spreading the message of Islam as a religion of peace for all people. His Eminence highlighted that Islam places understanding, connection, and compassion at the heart of human relationships, regardless of differences in faith, race, or color. He further explained that diversity is a divine universal law and that bonds of human fraternity should guide relationships both among believers and between believers and non-believers.

He also noted that so-called “religious wars” throughout history were not genuinely religious but were driven by political ideologies seeking to manipulate religion for their own ends. His Eminence outlined Al-Azhar’s proactive initiatives to foster peace and fraternity both in Egypt and globally. These include the establishment of the Egyptian Family House in partnership with Christian churches in Egypt, aimed at strengthening bonds of unity and coexistence between Muslims and Christians. Building on this foundation, Al-Azhar has reached out to religious and cultural institutions worldwide, culminating in the historic signing of the Document on Human Fraternity in Abu Dhabi with his dear brother Pope Francis, Pontiff of the Catholic Church. This landmark document, which took a year to draft, was later recognized by the United Nations, designating February 4 as the International Day of Human Fraternity.

His Eminence stressed that the greatest challenge facing humanity today is the growing disconnection of the body from the spirit, alongside efforts to marginalize religion or exploit it for materialistic gains, particularly in justifying the arms industry. He criticized the production of weapons and explosives, pointing out the wars and conflicts they continue to fuel.

Mrs. Verónica expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to meet His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, praising his efforts to promote global peace. She voiced her belief in the ability of religious leaders to foster peace through dialogue and mutual understanding. She also aligned with his views on the dangers of the arms industry, describing it as a root cause of the world’s tragedies. Mrs. Verónica expressed hope for an end to arms manufacturing as a step toward eliminating poverty, conflict, hatred, and war. She emphasized the need to replace hatred with love and war with peace and underscored the value of the historic Document on Human Fraternity as a model of cooperation among religious leaders—a much-needed example for the world today.

The Muslim Council of Elders participated in a press conference titled “Peace and Cooperation to Enhance Ambitious Climate Action,” as part of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, hosted by Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 12 to 22.

In his address at the press conference, Mr. Mohammed Bahr, Director of Strategic Planning at the Muslim Council of Elders, emphasized that the Faith Pavilion represents a pivotal turning point in the trajectory of global climate action. It aligns with the Council’s vision of empowering religious leaders as moral voices with the profound ability to influence communities. This capacity, he noted, allows them to garner community and popular support, fostering behaviors that are crucial for the planet’s protection. Additionally, he underscored the importance of integrating religious figures and organizations into climate dialogues, establishing an indispensable link between environmental policies and the humanitarian values essential for enacting real and impactful change.

He added that the Muslim Council of Elders’ initiative, represented by the Faith Pavilion—first launched at COP28 and now in its second iteration at COP29—is a tangible embodiment of this vision. The pavilion opens up new avenues for collaboration between policymakers and religious leaders, thereby strengthening sustainable climate solutions. This is particularly crucial as the pressing climate challenges that threaten our planet’s future necessitate strategic partnerships across all sectors. 

The Faith Pavilion embodies hope and unity. It serves as an open platform for dialogue and cooperation, merging intellectual diversity with innovation in climate action. This initiative transcends traditional conference boundaries, symbolizing positive change and driving climate efforts forward toward a better and sustainable future. This reflects the commitment of the Council’s leadership to consistently hosting the Faith Pavilion and ensuring a proactive, sustained presence at the Conference of the Parties, with a vision to continue these efforts through at least 2030. The goal is to reformulate climate efforts in a way that is more comprehensive and effective, to secure a sustainable future for upcoming generations.

The Faith Pavilion at COP29 aims to build on the success achieved in its inaugural edition at COP28 by continuing to frame climate change as a profound religious and ethical issue. It seeks to explore best practices for promoting sustainable lifestyles and to examine the non-economic impacts of climate change from faith-based perspectives. Additionally, the pavilion calls on global policymakers to consider the spiritual and ethical consequences of environmental neglect and to take immediate and decisive actions to protect the planet.

The Faith Pavilion at COP29 hosted a series of dialogue sessions on its eighth day, addressing critical challenges and solutions related to climate justice, carbon markets, and the impact of climate change on vulnerable communities. The discussions emphasized empowering local and faith-based actors in planning and implementation processes by presenting innovative solutions that contribute to environmental sustainability.

The first session, “Grassroots Faith Voices for Climate Justice,” highlighted the profound impacts of climate change on local communities, particularly in regions most vulnerable to its effects, such as flooding, rising sea levels, and oil spills. These disasters have severely affected agricultural and marine resources, jeopardizing food security and livelihoods. Participants stressed the importance of amplifying the voices of communities directly affected by these crises and enhancing the role of faith leaders in raising awareness and driving environmental protection efforts. Practical and sustainable solutions, such as adopting renewable energy sources and scaling up local climate initiatives, were also discussed.

The second session, “Paris-Aligned Crediting Markets: Offering Support for Host Countries,” focused on the significance of regulating carbon markets to achieve the 1.5°C global temperature target. Participants emphasized the need for equitable distribution of benefits between investors and host countries while avoiding projects that could cause long-term negative impacts. They highlighted the importance of capacity building in developing nations to ensure effective participation in carbon markets, advocating for the establishment of national carbon monitoring centers and linking national registries with international systems to meet shared climate goals and uphold commitments to the Paris Agreement.

The third session, “Solutions for Restoration, Recovery, and Resilience at the Biodiversity, Climate, and Food Systems Nexus,” examined the interconnectedness of climate, biodiversity, and food systems. Participants noted that addressing one issue requires comprehensive solutions that consider the others. They highlighted how climate change exacerbates biodiversity loss, negatively impacting food systems and contributing to food insecurity in many regions. The session underscored the importance of preserving land and traditional agricultural practices that safeguard biodiversity and promote sustainable food production.

In the fourth session, “Fostering Partnerships for Climate Change Adaptation, Including Loss and Damage,” speakers discussed the need to operationalize funding mechanisms for climate adaptation and expand partnerships to achieve climate justice. Participants praised the progress made in establishing the Loss and Damage Fund as a key step toward global solidarity. They stressed the importance of involving local and faith-based actors in planning and implementation processes to ensure sustainable solutions that align with the needs of communities most affected by climate change.

The fifth session, “Harnessing Islamic Finance for Renewable Energy Advancement,” explored the significant role of Islamic finance in supporting clean and sustainable energy projects. Speakers emphasized the urgent need to bridge the financing gap by leveraging Islamic finance solutions to provide access to clean energy sources and enhance the climate resilience of vulnerable and heavily impacted communities.

Organized by the Muslim Council of Elders, the Faith Pavilion at COP29 builds on the success of its inaugural edition at COP28 and continues to frame climate change as a profound religious and moral issue, exploring best practices to promote sustainable lifestyles, examining the non-economic impacts of climate change through faith-based perspectives, and urging global policymakers to consider the spiritual and ethical consequences of environmental neglect while taking immediate and decisive action to protect the planet.

A New Alliance Launched to Strengthen Women-Led Climate Action, Benefiting Over 73 Million People Globally Former President of Ireland During the Launch of a Global Alliance for Women Religious Leaders at the Faith Pavilion at COP29: Religious Leaders Represent a Tremendous Force Capable of Mobilizing Over 5.8 Billion People Worldwide to Support Climate Action Efforts The eighth day of the Faith Pavilion at the 29th session of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), organized by the Muslim Council of Elders in Baku, Azerbaijan, marked the launch of the Global Alliance of Religious Women Leaders to Combat Climate Change. The event brought together 50 religious women leaders from eight major religions across 15 countries, including Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland, a founding member of The Elders, and co-founder of The Project Dandelion —a global women-led campaign for climate justice—alongside young climate activist Ridhima Pandey. In her speech at the launch of the Global Alliance of Religious Women Leaders for Climate Action, Mary Robinson highlighted that religious leaders hold immense power, capable of mobilizing over 5.8 billion people—80% of the global population—to turn moral and religious values into concrete actions against the climate crisis. She emphasized that this women-led alliance demonstrates that religions are not only a source of inspiration but also a driving force for practical solutions to environmental challenges, paving the way for a more sustainable and equitable future for all. Participants in the launch of the alliance included Lorna Gold from the ‘Laudato Si’ Movement;’ Alissa Wahid, founder of the Gusdurian Network Indonesia (GNI); Azza Karam, leader of the ‘Integrity’ initiative; Daniel Schwartz from the Coalition on Environment and Life; Debra Boudreaux from the Tzu Chi Foundation; Husna Ahmad from the World Islamic Leadership Forum; Dr. Iyad Abu Moghli, Head of the ‘Faith for Earth’ initiative and representative of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP); Sr Maamalifar Poreku from the International Union of Superiors General; Martha Jarvis from the Anglican Church; Meryne Warah from GreenFaith; and Amani Al Khatahtbeh, the founder of MuslimGirl.com blog. The global alliance, named “Women, Faith, and Climate,” aims to engage climate action alliances led by women from diverse religions and geographies, leveraging the powerful influence of religious women leaders to accelerate progress toward achieving global climate goals. The alliance also seeks to highlight women’s roles in addressing the climate crisis at both national and international levels, promote best practices in environmental sustainability, strengthen collaboration among women’s alliances from different faiths, and inspire more women to participate in global climate action efforts. This alliance benefits more than 73 million people worldwide through major organizations such as the “Mothers’ Union,” which comprises four million members across 83 countries; the Buddhist “Tzu Chi Foundation,” with six million members; the “Brahma Kumaris” movement, with 600,000 women; and the “International Union of Superiors General,” which includes 600,000 Catholic nuns. Its future plans aim to raise global awareness of women-led climate efforts through media campaigns and inspiring stories that highlight their successes. The alliance also seeks to expand collaboration on projects such as greening places of worship, tree planting, and promoting renewable energy use. Furthermore, it plans to intensify advocacy for effective climate policies during upcoming global events, including COP30, while establishing a coordination mechanism to support communication and knowledge exchange among members, uniting efforts to tackle climate challenges effectively. The Faith Pavilion, organized by the Muslim Council of Elders at COP29, aims to build on the success achieved in its first edition during COP28. It continues to frame climate change as a deeply religious and moral issue, exploring best practices to promote sustainable lifestyles and examining the non-economic impacts of climate change through faith-based perspectives. The pavilion also seeks to call upon global policymakers and decision-makers to consider the spiritual and ethical consequences of environmental neglect and to take immediate and decisive actions to protect the planet.

The seventh day of the Faith Pavilion at COP29 featured a series of dialogue sessions focusing on integrating religious values and scientific efforts to address climate challenges. Discussions highlighted the impacts of climate change on communities, particularly in disaster-prone regions such as the Pacific and the Amazon. The sessions also explored national and global strategies to combat environmental disasters, including wildfires and ecosystem restoration, while emphasizing the importance of empowering youth to lead climate dialogue and action. Religion was presented as a key motivator for fostering sustainable lifestyles and achieving climate justice.

In the opening keynote, Sean Clarke, Editor and Spiritual Research Lead at the Spiritual Science Research Foundation, noted that 2024 is on track to become the hottest year in recorded history, bringing the world closer to exceeding 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. He highlighted the continuous rise in greenhouse gas concentrations, calling for an urgent reevaluation of climate strategies. Clarke emphasized the importance of allocating a portion of climate finance to educate communities on positive practices that contribute to restoring environmental balance and stabilizing the climate.

The first session, “Hope Instead of Optimism: How People of Faith Can Nurture Transformative Hope,” focused on the role of religious and moral values in transforming public awareness and perception of climate issues. Speakers discussed the effects of climate change on Pacific communities and collaborative efforts among families, local councils, and religious groups to drive local climate action. These efforts have resulted in innovative initiatives, such as the Climate Action Youth Academy, which will operate under the Green Climate Fund to provide necessary funding for youth-led initiatives across the Pacific.

In the second session, “Inspiring Country-Led Actions to Stop Forest Fires,” participants examined national efforts to combat wildfires through comprehensive, science-based strategies. They emphasized the importance of engaging local communities and stakeholders while enforcing strict laws to limit fires caused by human activity. Speakers noted that extreme climate conditions, such as prolonged droughts and rising temperatures, are major contributors to the growing frequency and severity of forest fires, which pose significant environmental and economic challenges.

The third session, “Ecosystem Restoration as a Driver for Action on Climate and Nature,” highlighted ecosystem restoration as an effective strategy for addressing climate change and preserving nature. Participants pointed to faith-based initiatives that foster connections between local communities and youth, encouraging programs that enhance sustainability and ecological balance. Examples included reforestation projects, river restoration efforts, and combating desertification. The session emphasized the concept of humanity as a global family sharing a common home, which can serve as a strong motivator for tangible and transformative progress in climate dialogue and action.

The day concluded with the session “Intergenerational Dialogue: Faith in Action,” where participants explored the role of different generations in addressing the climate crisis through faith and collective effort. Speakers stressed the importance of empowering youth to take on leadership roles in discussions related to faith, human dignity, and climate justice. The session also underscored the central role of religion in responding to the climate crisis, particularly in countries most vulnerable to climate-related disasters.

The Faith Pavilion, running from November 12 to 22, builds on the success of its inaugural edition at COP28 in the UAE last year. With over 40 dialogue sessions, the Pavilion focuses on enhancing interfaith collaboration for environmental stewardship, exploring sustainable adaptation strategies, encouraging faith-driven sustainable lifestyles, addressing the non-economic impacts of climate change, ensuring access to loss and damage funding, and advocating for local accountability and inclusive climate justice.

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the Chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, underscores that children represent the true hope for humanity’s future. Protecting their rights is not just a social obligation but a religious responsibility and ethical duty which requires unified and intensified international efforts to address crises affecting children, particularly in regions afflicted by wars, conflicts, and natural disasters. These children endure harsh living conditions that threaten their well-being and deprive them of their fundamental rights to safety, protection, education, and healthcare. In a statement marking World Children’s Day, observed annually on November 20, the Council emphasizes that Islam places great importance on the care and protection of children and their rights. It highlights the need to ensure children’s rights in all aspects of life, including psychological and social support, as well as investments in education and development. These efforts aim to raise children in environments that uphold their dignity, fostering a generation that is responsible, aware, and capable of addressing future challenges while contributing to the advancement and prosperity of their societies. The statement also highlights the Council’s significant efforts in raising awareness about the importance of proper child care and instilling values of dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence among children. The Document on Human Fraternity, co-signed by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, and His Holiness Pope Francis in Abu Dhabi in 2019, serves as a global reference for advancing human rights, particularly those of children. It affirms that children’s fundamental rights—including proper family upbringing, nutrition, education, and healthcare—are a shared responsibility of families and communities. Additionally, no child should be deprived of these rights, regardless of location since the document also calls for the condemnation of all practices that undermine children’s dignity or violate their human rights.

Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders: The Faith Pavilion Represents a Historic Initiative Proving that Faith Must Actively Address Humanity’s Challenges

Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders: Climate Challenges Affect Everyone and Pose a Crucial Test for Humanity

Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam: The Muslim Council of Elders Believes in the Importance of Harnessing the Spiritual Wealth of Religions to Confront Global Crises and Serve Humanitarian Causes

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, affirmed that the Faith Pavilion at the COP28 and COP29 conferences represents a historic initiative. It has demonstrated that faith should not be confined to traditional religious practices but must be actively engaged in addressing major challenges facing humanity, primarily the climate crisis. He noted that interfaith dialogue can unify efforts to achieve peace, foster fraternity, and facilitate collaborative actions to protect our planet and ensure a secure and sustainable future for upcoming generations.

During a dialogue session at the Faith Pavilion during COP29, organized by Religions for Peace and titled “Faith in Action: Multifaith, Multisectoral, and Intergenerational Cooperation for a Better Future,” the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders emphasized that faith is not merely a spiritual belief or personal experience. Rather, it is a dynamic relationship that bridges beliefs and behaviors, as well as individual and collective values and practices. He highlighted that our actions and behaviors embody the true essence of our faith. When translated into concrete actions, faith manifests in serving humanity, aiding the needy, supporting the marginalized and vulnerable, and fostering the values of peace and coexistence.

The Secretary-General added that major challenges, particularly climate change, pose a critical test for humanity. He noted that under the leadership of His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, the Muslim Council of Elders firmly believes in leveraging the spiritual wealth of religions to address global crises and utilize the transformative power of faith to tackle humanitarian issues. This approach significantly influences societal actions toward collaborative and responsible behavior. In this vein, the Council has initiated several groundbreaking projects, including the East-West Dialogue, Peace Convoys, the Emerging Peacemakers Forum (EPF), and the Global Summit of Religious Leaders for Climate. These efforts were highlighted by the creation of the first-ever Faith Pavilion at the COP conferences.

The Secretary-General emphasized that the gathering of religious leaders and figures presents a genuine opportunity to unite efforts and enhance collaboration among this distinguished group of institutions and prominent individuals. These leaders are dedicated to spreading religious values and solidifying their message, and are working to develop joint strategies that will build a better future for everyone. He called for continued efforts to amplify the voice of religion in promoting peace, fraternity, and addressing the climate crisis that threatens our children and future generations. He expressed hope that these efforts would yield results that benefit humanity and alleviate our concerns about the future of climate change.

The Faith Pavilion at COP29 hosted a series of dialogue sessions on its sixth day, addressing key issues related to the climate crisis. The discussions emphasized the importance of improving Earth governance to achieve a sustainable future, implementing effective nature-based solutions, transitioning to sustainable food systems, and integrating religious values with climate action. Participants highlighted how these approaches can address environmental challenges and promote climate justice by implementing strategies that enhance the resilience of communities most affected by climate change.

In her opening remarks, Maureen Goodman, Program Director of Brahma Kumaris UK, emphasized that the world is at a critical juncture in climate negotiations. She underscored the necessity of amplifying the role of faith communities in addressing environmental challenges, calling for unified efforts across climate summits to develop effective responses for the most vulnerable communities. Goodman also highlighted the importance of blending faith-based perspectives with other voices to build a sustainable and prosperous future for current and future generations.

The first session, titled “Protecting Our Common Climate System: Earth Governance for a Sustainable Future,” addressed fundamental issues related to the climate crisis and its link to weak global governance mechanisms. Participants argued that the climate crisis is a symptom of deeper systemic flaws in governance, which also contribute to other global challenges such as desertification, pandemics, and ongoing conflicts. They called for coalitions among civil society, faith-based institutions, like-minded states, and other stakeholders to drive meaningful governance reforms. Participants emphasized the need to curb carbon emissions and establish effective global policies to mitigate environmental damage.

The second session, “Just Transition to Sustainable Food System in Communities,” focused on the impact of climate change on small-scale farmers and the significant losses they face. Participants highlighted the crucial role of women in achieving food security, particularly in rural areas, and the importance of empowering them with resources and skills. They stressed the need to create sustainable food systems by enhancing community resilience, reducing greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture, and adopting a holistic approach that connects people, food, and nature. Religious values promoting cooperation and environmental stewardship were emphasized as integral to achieving these goals.

In the third session, titled “Global EbA Fund: Catalytic Small Grants Advancing Innovation for Climate Resilience,” speakers highlighted the importance of nature-based solutions in adapting to climate change. The discussion centered on the fund’s role in supporting innovative and inclusive projects aimed at building community resilience, protecting biodiversity, and strengthening vulnerable ecosystems in the face of climate challenges.

The fourth session, “Manifesting Faith Climate Action,” explored the strong connection between religion and climate action. Speakers discussed how religious principles and values can contribute to addressing the climate crisis, emphasizing humanity’s responsibility to manage the Earth with care and respect rather than exploitation. They noted that humans are part of the planet’s ecosystem and that destructive actions against nature are at the root of the current climate crisis, but also that humans have the potential to be part of the solution.

The fifth session, “Faith in Action: Multi-Religious, Multisectoral & Intergenerational Collaboration for a Better Future,” stressed the importance of collaboration across faiths and generations in tackling climate change. Participants highlighted the Faith Pavilion’s role at COP summits as a vital platform for dialogue on climate action. They emphasized the urgency of bringing moral and spiritual voices to the forefront of efforts to achieve climate justice, stressing that genuine faith extends beyond beliefs to include practical actions and positive impacts on society and the environment.

The final session showcased the Children’s Eco Village by Islamic Help in Tanzania, a 38-acre initiative providing comprehensive care for orphans in a family-like setting while equipping them with essential life skills. The village teaches water and energy conservation, promotes environmental awareness, and encourages sustainable development. Participants underscored the importance of integrating environmental sustainability into humanitarian and development projects, warning that ignoring ecological considerations—such as deforestation and biodiversity loss—can undermine efforts to address poverty and long-term food and water security.

The Faith Pavilion at COP29, running from November 12 to 22, is hosting over 40 dialogue sessions with the participation of 97 organizations representing 11 faiths. Building on the success of its first edition at COP28, the Pavilion continues to promote interfaith collaboration to protect the planet, explore best practices for sustainable adaptation, encourage sustainable lifestyles, and address non-economic impacts of climate change while advocating for climate justice mechanisms.