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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.

His Eminence Dr. Ahmad Abdul Aziz Al-Haddad: Intra-Islamic Dialogue Plays a Crucial Role in Uniting Muslims and Enhancing Mutual Understanding

Dr. Ridwan Al-Sayyid: The Bahrain Islamic Dialogue is a Significant Opportunity to Launch a New Vision for Understanding Among All Components of the Ummah and Strengthen Relations Among Muslims and with the World

The Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion at the 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair hosted a seminar titled “Intra-Islamic Dialogue: Challenges and Prospects for Achieving Unity.” The seminar featured His Eminence Dr. Ahmad Abdul Aziz Al-Haddad, a member of the Muslim Council of Elders, Senior Mufti at the Fatwa Department in Dubai, and member of the UAE Fatwa Council, alongside Dr. Ridwan Al-Sayyid, Dean of the College of Graduate Studies and Scientific Research at Mohamed bin Zayed University of Humanities. The discussion was moderated by Khalifa Khalid, a participant in the Emerging Peacemakers Forum. The seminar focused on the importance of fostering unity and collaboration within the Muslim world, responding to the call by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, during the Bahrain Dialogue Forum in November 2022. This call emphasized that religious fraternity is the foundation of human fraternity and that unity is essential for ensuring stability and strength in the face of global challenges.

Dr. Ahmad Abdul Aziz Al-Haddad highlighted the critical role of intra-Islamic dialogue in uniting Muslims and fostering mutual understanding. He stressed the importance of identifying shared principles, such as faith in Allah and the practice of religious rituals, while using constructive dialogue to address differences. He explained that dialogue in Islam is a tool for achieving harmony, correcting misconceptions, and resolving conflicts, citing examples from the Quran and Sunnah. Dr. Al-Haddad commended the Muslim Council of Elders for its efforts to promote dialogue and praised its initiative to organize the Islamic Dialogue Conference in Bahrain next February. He described this conference as a strategic step toward uniting the Muslim world and demonstrating its collective stance to the global community.

Dr. Ridwan Al-Sayyid discussed how contemporary challenges in Islamic relations are linked to modern contexts and complexities. He reflected on past initiatives in the mid-20th century when scholars and thinkers from various sects collaborated to address modernity and global changes, focusing on jurisprudential matters that could unite rather than divide. Dr. Al-Sayyid praised the Grand Imam’s call for unity and expressed optimism about the upcoming Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference in Bahrain in early 2025. He noted that the conference will bring together Muslims from diverse sects, ideologies, and cultures under the shared declaration of faith.

Participating for the third time at the Sharjah International Book Fair, the Muslim Council of Elders reaffirms its commitment to promoting peace, dialogue, and tolerance. The pavilion features over 220 publications on various topics, alongside a series of cultural and intellectual programs for visitors. The pavilion is located in the Arabic section, Hall 6, Pavilion M8.

The fifth day of the Faith Pavilion at COP29 featured a series of discussion sessions addressing the urgent challenges posed by climate change. Sessions emphasized the importance of enhancing transparency in global climate action and advocated for the unification of efforts by faith communities to achieve tangible results in tackling the environmental crisis. They also focused on combining religious values with scientific knowledge to raise environmental awareness and protect the communities most affected by the impacts of climate change.

In his opening remarks, Eugene Cho, CEO of Bread for the World, highlighted that climate change is one of the key drivers of global hunger and poverty. He noted that 45 million children suffer from severe malnutrition and that climate-related disasters have impacted 1.7 billion people over the past decade. Cho stressed the importance of collective action to address these critical challenges through decisive and immediate measures to protect the planet and mitigate the effects of climate change on vulnerable and affected communities.

During the first session, titled “Defining Climate Discourses: A More Effective Strategy for Engaging Grassroots Communities in Faith-Based Climate Diplomacy,” participants explained that grassroots climate discussions often rely heavily on religious understandings of environmental changes, which may sometimes differ from scientific and technical language. They emphasized the importance of involving mid-level and grassroots religious leaders to directly guide communities and recognizing the impact of religious knowledge in understanding and addressing climate change as part of efforts to tackle environmental challenges.

The second session, “Aligning Transparency: Navigating Requirements for Nationally Determined Contributions to Enhance Climate Action,” highlighted the importance of promoting transparency to support global climate efforts, particularly concerning Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Participants stressed the need to implement transparency principles in measuring countries’ progress toward achieving climate goals, thereby building trust among nations and the international community by providing accurate data on emissions and climate policies.

During the third session, titled “Opportunities and Challenges in Advancing Climate Plans,” participants noted that despite differing religious perspectives on nature, there is a consensus on the importance of environmental protection and collaboration among faith communities. They pointed to successes in multilateral efforts, such as the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement, which demonstrated the importance of decisive leadership in building trust, resilience, and focusing on shared goals to implement global climate projects.

The fourth session, “Unifying Faith Communities for Strategic Results on the Road to COP30,” underscored the role of faith communities in advancing climate action and achieving environmental justice. Participants discussed COP30 as a critical milestone for unifying climate efforts and highlighted the pivotal role of faith communities in ensuring social and environmental rights. They also stressed the importance of involving all vulnerable groups, including women, girls, and indigenous peoples, in climate action initiatives.

In the final session of the day, titled “Al Mizan – A Call to Action,” participants emphasized the significance of this document as a comprehensive framework reflecting the relationship between humans and nature through religious values. They highlighted the importance of maintaining balance between humanity and nature and encouraged a sense of responsibility for preserving natural resources. Participants also stressed the need to integrate these principles into community action by fostering local awareness and engagement.

CEO of the Shaolin Monastery praises Faith Pavilion as a global platform for dialogue and engaging religious leaders in addressing the climate challenge

Muslim Council of Elders and the Shaolin Monastery discuss ways to strengthen mutual cooperation

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, met with Shi Yongxin, CEO of the Shaolin Monastery, on the sidelines of COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan. The discussion centered on the importance of uniting the efforts of religious leaders to address global challenges, with climate change being a primary focus.

During the meeting, Judge Abdelsalam emphasized the significant role religions can play in driving impactful global change. He highlighted their ability to guide millions of individuals toward sustainable and responsible behaviors to protect Earth, humanity’s shared home. He noted that the Faith Pavilion at COP29 reflects the commitment of the Muslim Council of Elders, led by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, to amplifying the collective voice of religions in protecting the environment and its natural resources.

Shi Yongxin praised the historic ‘Document on Human Fraternity’, which was co-signed in Abu Dhabi in 2019 by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb and His Holiness Pope Francis. He also commended the Faith Pavilion initiative launched at COP28 in Dubai, describing it as a global platform for interfaith and intercultural dialogue and a practical step in involving religious leaders in climate change efforts. Shi Yongxin emphasized that the Pavilion embodies a message of peace and unity among religions to protect the planet.

The Faith Pavilion at COP29, running from November 12 to 22, features over 40 discussion sessions with the participation of 97 organizations representing 11 religions. It aims to build on the success of its inaugural edition at COP28 by strengthening interfaith collaboration for environmental protection, exploring best practices for sustainable adaptation, promoting sustainable lifestyles, and addressing the non-economic impacts of climate change alongside mechanisms for climate justice.

Following an invitation from Leyla Aliyeva, the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, participated in the inauguration of the international fine arts project “Mother Nature,” hosted by the Heydar Aliyev Center in the capital of Azerbaijan, Baku, as part of the 29th session of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29).

The Secretary-General commended the vital role that art plays in raising awareness about the numerous challenges and issues facing humanity, including climate change. He emphasized that art has a unique ability to connect with both hearts and minds, adding that protecting the environment is a collective responsibility. Therefore, all available resources, including meaningful art, should be leveraged to instill a love for nature and foster a sense of responsibility toward our planet.

The project features 127 artworks created by 55 artists from 28 countries. These artistic creations aim to increase awareness of the importance of protecting the environment and preserving our planet through art and aesthetics, contributing to global efforts to address climate change.

Indonesia’s Minister for Religious Affairs: The Responsibilities of Religious Leaders Are Increasing Amid Global Crises, Especially in Promoting Tolerance and Protecting the Environment

Member of the Muslim Council of Elders: The Council, Under the Leadership of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Is Making Pioneering Efforts to Promote Tolerance, Coexistence, and Human Fraternity

Member of the Executive Office of the Muslim Council of Elders: Working for the Environment Requires Integrated Collaboration Among All Sectors of Society, Including Religious Leaders

The Muslim Council of Elders’ branch in Indonesia organized a dialogue titled “The Role of Religious Leaders in Preserving Harmony and Protecting Nature” on the occasion of the International Day for Tolerance, observed annually on November 16. The event coincided with COP29 and gathered representatives from Indonesia’s print and visual media.

The discussion, which focused on the importance of promoting values of tolerance and the role of religious leaders in addressing environmental challenges and supporting climate action to achieve global peace and stability, featured several prominent figures, including Dr. Nasaruddin Umar, Indonesia’s Minister for Religious Affairs, Dr. Muhammad Quraish Shihab, former Minister for Religious Affairs and a member of the Muslim Council of Elders, and Dr. Muhammad Zainul Majdi, a member of the Executive Office of the Muslim Council of Elders.

In his speech via video, Dr. Nasaruddin Umar stated, “Religious leaders are facing significant challenges given the current state of humanity, especially with increasing global crises. These responsibilities include enhancing tolerance and understanding among nations and contributing to environmental protection and climate action.” He further emphasized, “Religious leaders play a pivotal role in guiding communities toward collective action and uniting efforts to confront shared challenges by combining spiritual values with environmental awareness to promote peace and sustainable development.”

Dr. Muhammad Quraish Shihab said, “Under the leadership of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, the Council is making pioneering efforts to promote tolerance, coexistence, and human fraternity. Tolerance is not merely accepting differences; it is an active commitment aimed at fostering societal harmony and building bridges of understanding among cultures, peoples, and communities.” He added, “These values are a fundamental pillar in addressing the major challenges facing the world today, such as the climate change crisis, by encouraging international cooperation and mobilizing collective efforts to protect the environment and achieve sustainability.”

For his part, Dr. Muhammad Zainul Majdi highlighted, “Working for the environment requires integrated collaboration among all sectors of society, including religious leaders who can contribute to raising environmental awareness and supporting efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change.” He noted that “The Muslim Council of Elders is committed to spreading a culture of shared responsibility toward the environment and supporting global efforts for sustainable development.”

This dialogue session follows a visit by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, to Indonesia in mid-July. During the visit, His Eminence discussed efforts with official and religious leaders to promote coexistence and tolerance in Indonesian society. His Eminence also praised Indonesia’s pioneering experience in managing diversity and respecting pluralism, noting that the peaceful coexistence climate prevailing in Indonesia could serve as a global model.

The Faith Pavilion at COP29 hosted a number of dialogue sessions on its fourth day, focusing on the role of faith in addressing climate change and the associated economic challenges. The discussions emphasized the need for a fundamental shift in how humans interact with the environment, methods to integrate climate finance with efforts to protect nature, and the influence of faith-based organizations in mobilizing communities for effective climate action. The sessions also addressed the obstacles posed by debt in combating climate change and highlighted the importance of tackling non-economic losses, such as social and psychological impacts, through collaboration and directing resources to support communities most affected by climate change.

In his opening address, Shi Yongxin, CEO of the Shaolin Monastery, stated that the climate crisis poses a serious threat to humanity, causing environmental destruction and increasing natural disasters that claim countless lives. He called for decisive and courageous international action to address this existential issue. He emphasized that current solutions fail to address the root causes of climate change and advocated for a fundamental transformation in how humanity interacts with nature to achieve sustainable development and stabilize the climate system.

The first session, titled “Finance for Integrating Climate and Nature Actions: A Driver to Accelerate Achieving Net Zero Goals Through Policy Coherence,” focused on the importance of fostering collaboration to effectively address the climate crisis. Participants highlighted the need for transparency in managing climate-related financial risks and activating the role of financial institutions in leading the transition toward nature-positive strategies.

The second session, “Reimagining Climate Financing: Harnessing Unique Contributions of Faith-Based Organizations,” emphasized the pivotal role global faith organizations play in building community movements and launching effective initiatives to combat fossil fuel industries and promote renewable energy use. Speakers stressed the importance of mobilizing financial resources to address natural disasters swiftly and ensuring that climate financing reaches the most climate-affected countries, enabling them to implement adaptation and mitigation measures effectively.

In the third session, “Reckoning with Debt: The Major Barrier to Climate Action,” speakers highlighted the significant impact of debt on achieving climate justice, noting that many countries allocate a substantial portion of their funding to debt servicing rather than critical sectors like education, health, and social protection. The burden of debt, they explained, makes it impossible to dedicate sufficient resources to mitigate climate change, adapt to its impacts, and build resilience against its consequences.

The final session, titled “Unseen Toll: Addressing Non-Economic Losses in the Climate Crisis,” highlighted the profound non-economic impacts of climate change, including human loss, displacement due to floods, and the psychological and social challenges faced by affected individuals and communities. Participants underscored the importance of strengthening the efforts of faith-based organizations and religious leaders, who have the ability to inspire humanity to serve others, protect nature, and contribute to a better future by caring for the planet.

The second edition of the Faith Pavilion, running from November 12 to 22 at COP29, builds on the success of its inaugural edition at COP28 in the United Arab Emirates. It features over 40 dialogue sessions focusing on enhancing interfaith collaboration to care for the Earth, exploring best practices for sustainable adaptation planning, encouraging sustainable lifestyles through religion, addressing non-economic impacts of climate change through faith-based perspectives, improving access to loss and damage funding, and advocating for local accountability mechanisms and inclusive climate justice for all.