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Muslim Council of Elders – Tolerance is an ethical principle and a human duty essential for establishing genuine peace that restores balance to humanity and spreads compassion, justice, and hope

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the Chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, calls on world leaders and their communities to prioritize fostering tolerance and coexistence while rejecting all forms of violence and conflict that destabilize societies and exhaust their resources as these challenges pose a grave threat to the present and future of coming generations. The Council emphasizes that tolerance is not merely an option but the only viable path to breaking the cycle of wars and conflicts affecting various parts of the world. It is also the key to ending the ongoing suffering endured by innocent victims, the impoverished, the vulnerable, and the marginalized.

In a statement marking the International Day for Tolerance on November 16, the Muslim Council of Elders asserts that tolerance is not just an ethical choice but a human duty and an essential prerequisite for societal stability and progress and the foundation of genuine peace, capable of restoring balance to humanity while spreading compassion, justice, and hope worldwide. The Council highlights that Islam, at its essence, is a religion of peace and mercy that denounces hatred and hostility. It consistently advocates for peaceful coexistence among people of diverse races, religions, and cultures while promoting principles of mutual respect and human connection. This is exemplified in the Quranic verse: “We have created you from male and female and made you into nations and tribes, so that you may know one another” (Surah Al-Hujurat, 49:13), underscoring the significance of building bridges of understanding among nations.

The Muslim Council of Elders has undertaken substantial efforts to promote a culture of tolerance, coexistence, and acceptance of others. These initiatives culminated in the launch of the Document on Human Fraternity,  which was 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. The document calls on global leaders and policymakers to actively foster the values of tolerance and peace and urges immediate action to end the bloodshed of innocent lives, resolve global conflicts and wars, and address critical issues such as climate change and cultural and moral decline.

Third Day of the Faith Pavilion at COP29 discusses the Role of Faith and Science in Achieving Climate Justice

The third day of the Faith Pavilion at COP29 hosted a series of discussion sessions that brought together religious leaders, scientific experts, and policymakers. These sessions addressed the challenges posed by climate change, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between faith and science. Topics included the role of faith communities in supporting climate adaptation efforts, the necessity of achieving climate justice to assist the most vulnerable, the impact of conflicts on adaptation efforts, and the need for comprehensive solutions that link nature restoration with social cohesion.

In his opening remarks, H.E. Ambassador Majid Al-Suwaidi, Director General and Special Representative of the UAE COP28, commended religious leaders for their exemplary role, particularly in promoting values such as tolerance and mutual respect, which are vital for protecting the Earth, humanity’s shared home. He described the establishment of the Faith Pavilion at COP28 as a groundbreaking step, providing a unique platform for dialogue among religious leaders, scientists, policymakers, youth, and indigenous representatives. He emphasized the Pavilion’s ongoing role in COP conferences as a global hub for inclusive and intergenerational climate discussions.

Lord Alok Sharma, President of COP26, stated in his opening address that the world is experiencing a state of uncertainty, but three facts remain certain: the worsening of climate change, negative cash flows, and the urgent need for increased funding to support developing countries. He emphasized the pivotal role of faith leaders in global climate action, explaining that collaboration between science and religion is essential to achieving climate neutrality and limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. He noted that significant efforts have been made at COP26, COP27, and COP28 to achieve this critical goal.

In the first session, titled “Inclusive Climate Justice for All,” speakers stressed the need for holistic approaches to ensure climate justice and improve the lives of those most vulnerable to climate change. Discussions emphasized the importance of adequate funding for climate initiatives to ensure resources reach those in greatest need. Participants shared global initiatives demonstrating the positive impact of empowering vulnerable communities to adapt to and recover from climate challenges.

The second session, “Breaking Barriers: Navigating Adaptation Limits—Addressing Loss and Damage through Inclusive and Innovative Climate Action,” focused on the unavoidable impacts of climate change that mitigation and adaptation cannot address. Speakers underscored the necessity of mitigation to limit future climate impacts and called for the development of effective monitoring and evaluation systems to refine responses to loss and damage.

In the third session, “Climate Action as a Conflict Resolution Tool within Multi-Faith Communities,” discussions centered on how climate change exacerbates crises and conflicts. Participants highlighted challenges faced by pastoralist communities due to shifting seasonal patterns, leading to resource disputes with farmers. They emphasized the need to integrate humanitarian aid with climate justice to support affected communities and ensure agricultural sustainability lost to conflicts.

The fourth session, “The Role of Faith and Science in Climate Negotiations,” explored the integration of faith and science in addressing climate challenges. Participants stressed the influence of faith, as 85 percent of the world’s population identifies as religious, and called for shared values like justice and peace to hold policymakers accountable for climate action.

The final session, “Adaptation and Social Cohesion: How Nature Restoration and Faith Interacts for Successful Transformation,” emphasized the need for transformational adaptation in vulnerable and conflict-affected nations. Participants noted that 70 percent of the most climate-vulnerable countries are also the most fragile, highlighting the compounding challenges of climate change and conflicts. They called for tangible and effective adaptation strategies that link climate resilience with social cohesion.

Third Day of the Faith Pavilion at COP29 discusses the Role of Faith and Science in Achieving Climate Justice

The third day of the Faith Pavilion at COP29 hosted a series of discussion sessions that brought together religious leaders, scientific experts, and policymakers. These sessions addressed the challenges posed by climate change, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between faith and science. Topics included the role of faith communities in supporting climate adaptation efforts, the necessity of achieving climate justice to assist the most vulnerable, the impact of conflicts on adaptation efforts, and the need for comprehensive solutions that link nature restoration with social cohesion.

In his opening remarks, H.E. Ambassador Majid Al-Suwaidi, Director General and Special Representative of the UAE COP28, commended religious leaders for their exemplary role, particularly in promoting values such as tolerance and mutual respect, which are vital for protecting the Earth, humanity’s shared home. He described the establishment of the Faith Pavilion at COP28 as a groundbreaking step, providing a unique platform for dialogue among religious leaders, scientists, policymakers, youth, and indigenous representatives. He emphasized the Pavilion’s ongoing role in COP conferences as a global hub for inclusive and intergenerational climate discussions.

Lord Alok Sharma, President of COP26, stated in his opening address that the world is experiencing a state of uncertainty, but three facts remain certain: the worsening of climate change, negative cash flows, and the urgent need for increased funding to support developing countries. He emphasized the pivotal role of faith leaders in global climate action, explaining that collaboration between science and religion is essential to achieving climate neutrality and limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. He noted that significant efforts have been made at COP26, COP27, and COP28 to achieve this critical goal.

In the first session, titled “Inclusive Climate Justice for All,” speakers stressed the need for holistic approaches to ensure climate justice and improve the lives of those most vulnerable to climate change. Discussions emphasized the importance of adequate funding for climate initiatives to ensure resources reach those in greatest need. Participants shared global initiatives demonstrating the positive impact of empowering vulnerable communities to adapt to and recover from climate challenges.

The second session, “Breaking Barriers: Navigating Adaptation Limits—Addressing Loss and Damage through Inclusive and Innovative Climate Action,” focused on the unavoidable impacts of climate change that mitigation and adaptation cannot address. Speakers underscored the necessity of mitigation to limit future climate impacts and called for the development of effective monitoring and evaluation systems to refine responses to loss and damage.

In the third session, “Climate Action as a Conflict Resolution Tool within Multi-Faith Communities,” discussions centered on how climate change exacerbates crises and conflicts. Participants highlighted challenges faced by pastoralist communities due to shifting seasonal patterns, leading to resource disputes with farmers. They emphasized the need to integrate humanitarian aid with climate justice to support affected communities and ensure agricultural sustainability lost to conflicts.

The fourth session, “The Role of Faith and Science in Climate Negotiations,” explored the integration of faith and science in addressing climate challenges. Participants stressed the influence of faith, as 85 percent of the world’s population identifies as religious, and called for shared values like justice and peace to hold policymakers accountable for climate action.

The final session, “Adaptation and Social Cohesion: How Nature Restoration and Faith Interacts for Successful Transformation,” emphasized the need for transformational adaptation in vulnerable and conflict-affected nations. Participants noted that 70 percent of the most climate-vulnerable countries are also the most fragile, highlighting the compounding challenges of climate change and conflicts. They called for tangible and effective adaptation strategies that link climate resilience with social cohesion.

Muslim Council of Elders and Indonesia’s Delegation at COP29 Affirm Importance of Religious Voices in Addressing Climate Challenges

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, met with Hashim Djojohadikusumo, Special Envoy of President Prabowo Subianto for Energy and Environment and Head of Indonesia’s delegation to COP29, in Baku, Azerbaijan.

During the meeting, the Secretary-General emphasized the Council’s substantial efforts in supporting the role of religious leaders in addressing global challenges, including climate issues. He noted that the Council launched the Call of Conscience: Abu Dhabi Joint Statement for Climate, signed by 30 prominent religious leaders worldwide. The Council also organized the Faith Pavilion at COP28, marking the first of its kind at a Conference of the Parties, and is now holding the second Faith Pavilion at COP29 following the great success of the first.

The Secretary-General praised Indonesia’s exemplary model of pluralism, diversity, and coexistence, congratulating the new Indonesian government led by President Prabowo. He expressed his honor in attending the inauguration of Indonesia’s President and Vice President last month and affirmed the Council’s commitment to strengthening constructive engagement across Indonesian society and Southeast Asia through initiatives that promote dialogue and coexistence.

For his part, Indonesia’s Head of Delegation to COP29 expressed his appreciation for the Muslim Council of Elders’ efforts in mobilizing religious leaders to tackle the climate challenge, including the Faith Pavilion initiative at COP28 and its continuation at COP29. He also conveyed his intent to visit the pavilion and engage with its various activities, highlighting the significance of the Religions for Development and Peace initiative, which aims to amplify the role of religious leaders in development and peacebuilding.

At the end of the meeting, both sides affirmed the importance of religious leaders’ voices in addressing climate challenges, committing to continued collaboration to raise awareness of the urgent need to respond to climate change and its risks.

The second day of the Faith Pavilion at COP29 featured a series of significant sessions that focused on issues of loss and damage resulting from climate change and their non-economic impacts through faith-based perspectives. The discussions highlighted the scientific gaps hindering necessary measures to address this escalating crisis, especially for communities most vulnerable to climate change repercussions. Participants called for intensified efforts and the provision of sustainable and innovative solutions that enhance climate justice and integrate spiritual values into global climate action.

In the daily opening keynote of the pavilion, Elder Jack N. Gerard, General Authority Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, emphasized that faith in God represents a bond uniting humanity toward a common goal: the duty to care for and protect the Earth. He affirmed that spiritual values and principles are integral to global efforts to preserve the environment. Elder Gerard highlighted the crucial role of religious leaders in guiding communities toward sustainable behaviors and enhancing environmental awareness. He noted that the teachings of all religions urge the preservation of the Earth’s resources and caring for one another, regardless of cultural or religious differences. He called for strengthened cooperation among various religious and social groups to achieve the noble goal of protecting the planet and ensuring a better future for coming generations.

In the first session titled “Beyond Material Loss: Exploring Non-Economic Impacts of Climate Change Through Faith-Based Perspectives,” speakers underscored the psychological, spiritual, and environmental effects of loss and damage. They emphasized the importance of protecting the deep bonds that unite humans with nature. The speakers called for the fair allocation of climate loss and damage funds and the inclusion of climate change education in school curricula to safeguard the future of children. They also highlighted the necessity of inclusive dialogue with local communities to find collective solutions to the climate crisis.

Participants in the second session, “Science and Policy Gaps for Effective Measures to Avert, Minimize, and Address Loss and Damage,” discussed the scientific gaps that impede effective measures to prevent and address losses and damages caused by climate change. They pointed out that national adaptation plans and nationally determined contributions often acknowledge increasing losses and damages but lack clear details on how to tackle these issues, especially regarding non-economic losses like loss of life and cultural heritage. The speakers explained that the absence of accurate and systematic data on environmental disasters and early warning systems affects countries’ abilities to estimate their losses accurately.

In a session titled “Accessibility and Utility of Loss and Damage Funding for Community Resilience: Advocating Local Accountability Mechanisms,” participants emphasized the importance of accessing and utilizing dedicated loss and damage funding to enhance communities’ resilience to climate challenges, particularly in Global South countries most susceptible to climate change impacts. They commended efforts by religious organizations in Africa to form networks that promote climate justice and gather precise data on climate-induced damages, including infrastructure loss and impacts on mental health and biodiversity.

The fourth session focused on “How Women’s Leadership Can Achieve Climate Justice,” and highlighting pivotal issues related to women’s roles in confronting climate and environmental challenges. The discussion addressed strategies to enhance women’s inclusion in environmental dialogues and conferences at both local and international levels. Participants stressed that women and children, along with indigenous communities and marginalized groups, are the most affected by the repercussions of climate change. This situation necessitates developing precise scientific indicators to measure the negative climate impacts on this key segment of society.

Running from November 12 to 22, the Faith Pavilion aims to build on the success achieved in its first edition during COP28, hosted by the United Arab Emirates last year, which garnered wide global participation and significant international acclaim. By implementing a series of dialogue sessions—including more than 40 discussion panels—the pavilion focuses on enhancing cooperation among religions to care for the Earth, exploring best practices for sustainable adaptation planning by faith actors, encouraging sustainable lifestyles through religion, examining non-economic impacts of climate change through faith-based perspectives, improving access to loss and damage funding, advocating for local accountability mechanisms, and promoting inclusive climate justice for all.

Today marked the opening of the Faith Pavilion at COP29, organized by the Muslim Council of Elders, with over 97 organizations from 11 diverse religions and denominations participating. The pavilion provides a platform for religious and ethical perspectives to strengthen climate action efforts.

Delivering the day’s keynote speech, Professor W. Cole Durham Jr., President of the G20 Interfaith Forum, emphasized the urgent need for a dedicated Faith Pavilion at COP events to amplify calls for action and foster awareness, both crucial for meeting the conference’s objectives and outcomes. He highlighted that values of respect and stewardship are fundamental human principles that underpin much of the work within the environmental sphere.

The first session, “Interfaith Collaboration in Action: Stewardship of the Earth,” focused on the responsibility of religious communities to ensure their followers are aware of the importance of protecting the earth and its resources. Speakers shared how learning and applying core religious principles can build bridges of communication and influence behaviors that support environmental preservation. Humanity, they affirmed, must act to save the earth and prevent the natural disasters that claim countless lives globally.

The second session, “Ethics, Inclusiveness, and Participation,” presented effective practices for sustainable adaptation planning led by faith organizations. Speakers emphasized that COP conferences are essential platforms for sharing best practices in climate resilience, particularly for developing countries that rely on adaptation planning. They noted that adaptation financing is a critical need for these countries, pointing out that while developed nations have pledged to double their contributions, these commitments remain unfulfilled, creating significant gaps that impede climate action programs.

In the third session, “Encouraging Sustainable Lifestyles through Faith,” speakers underscored the importance of giving nature a chance to recover, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the earth showed signs of regeneration in the absence of human interference and highlighted the gap between intentions and actions regarding the environment, which continues to hamper conservation efforts. This session called for an active role from faith leaders to inspire individuals and communities to adopt sustainable practices for the environment.

Running from November 12 to 22, the Faith Pavilion builds on the success of its first edition at COP28, held last year in the United Arab Emirates. With over 40 discussion sessions, the pavilion will focus on interfaith collaboration for environmental stewardship, sustainable adaptation practices led by faith communities, promoting sustainable lifestyles through religious values, addressing non-economic impacts of climate change, improving access to loss and damage funding, advocating for local accountability mechanisms, and promoting inclusive climate justice for all.

The Muslim Council of Elders, including all its members, the Secretary-General of the Council, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, and the staff at the General Secretariat and its foreign branches, extend heartfelt condolences to His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, on the passing of his late sister, Samihah Mohamed Al-Tayeb. May Allah, in His infinite mercy, grants her a place in the highest paradise among the prophets, martyrs, and the righteous, and provide patience and solace to her family, loved ones, and all who cherish her memory. Verily, we belong to Allah, and to Him we shall return.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, mourned the passing of the sister of His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, who passed away this morning, Wednesday.

The Secretary-General expressed his condolences, saying, “With acceptance of God’s decree and destiny, I offer my deepest condolences to my mentor and my sheikh, His Eminence the Grand Imam Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, may God protect and care for him, to His Eminence Sheikh Mohammed Al-Tayeb, and to all the esteemed members of the family, on the passing of his elder sister, Hajjah Samiha Mohammed Ahmed Al-Tayeb. I pray to Almighty God to envelop her in His vast mercy, admit her into His spacious gardens, and grant her family and loved ones patience and consolation. Indeed, to God we belong and to Him we shall return.”

Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders: The environmental crisis requires global solidarity and a collaborative approach that is inclusive and multilateral

The Faith Pavilion at COP29 has officially launched in Baku, Azerbaijan, with participation from over 97 organizations representing 11 faiths and sects. This initiative features more than 40 diverse sessions offering religious and ethical perspectives on enhancing climate action efforts.

Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, highlighted that the Faith Pavilion at COP29 represents a major advancement in supporting global climate efforts. He noted that this initiative builds on the momentum and success achieved in the previous edition at COP28, adding that the Faith Pavilion is COP28’s gift to the world, aiming to unify religious voices and gather moral and spiritual energies to address the escalating climate challenges that threaten humanity and the future of our planet.

Judge Abdelsalam emphasized that the environmental crisis requires global solidarity, inclusive and multilateral collaboration, and the integration of diverse approaches. He explained that the Faith Pavilion aims to introduce innovative visions and sustainable solutions that enhance responses to the climate crisis. The initiative underscores the need to combine scientific frameworks with spiritual and ethical values to inspire humanity toward decisive steps to protect the planet, promoting a culture of Earth stewardship as a divine trust that calls for collective responsibility and dedicated action.

The second edition of the Faith Pavilion at COP29, running from November 12 to 22, emphasizes interfaith collaboration for Earth stewardship. It seeks to explore effective adaptation planning practices by faith actors, promote sustainable lifestyles through faith, investigate the non-economic impacts of climate change from faith-based perspectives, address access to loss and damage funding, and advocate for local accountability mechanisms and inclusive climate justice.

The first edition of the Faith Pavilion took place at COP28, hosted by the United Arab Emirates last year, marking the first such initiative in the history of COP events. Organized by the Muslim Council of Elders in collaboration with the COP28 Presidency, UAE’s Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence, and UNEP, it provided a global platform for exchanging perspectives and seeking solutions to the climate crisis. The Pavilion featured over 360 speakers from 54 countries and 9 religious sects, and more than 70 organizations worldwide across 65 sessions. The initiative garnered international engagement, with approximately 4,000 articles published in 30 languages across 70 countries, accounting for 7% of the media coverage related to COP28.

Bangladesh’s Interim Government Invites the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders to Visit the Country. 

His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, received Mr. Muhammad Yunus, head of Bangladesh’s interim government and 2006 Nobel Peace Prize winner, this morning. Their meeting took place at the Grand Imam’s residence in Baku, Azerbaijan, on the sidelines of the 29th United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29).

During the encounter, the head of Bangladesh’s interim government expressed his pleasure at meeting His Eminence the Grand Imam and conveyed his country’s deep respect for Al-Azhar’s role in shaping thousands of Bangladeshi minds through its educational and ideological frameworks. He highlighted Bangladesh’s pride in its relationship with Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders, and its eagerness to strengthen these ties and explore new avenues of cooperation across various fields.

He further recounted the significant historical role of Al-Azhar during the early 1980s when it supported his “Bank for the Poor” initiative, which later earned him the Nobel Peace Prize. This initiative provided microfinance to women and homemakers to help them manage small projects to support their families. While initially met with opposition from most religious leaders in Bangladesh on the grounds of non-compliance with Sharia, Al-Azhar welcomed the project and endorsed it with a legal fatwa. This support was crucial in directing the project towards significant contributions to Bangladesh’s development. 

For his part, the Grand Imam emphasized Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders’ strong ties with Bangladesh, and their intention to enhance these through welcoming more Bangladeshi students at all educational levels at Al-Azhar. He noted that the upcoming period would see enhanced constructive cooperation in areas of mutual interest that meet the desires and aspirations of the Bangladeshi people. He prayed for Allah’s guidance for Mr. Muhammad Yunus in his mission to lead Bangladesh to safety, stability, and security.

Mr. Yunus invited His Eminence the Grand Imam to visit Bangladesh, noting the enthusiastic anticipation of his arrival among the Bangladeshi people. The Grand Imam warmly accepted the invitation, promising to schedule the visit soon.

Also present at the meeting were Prof. Dr. Nazir Ayad, Grand Mufti of Egypt; Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders; and Ambassador Abdel Rahman Moussa, Al-Azhar’s Advisor for Foreign Affairs.