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Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders Meets Prime Minister of Azerbaijan, Emphasizing the Importance of Religious Leaders in Advancing Climate Action

His Excellency Ali Asadov, Prime Minister of Azerbaijan, received Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, on Wednesday. The pair discussed ways to enhance the role of religious leaders in addressing global challenges, with climate change at the forefront.

At the beginning of the meeting, the Prime Minister of Azerbaijan expressed his country’s appreciation for the efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders, led by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, in promoting dialogue and uniting the voices of religious leaders to confront the climate crisis. He noted Azerbaijan’s participation in co-hosting the Global Summit of Religious Leaders for Climate, which will be held in Baku, and in organizing the Faith Pavilion at COP29—a pioneering step to enhance interfaith dialogue on climate issues. He further highlighted that peaceful coexistence among people of diverse ethnicities, cultures, and religions is a way of life in Azerbaijan’s society, with multiculturalism and tolerance having become one of the main pillars of Azerbaijan’s modern state policy.

For his part, the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders expressed his appreciation for the Republic of Azerbaijan’s hosting of the Global Summit of Religious Leaders for Climate, which reflects a deep-seated belief in the importance of the religious voice in promoting joint efforts to address global challenges, particularly climate issues. He also extended his gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan for his support of the summit, praising Azerbaijan as a leading example of pluralism, tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and Islamic solidarity, as well as its proactive stance in combating climate change.

In its final statement, the Global Summit of Religious Leaders praises ‘The Call of Conscience: The Abu Dhabi Interfaith Statement for Climate’ and confirms support for the Faith Pavilion at COP29

The Global Summit of Religious Leaders highlighted the critical need to enhance collaboration among political, social, and religious leaders to tackle environmental challenges and climate change and foster global dialogue

The Global Summit of Religious Leaders underscored the urgent necessity to uphold ethical and spiritual values, instilling respect and care for nature and all living beings, while promoting the sanctity and sacredness of the environment

Religious leaders reiterated their support for the decisive action plans set forth at COP28 to address the environmental crises and threats our world faces

Religious leaders emphasized the importance of establishing a permanent advisory council of religious leaders within the Secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

Concluding in Baku, Azerbaijan, the Global Summit of Religious Leaders was co-organized by the Caucasus Muslims’ Board, the Muslim Council of Elders, the COP29 Presidency, the United Nations Environment Programme, and Azerbaijan’s State Committee for Work with Religious Organizations. The summit, held under the patronage of His Excellency President Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, featured the participation of 300 prominent global religious leaders, foreign government representatives, senior UN officials, heads of international organizations, and religious scholars. 

The final statement of the summit praised the ‘Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together,’ signed by His Eminence Professor Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, and His Holiness Pope Francis, Pontiff of the Catholic Church, in Abu Dhabi, on February 4, 2019. It noted the document’s significant role in advancing dialogue and cooperation across different religions and cultures and fostering values of coexistence, tolerance, and human fraternity. The faith leaders welcomed the ‘Call of Conscience: The Abu Dhabi Interfaith Statement for Climate,’ signed at the COP28 Global Faith Leaders Summit in Abu Dhabi in 2023, which was organized by the Muslim Council of Elders in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence and the COP28 Presidency. The final statement from the Global Summit of Religious Leaders, issued today, reiterated its support for the upcoming Faith Pavilion, to be organized by the Muslim Council of Elders at COP29 as a platform for dialogue among faith leaders to find effective solutions to climate issues.

Participants at the summit expressed deep concern about global climate change, biodiversity loss, desertification, drought, land degradation, wildfires, marine pollution, food security, water scarcity, devastating armed conflicts, and terrorism, as well as religious and ethnic violence. These crises lead to innocent casualties, environmental disasters, and the destruction of cultural and religious heritage. They also deplored the severe impacts of environmental genocide and the eradication of cities to combat climate change. 

Religious leaders urged COP29 to focus on the pressing need for spiritual reform and ethical enhancement of humanity by fostering respect and care for nature and all creatures, promoting the notion of environmental sanctity, and supporting the robust action plans adopted at COP28 to address the environmental crises and threats the world is facing. They expressed their eagerness to actively participate in implementing these strategies to alleviate the global climate crisis.

Religious leaders also called for increased collaborative efforts among political, social, and religious leaders to address environmental issues and climate change, making ethical and moral considerations central to global climate discussions at COP29. They expressed readiness to establish a permanent advisory council of religious leaders at the UNFCCC Secretariat to spearhead projects and initiatives centred on ethical and religious responsibilities toward the environment and its resources. They stressed the need to promote environmental awareness through religious discourse and bolster the ideological foundations for addressing climate issues, thus supporting global climate action initiatives.

In a related context, religious leaders extended a message of gratitude to His Excellency President Ilham Aliyev for his ongoing support of environmental and humanitarian initiatives, particularly for declaring 2024 the ‘Green World Solidarity Year.’ This initiative reflects Azerbaijan’s commitment to environmental protection and promoting humanitarian solidarity for a sustainable future. They commended Azerbaijan’s leadership in overcoming challenges, fostering peace and unity, promoting interfaith and cultural dialogue, and reinforcing the culture of human fraternity and values of peace and tolerance worldwide.

The participants concluded the summit by calling on states, international, regional, religious, and public organizations, as well as faith leaders, to galvanize global support for a more sustainable future. They emphasized the importance of recognizing the sanctity of human life and nature and advocated for an inclusive approach to combating climate change. This approach should particularly focus on engaging representatives from various religions and beliefs, policymakers, scientists, women, youth, indigenous populations, local communities, civil society, business sectors, and other stakeholders in supporting and implementing the long-term goals of the Paris Agreement. This includes preventing the global temperature from exceeding 1.5 degrees Celsius, playing a dynamic role in implementing the global peace agenda, ending armed conflicts and extremist violence that hinder collective climate action efforts, and promoting youth education in equal citizenship and human fraternity. They further urged the protection and respect for religious, cultural, and ethnic diversity while promoting environmental practices based on the spiritual and ethical values of all religions.

His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders has received His Excellency Alar Karis, President of the Republic of Estonia, to discuss ways to enhance mutual cooperation.

During the meeting, the Grand Imam emphasized that Islam’s message is to promote peace worldwide and that peace has become an elusive dream, with contemporary global events causing many to lose hope in its realization. However, His Eminence expressed optimism that hope can be revived through nations’ adherence to religious and moral values and investment in educating people about fraternity and equality.

He further remarked that today’s conflicts and wars are driven by escalating hatred and intolerance, urging the international community to assume its responsibilities by adopting a decisive stance to halt aggression in Gaza and Lebanon, protect innocent civilians, ensure humanitarian aid reaches those in need, and support the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.

President Karis, for his part, expressed his pleasure at meeting the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, commending his efforts in fostering and advancing the values of dialogue, tolerance, coexistence, peace, and human fraternity. He voiced his hope for an end to global conflicts to ensure the protection of innocent civilians and the delivery of humanitarian aid where it is urgently needed.

With over 220 publications and various cultural events and activities, the Council’s pavilion at the Sharjah International Book Fair offers a rich experience

This marks the third participation of the Muslim Council of Elders with a special pavilion at the Sharjah International Book Fair, now in its 43rd edition, which begins today, Wednesday, November 6, under the theme ‘It starts with a book’ and will run until November 17 at the Sharjah Expo Center. The Council’s participation in international book fairs aligns with its mission to promote peace, reinforce values of dialogue and tolerance, and build bridges of cooperation among people of all backgrounds and beliefs.

The Council’s pavilion at the book fair will feature over 220 publications, including a selection of scholarly and intellectual works. Prominently featured are more than 20 works by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and President of the Muslim Council of Elders, which illustrate the tolerance of Islam and the richness of its intellectual and philosophical heritage. Notable among these are the three-volume Al-Qawl Al-Tayeb (The Good Word), Muqawmat Al-Islam (Essential Features of Islam), Ra’y Fi Hiwar Al-Sharq Wal-Gharb (A View on East-West Dialogue), Al-Awda ila Al-Iman (The Return to Faith), Kalima Ila Al-Shabab (A Message to the Youth), Fi al-Mustalah al-Kalami wal-Sufi (On Theological and Sufi Terminology), Nazarat fi Fikr al-Imam al-Ash’ari (Reflections on the Thought of Imam Al-Ash’ari), Min Dafateri al-Qadima (From My Old Notebooks), Inna al-Deen Yusr (Religion is Easy), Nahw Ijtihad Fiqhi Mu’asir (Towards Contemporary Ijtihad), Hadith fi al-‘Ilal wal-Maqasid (On Shari’a Rulings and Objectives), Al-Tariq ila Allah (The Path to Allah), Hadith Fi Al-Salam (On Peace), Al-Turath wal-Tajdid.. Munaqashat wa Rudud (Heritage and Renewal: Discussions and Responses), Ahl Al-Sunna wal Jama’ah (Ahl al-Sunna wal-Jama’ah), Adab wa Qiyam (Morals and Values), among others. 

The Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion will also feature several significant scholarly and intellectual works aimed at addressing key intellectual and cultural areas, correcting misconceptions, and promoting enlightened moderate thought. They include ‘Love in the Holy Quran’ by HRH Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad of Jordan, a member of the Muslim Council of Elders, ‘The Grand Imam and the Pope and the Thorny Path: A Testimony to the Birth of the Human Fraternity Document’ by the Council’s Secretary-General, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, ‘Rules of Understanding and Dialogue from Thought and Language’ by Dr. Mustafa Benhamza, a member of the Muslim Council of Elders, and ‘Studies on the Similarity of Style in Quranic Stories: A Comparative and Analytical Study’ by Abdul Ghani Al-Rajhi. The pavilion will also feature 24 new titles published by Al Hokama Publishing in 2024, including ‘The West and the Rediscovery of Islam’ by Professor Tijani Boulaouali, ‘Conceptualizing Peace During the European Renaissance’ by Dr. Bennacer El Bouazzati, and ‘Interfaith Encounters in Al-Andalus and Morocco: Exploring Muslim-Christian Interactions’ by Dr. Jaafar Ben El Haj Soulam. 

The pavilion of the Muslim Council of Elders will also organize a diverse cultural program that includes a series of seminars and lectures discussing various contemporary issues and topics. These include the issue of climate change and the shared responsibility to build a sustainable and improved future for upcoming generations, how to use Islamic heritage to spread and establish a culture of tolerance, coexistence, acceptance, and respect for others, the role of digital media in serving humanity, and strategies for empowering youth to use social media platforms to enhance peacebuilding.

Coinciding with the Council’s ten-year anniversary, the Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion at the Sharjah International Book Fair hosts a number of intellectual and cultural events, programs, and activities designed to meet the expectations and needs of its visitors. This includes a special area for book sales and a distinctive children’s corner, offering a number of specially designed entertaining and educational activities for children.

It is worth noting that the Sharjah International Book Fair attracts over two million visitors annually. This year, it will host more than 2,500 publishers and exhibitors from 112 Arab and foreign countries, and organize 1,357 diverse events featuring over 250 guests from 63 countries. The Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion is located in the Arab Pavilion, Hall 6, Stand M8.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders: Climate action is not optional but a necessity to protect the future of our planet

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders: Preserving the environment is part of the profound spiritual message of religions that call for mercy, responsibility, and justice towards the Earth and its future generations

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders: Today, we have a historic opportunity to transform the role of religions into an active force in confronting the climate crisis

Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam: The efforts of religious leaders and figures in facing global challenges have resulted in many inspiring initiatives

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders: The Global Faith Summit on Climate Action held in Abu Dhabi and the Faith Pavilion at COP28 represented a strong start to enhance the role of religions in addressing climate challenges

 

The Global Summit of Religious Leaders for Climate, organized by the Caucasus Muslims’ Board (CMP) in collaboration with the Muslim Council of Elders, the COP29 Presidency, the United Nations Environment Programme, and the Azerbaijan’s State Committee for Work with Religious Organizations, kicked off this morning in Baku under the patronage of His Excellency President Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The summit, themed “Global Religions for a Green Planet,” was attended by more than 300 leaders and dignitaries representing various religions, governments and civil society organizations, as well as policymakers from around the world.

During the opening session, the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, emphasized that the call to enhance climate action is part of the deep spiritual message of religions, which advocate for mercy, responsibility, and justice towards the Earth and its future generations. He explained that religions were not created in isolation from nature, as the relationship between religion and climate is deeply rooted in sacred texts; it is a relationship of respect for nature, balance with life, and profound responsibility towards everything created by God.

His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam added that we have a historic opportunity today to transform the role of religions into an active force in facing the climate crisis. The efforts of religious leaders over the past years have addressed many global challenges, and we have seen how interfaith dialogue has created inspiring initiatives such as the Document on Human Fraternity, the Egyptian Family House, and the Abrahamic Family House, among other leading initiatives and projects that have demonstrated the ability of interfaith dialogue to contribute to finding solutions to the challenges our world faces today.

The General Secretary explained that the significance of organizing today’s Global Summit of Religious Leaders for Climate in Azerbaijan lies in the determination to declare our common message and our unified call: the call of the Religious Leaders Summit for Climate to COP29 and to the world; and mobilizing efforts to encourage politicians, decision-makers, and international actors to make decisive decisions to eliminate the risks of climate change. He called for launching a global movement that makes every human being a protector of the Earth and a defender of life, emphasizing the importance of enhancing the integration between science and faith, and between spiritual and environmental knowledge, believing that climate action is not an option, but a necessary imperative to protect the future of our planet.

His Excellency affirmed the Muslim Council of Elders’ support for the summit and its goal of unifying the voices of religious leaders and figures in addressing climate challenges. He noted that the Council has a clear vision focused on enhancing the role of religious leaders and figures for climate action. It has formed a global alliance with more than 70 institutions representing most religions and faiths around the world and participated in organizing this summit. Additionally, last year, it organized the Global Faith Summit on Climate Action in Abu Dhabi under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates. The summit concluded with the launch of “The Call of Conscience: The Abu Dhabi Interfaith Statement for Climate,” signed by 30 of the world’s leading religious leaders and figures. The Council also organized the Faith Pavilion at COP28 for the first time in the history of the Conferences of the Parties. It presented the “Islamic Vision for Achieving Environmental Sustainability” about the global duty to protect the environment, among other initiatives, highlighting that the Abu Dhabi summit for religious leaders and the Faith Pavilion at COP28 represented a strong start to enhance the role of religions in facing climate challenges.

The Secretary-General concluded his speech by thanking His Excellency President Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, for his patronage of this summit and his commitment to enhancing the voice of religions in facing the climate challenge. He expressed solidarity with the victims of climate change and the wars and conflicts our world is experiencing today, especially our brotherly people in Palestine, who suffer from injustice and oppression and face difficult humanitarian conditions.

The Muslim Council of Elders participated in the 31st International Symposium on Law and Religion, organized by the International Center for Law and Religion Studies at Brigham Young University in the United States, themed “Religious Freedom as a Tool for Peacemaking.” The symposium brought together a broad spectrum of government representatives, institutions, religious organizations, academics, and experts specializing in law and religion. Discussions focused on concepts of religious freedom, academic perspectives on law and religion, ways to enhance human rights in education and religious freedoms, and the importance of interfaith cooperation to promote religious freedom and deepen the foundations of peace.

During a session titled ‘Middle East – Religious Affairs’, Mohamed Elamin, Programs Director of the Muslim Council of Elders, highlighted the Council’s efforts, under the leadership of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, to establish a culture of peace, tolerance, and coexistence, to foster communication, dialogue, and understanding among diverse cultures and societies, and to empower religious leaders in addressing humanity’s most pressing challenges.

Elamin elaborated on the Council’s initiatives over the past decade, including seven rounds of East-West dialogue that culminated in the signing of the Document on Human Fraternity by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb and His Holiness Pope Francis, which stands as a cornerstone in modern human history. He added that the Council has launched over 15 international Peace Convoys, which have traveled across the globe to address misconceptions and promote a moderate, enlightened perspective. The Council has also prioritized youth involvement in peacemaking through initiatives such as the Emerging Peacemakers Forum and the Student Dialogues for Human Fraternity program.

Elamin also referenced the Faith Pavilion initiative launched by the Muslim Council of Elders at COP28, the first inclusion of such a pavilion at a Conference of the Parties. This initiative saw significant engagement from various societal groups, including religious leaders, environmental experts, academics, and representatives of youth, women, and indigenous communities. Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, will host the second Faith Pavilion at COP29 in November, with the goal of sustaining COP28 initiatives, enhancing collective spiritual efforts, and rallying ethical voices to create effective solutions for the climate crisis.

The International Center for Law and Religion Studies is a prominent academic institution in the field of international religious freedom. Since 1994, it has organized the International Symposium on Law and Religion to provide a global platform for government leaders, religious figures, academics, and legal experts worldwide, aiming to discuss and expand knowledge on the interconnected domains of law and religion, fostering their mutual impact and global expertise.

Under the Patronage of the President of Azerbaijan, the Muslim Council of Elders Co-Organizes the Global Summit of Religious Leaders for Climate Early Next Month

Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders: The Global Summit of Religious Leaders for Climate in Baku Reflects the Muslim Council of Elders’ Ongoing Commitment to Strengthening Interfaith and Intercultural Dialogue for a More Understanding, Harmonious, and Sustainable World

Spiritual Leader of Muslims in Azerbaijan and the Caucasus: We Aim to Build on the Success of Last Year’s Global Faith Leaders Summit in Abu Dhabi to Unite the Voices of Science and Religion in Addressing Climate Challenges

Under the patronage of President Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Caucasus Muslims’ Board (CMB), in collaboration with the Muslim Council of Elders, the COP29 Presidency, and Azerbaijan’s State Committee for Work with Religious Organizations and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), is organizing the Global Summit of Religious Leaders for Climate in Baku. The summit is part of Azerbaijan’s preparations for hosting COP29 and will gather over 300 government representatives, senior UN officials, leaders of international organizations, prominent global religious leaders, scholars, and environmental experts from around the world.

The summit, held under the theme “World Religions for a Green Planet,” aims to emphasize the central role that religions play in global efforts to address climate change. It will highlight a unified stance among global and traditional religious leaders who stand against wars and environmental destruction and advocate for peaceful conflict resolution. The summit will also serve as a platform for dialogue among experts, academics, political and religious leaders, and representatives from public and international organizations. Discussions will focus on urgent modern challenges—particularly wars and environmental crises—to promote international cooperation in tackling climate change and to issue a united call to curb environmental disasters and uphold world peace. This collective vision calls for ending violence, reducing arms, and protecting our planet from environmental threats.

Over the course of two days, the summit will address several key issues, including religious perspectives on climate change, the role of social media and faith communities in protecting the environment, and building trust through interreligious dialogue. It will also explore the harmful impact of terrorism, religious and racial intolerance, hate incitement, and wars on the environment, peaceful communities, and natural ecosystems.

Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, noted that the summit, scheduled for November 5-6 in Baku, represents the Council’s ongoing commitment to promoting interfaith and intercultural dialogue to build a world of greater understanding, harmony, and sustainability. He highlighted the crucial role that religious leaders can play in addressing global challenges, especially climate change, and praised Azerbaijan’s leadership, under President Ilham Aliyev, in advancing interfaith and intercultural dialogue. He added that Azerbaijan’s initiatives have fostered a society that values peaceful coexistence, tolerance, and mutual dialogue, offering an inspiring model for fostering understanding and peace.

He further noted, “Azerbaijan has declared 2024 the ‘Year of Solidarity for a Green World,’ a call that aligns with the Call of Conscience: The Abu Dhabi Joint Statement for Climate, issued last year as a key outcome of the Global Faith Leaders Summit for Climate hosted in Abu Dhabi. This solidarity encourages humanity to live in harmony with nature and work together to protect our world from climate change. We hope this summit will take another step forward in raising global awareness of climate issues.”

For his part, His Virtue Sheikh ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade, Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims’ Board and spiritual leader of Muslims in Azerbaijan and the Caucasus, stated that the environmental challenges facing humanity today are among the most urgent and dangerous threats to life on Earth. He emphasized that the climate crisis and its destructive impacts demand stronger international collaboration which can also address climate change fundamentally and effectively. This, he noted, was successfully achieved during COP28, which served as an effective platform that brought together policymakers, religious leaders, scientists, and environmental experts, who spent time finding tangible solutions to various climate challenges.

Sheikh-ul-Islam also expressed his hope that the Global Summit of Religious Leaders for Climate in Azerbaijan will build on the success of the previous summit held in Abu Dhabi last year. He also emphasized the vital role that religious leaders can play in raising community awareness of environmental preservation and praised the Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, for uniting the voices of faith and science in the mission to protect our shared planet.

In 2023, as part of its mission to elevate the role of religious leaders in addressing global challenges—especially climate change—and in conjunction with the UAE’s hosting of COP28, the Muslim Council of Elders organized the Global Faith Leaders Summit for Climate on November 6-7. The summit was held in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence, the COP28 Presidency, and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The summit gathered representatives from 18 religions and 30 denominations from around the world, alongside scholars, environmental experts, and civil society members, including youth, women, and indigenous peoples. The event also concluded with the Call of Conscience: The Abu Dhabi Joint Statement for Climate, urging the global community to take concrete actions to address the climate crisis and protect the planet.

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Professor Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, strongly condemns the terrorist attack on the headquarters of Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAS) in the capital, Ankara, which resulted in the loss of life and injuries to several innocent people.

The Muslim Council of Elders unequivocally rejects such acts of terrorism, which contradict the tolerant teachings of Islam, all divine religions, and international laws, norms, and conventions. The Council calls for strengthened international cooperation to eliminate terrorism and eradicate it at its roots.

The Muslim Council of Elders extends its deepest condolences to Turkey and its people, especially the families of the victims, and prays for a swift recovery for the injured.

His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, attended the official inauguration of His Excellency Prabowo Subianto as President of Indonesia and Gibran Rakabuming Raka as Vice President. The event, held at the Indonesian Parliament in Jakarta, was attended by 19 heads of state and government, 15 special envoys from friendly nations, and a large number of ministers, ambassadors, members of the Muslim Council of Elders, and official delegations.

His Excellency the Council’s Secretary-General conveyed the greetings of His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and President of the Muslim Council of Elders, and wished the new president success in leading Indonesia towards further development, prosperity, and the fulfillment of its people’s aspirations. He praised Indonesia as a model of cultural diversity and peaceful coexistence among various ethnic and religious groups.

For his part, the newly inaugurated President of Indonesia expressed his heartfelt thanks and appreciation to His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, President of the Muslim Council of Elders, and the members of the Council. He expressed his gratitude for the participation of the Muslim Council of Elders alongside numerous official delegations at the inauguration ceremony, affirming that Indonesia deeply values this participation, which reflects the strong bonds of love and friendship with the nation and people of Indonesia.

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the leadership of His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, affirms that youth are the cornerstone of building nations and advancing societies. They are the foundation of the present and the strength of the future. The Council highlights the necessity of investing in the energies of youth and developing their capabilities, contributing to enhancing their civilizational and societal roles in peacebuilding and confronting global challenges. 

In a statement released on International Youth Day, which falls on August 12th each year, the Muslim Council of Elders emphasized the importance of supporting and empowering youth and fostering positive belonging among them. The Council noted that, according to United Nations statistics, half of the world’s population is under 30 years of age, and this key segment of society is expected to increase by the end of 2030. This necessitates intensifying and doubling current efforts and providing a conducive and stimulating environment that activates the role of youth, enhances their capabilities, and develops their potential to face the various challenges confronting the world today, foremost among them being issues of extremism, hatred, poverty, and climate change.

The Muslim Council of Elders is committed to supporting and empowering youth to innovate and create in the field of peacebuilding and human coexistence. This aligns with the Council’s vision to build a promising generation of young leaders who will guide the world with their skills, capabilities, virtues, and relationships towards establishing lasting peace and stability. This is achieved through a series of targeted programs, foremost among them being the “Emerging Peacemakers Forum,” the “Student Dialogues on Human Fraternity” program, the “Ethics Education Fellowship Program,” and the “Azadi Fellowship Program” to promote dialogue and coexistence.

The Council also works on involving youth in various significant events it has organized, including the first-ever “Faith Pavilion” at COP28, where youth participated in exchanging ideas and opinions on globally significant environmental and climate issues. Additionally, the Council engaged youth in several international book fairs, initiatives, conferences, and major forums such as the Human Fraternity Majlis, which was held for the first time this year, witnessing substantial and active participation from youth to shape new visions that contribute to promoting the values of tolerance and peaceful coexistence.