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The Republic of Uzbekistan has presented the ‘Medal of Religious Tolerance’ to the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, in recognition of his efforts in promoting interfaith dialogue and relations and disseminating the values of tolerance and coexistence. The award marks the first time that this prestigious medal has been awarded to a personality from outside Uzbekistan.

The Secretary-General received the medal, one of the highest honors in Uzbekistan, from His Excellency Dr. Muzaffar Kamilov, advisor to the President of Uzbekistan, and His Excellency Sadiq Tashbayev, Minister of Religious Affairs in Uzbekistan.

Expressing his appreciation and gratitude, the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders thanked the Republic of Uzbekistan for this honor, affirming that the recognition is a testament to the UAE’s role in promoting the values of coexistence and tolerance through its leading local and global initiatives. He also commended Uzbekistan’s distinguished efforts and experience, highlighting that the Transoxiana region has historically represented a source of Islamic knowledge and heritage for all scholars of the Islamic world.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders has previously received several awards and honors, including the papal knighthood “Knight Commander with Star of the Order of Pius IX” by His Holiness Pope Francis, making him the first Arab Muslim to receive this prestigious award from the head of the Catholic Church.

Additionally, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan awarded him the ‘Medal of Shafa’a (Intercession)’ and the ‘Astana Medal’ in recognition of his efforts to promote human fraternity and dialogue. In June 2023, the National Eurasian University in Kazakhstan conferred upon him an honorary professorship, acknowledging his efforts in promoting the values of dialogue, tolerance, fraternity, and coexistence.

Among these accolades, the Secretary-General also received the ‘Community Service Medal’ from the Minister of Interior of the United Arab Emirates, in appreciation of his commitment and positive impact in enhancing security in communities. Furthermore, the President of the Supreme Constitutional Court of the Arab Republic of Egypt honored him with the ‘Supreme Constitutional Court Medal’ in recognition of his representation of the Egyptian judiciary during his tenure at Al-Azhar and the committee for drafting the Egyptian constitution.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, is a member of the Al-Azhar Interfaith Dialogue Center, a member of the King Hamad Center for Peaceful Coexistence, and the Deputy President of the Religions for Peace organization. He has previously served as the Secretary-General of the Higher Committee for Human Fraternity and as an advisor to His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar. He actively participated in the preparation of the historic Document on Human Fraternity co-signed by His Holiness Pope Francis and His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb in Abu Dhabi on February 4, 2019. He also contributed to the drafting and amendment of the Egyptian constitution in the Constituent Assemblies for drafting the Egyptian constitution in 2012 and 2013 and played a role in drafting several documents for Al-Azhar between 2011 and 2018.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam has held various meetings with officials during his visit to the Republic of Uzbekistan including Dr. Muzaffar Kamilov, Advisor to the President of Uzbekistan for Religious Affairs, Sadyk Tashbayev, Minister of Religious Affairs, and Dr. Oygon Ghofurov, President of the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan. During the meeting, discussions centered around enhancing mutual cooperation and reviving the heritage of Islamic scholars.

The Secretary-General underscored Uzbekistan’s rich history in Islamic civilization, highlighting the significant contributions of its prominent Muslim scholars and thinkers across various fields who have also played a crucial role in advancing Islamic sciences, arts, and philosophy throughout the ages, contributing to the development of humanity. He also outlined the Muslim Council of Elders’ plan to revive the heritage of the nation’s scholars, aiming to shape the intellectual perspectives of current and future generations.

The Advisor to the President of Uzbekistan welcomed the Secretary-General and his accompanying delegation, praising the efforts of the Council, led by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar. He also acknowledged the Council’s positive role in promoting values of peace, tolerance, and mutual coexistence, while expressing his nation’s eagerness to collaborate with the Muslim Council of Elders and Al-Azhar in enhancing dialogue and human fraternity. He also congratulated the Council on the opening of its Central Asian branch in Kazakhstan, and anticipated further joint initiatives and projects between Uzbekistan and the Muslim Council of Elders.

Minister Sadyk Tashbayev highlighted Uzbekistan’s significant progress, especially in the religious domain, including16 different religious denominations living together in tolerance and harmony. He emphasized Uzbekistan’s possession of numerous scholarly centers in Samarkand and Bukhara, along with the Islamic Civilization Center, housing over 100,000 historical manuscripts from eminent Islamic scholars from the Transoxiana region.

Dr. Oygon Ghofurov, President of the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan, noted the academy’s prominent standing as the second-ranked scientific institution in Uzbekistan and the foremost in the field of humanities which offers a wide range of educational programs, including Islamic studies, jurisprudence, Quranic and Hadith sciences, Arabic language, and comparative Islamic studies, the academy collaborates closely with international religious and academic institutions like Al-Azhar and Mohamed bin Zayed University for Humanities. He further expressed the academy’s readiness to cooperate with the Muslim Council of Elders in initiatives promoting dialogue, peace, and coexistence.

Both parties also reiterated the importance of strengthening mutual cooperation and sharing experiences in promoting tolerance, peace, coexistence, and promoting the Islamic nation’s heritage and scholars. This collaboration aims to benefit current and future generations by learning from the scientific and humanitarian contributions of these scholars.

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, calls for the urgent protection from children from becoming victims of wars and conflicts witnessed in our world today. The council emphasizes the escalating violence in many regions worldwide, particularly highlighting the Israeli aggression on Gaza, resulting in thousands of child casualties, numerous injuries, and families losing their homes, and basic necessities, leading to challenging humanitarian conditions.

In a statement issued on World Children’s Day, observed on November 20 of each year, the council underscores the necessity to halt the increasing violence affecting children globally. It particularly condemns the Israeli aggression on Gaza, expressing concern over the loss of life, injuries, and the dire humanitarian situation faced by children.

The statement emphasizes that World Children’s Day serves as a stark reminder of the shared responsibility of the international community to provide care and protection for children, putting an end to all forms of risks and difficult humanitarian conditions they may face, safeguarding their human dignity based on our religious and ethical responsibilities.

The council also referred to the Document on Human Fraternity which was co-signed by His Eminence the Grand Imam Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, and His Holiness Pope Francis of the Catholic Church, in Abu Dhabi in 2019. The document affirms the fundamental rights of children, including upbringing, nutrition, education, and care, as duties incumbent upon families and society. It also stresses the importance of ensuring these rights for every child and condemns any practices that compromise their dignity or violate their rights.

The statement praised the United Arab Emirates for hosting around 1000 Palestinian children from Gaza along with their families, providing medical treatment and healthcare. It also acknowledged Egypt for receiving newborns from Gaza, ensuring proper healthcare for them. The council called on the international community to fulfill its responsibilities and halt the bloodshed of children and women in Gaza.

Muslim Council of Elders strongly condemns Israeli occupation’s aggression against schools and hospitals and calls for a decisive international stance to protect civilians in Gaza

The Muslim Council of Elders strongly condemns the Israeli occupation’s bombing of the Al-Fakhoura School, affiliated with UNRWA, as well as the Tal Al-Zaatar School, along with the ongoing aggression against hospitals and homes of innocent civilians which has led to dozens of martyrs and injuries, with the majority being women and children.

The Muslim Council of Elders calls on the international community to take a decisive stance to halt this inhumane aggression against innocent civilians in the Gaza Strip. It also urges the prompt delivery of humanitarian aid, as well as medical supplies to civilians to go with supporting the Palestinian people in securing their full rights and establishing an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam has received His Excellency Jorge Rodríguez, the Minister of Communications of the Republic of Costa Rica, at the council’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi. The meeting discussed ways to enhance mutual cooperation and emphasize the media’s role in promoting the values of dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence. Also in attendance was Francisco J. Chacón Hernández, Ambassador of the Republic of Costa Rica in the United Arab Emirates and Dean of the GRULAC (Group of Latin America and the Caribbean).

During the meeting, the Costa Rican Minister of Communications expressed appreciation for the efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar. He also praised the historical friendship between His Eminence the Grand Imam and His Holiness Pope Francis of the Catholic Church, which culminated in the co-signing of the Document on Human Fraternity in Abu Dhabi in 2019. The Minister further expressed his nation’s eagerness to enhance cooperation with the Muslim Council of Elders in various initiatives and activities of mutual interest and also commended the Abu Dhabi Interfaith Statement on Climate Change and the upcoming Faith Pavilion at COP28.

For his part, the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders welcomed the Costa Rican Minister of Communications and highlighted the council’s interest in strengthening collaboration with Latin American nations. He also commended Costa Rica’s model in promoting coexistence and the positive role of women in achieving progress and development. The Secretary-General affirmed that the council has numerous initiatives aimed at promoting the role of media in spreading the values of human fraternity and explained that the upcoming period will witness further collaboration between the Muslim Council of Elders and Costa Rica in areas related to peace promotion and the role of religions in addressing global challenges, with a particular focus on climate change.

The Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Elders also congratulated the President of Costa Rica, H.E. Dr. Rodrigo Chaves, for his committed leadership for peace, the achievement of inclusive economic sustainability for his people and the empowerment of women in all endeavors of life.

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the Chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, calls upon the world to work towards elevating the values of dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence in response to extremist, hateful, biased, and discriminatory discourses. The council affirms its support for sincere efforts aimed at promoting peace, and coexistence, and addressing the wars, conflicts, and humanitarian crises plaguing our world today.

In a statement on the International Day for Tolerance, observed on the 16th of November every year, the council emphasizes that tolerance is a fundamental and necessary value advocated by all religions, traditions, human customs, and international covenants. It underscores the urgent need, especially in our current world, to reinforce the values of tolerance and coexistence, given the escalating pace of wars, conflicts, and crises, which pose a significant challenge to sincere efforts in promoting the values of dialogue and coexistence.

The statement adds that as we celebrate the International Day for Tolerance, it is essential for the world to recognize that enhancing tolerance and coexistence is an ongoing endeavor, requiring continuous efforts to pave the way for building a future that is more secure, just, peaceful, and equitable for current and future generations. Therefore, the council calls upon individuals, communities, and governments to strengthen dialogue, respect diversity, disseminate the values of tolerance, coexistence, and humanitarian principles, and build bridges of understanding.

The Muslim Council of Elders is committed to significant efforts to promote the values of tolerance and coexistence among all people, regardless of their differences. This commitment aligns with 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, Pontiff of the Catholic Church, in Abu Dhabi in 2019. The document urged world leaders and policymakers as well to earnestly work towards spreading a culture of tolerance, coexistence, and peace, calling for immediate intervention to stop the flow of innocent blood and address current world issues, including wars, conflicts, climate deterioration, and cultural and ethical decline.

H.E. Nahyan bin Mubarak attends signing of the ‘Abu Dhabi Interfaith Statement on Climate Change’

–  H.E. Nahyan bin Mubarak emphasizes that the UAE is making concerted efforts to become a global model for a sustainable future

– Participants in the Global Faith Leaders Summit send a message to the leaders attending COP28

– Antonio Guterres emphasizes that the world requires faith leaders to raise awareness about the dangers of climate change

– The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar stresses that we must take decisive actions that contribute to influencing global decision-makers to enhance climate justice and protect the environment

– Pope Francis underscores that effectively confronting the climate emergency requires the participation and cooperation of everyone

–  H.E. Dr. Sultan Al Jaber states that the Abu Dhabi Interfaith Statement on Climate Change represents a declaration of unity, cohesion, and responsibility

– The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders points out that the Abu Dhabi Interfaith Statement on Climate Change affirms the unity of religious symbols in conveying their message of climate change to the world


Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi, witnessed the start of the Global Faith Leaders Summit for the signing of the ‘Abu Dhabi Interfaith Statement on Climate Change’. The event was attended by His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, His Excellency Dr. Sultan Ahmed  Al Jaber, President  of COP28, His Eminence Dr. Mohamed Al-Duwaini, the Deputy of Al-Azhar representing the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, as well as Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See representing His Holiness Pope Francis, and Antonio Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, who participated via a recorded video message. Also in attendance was His Excellency Judge Mohammed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, alongside various faith leaders, academics, indigenous peoples, and environmental experts from around the world.

During the opening session of the summit, His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, the UAE’s Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, stated that the clear commitment of religious leaders to protect planet Earth inspires him and fills him with hope and confidence. He pointed out that COP28 will bring the world together to achieve a common goal: reducing global warming to pre-industrial levels and in turn contribute to the realization of the Paris Agreement’s climate goals. His Excellency also emphasized that we all share the sacred duty to protect planet Earth and its inhabitants, making the summit an example of the persistent work we are all called to do. 

The UAE’s Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence further highlighted that the UAE’s hosting of COP28 aligns with the wise vision of the nation’s leadership and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, the patron of the summit. He further noted that the UAE is working diligently and steadfastly to be a global model for a sustainable future, commending the cooperation with the Muslim Council of Elders, the Presidency of COP28, and the United Nations Environment Programme to send a message from the UAE to the world, advocating for hope, peace, caring for the Earth, and its inhabitants.

The ‘Abu Dhabi Interfaith Statement on Climate Change’ was signed by 28 leaders and figures representing 18 different religions and urged government officials and leaders to respond urgently by swiftly transitioning towards sustainable energy to ensure climate justice. The call also encourages business leaders and policymakers to adopt a rapid and equitable transition to clean energy sources, enhance services aimed at addressing the impacts of climate change on human health, especially in vulnerable communities. 

Prominent faith leaders also expressed their support for the ‘Faith Pavilion’ at COP28, co-organized by the Muslim Council of Elders, the Presidency of COP28, the United Nations Environment Programme, and the Holy See, for the first time in the history of the Conference of the Parties. Leaders also encouraged the continued meetings in future COP conferences to send a message of hope and a call to action, supporting the development of faith-based environmental discourse.

Summit attendees also called on policymakers and global leaders that will attend COP28 to seize this critical moment and act urgently, to form a tight fabric of collective action and deep responsibility. They further emphasized that the urgent nature of this moment requires swift, cooperative, and decisive measures to save the world and preserve the beauty of our shared habitat, while also instilling hope in future generations, and to enhancing joint efforts to embark on this journey towards a future characterized by resilience, harmony, and prosperity for all forms of life on planet Earth.

His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan also attended the signing ceremony of the ‘Abu Dhabi Interfaith Statement on Climate Change’, which was held during the evening session of the first day of the summit and saw prominent faith leaders planting the ‘Ghaf Tree’ which symbolizes combating desertification, reducing carbon emissions, improving air quality, and is also associated with the environmental and cultural heritage of the United Arab Emirates. Faith leaders then signed the call and handed it over to His Excellency Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, the President-Designate of COP28 and Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology in the UAE, who, in turn, will deliver it to world leaders attending COP28, which will be hosted by the United Arab Emirates from November 30 to December 12, 2023.

During the signing ceremony, COP28 President-designate and UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology His Excellency Dr. Sultan Al Jaber reiterated that in accordance with the vision and directives of the leadership of the United Arab Emirates, the Presidency of COP28 is dedicated to the principles of inclusivity, unifying efforts, and fostering collaboration in order to achieve the desired progress in global climate action. His Excellency emphasized that the statement, signed by a wide array of faith leaders, stands as a declaration of unity, responsibility, and an unwavering belief in the crucial role that religions and faith leaders can play in safeguarding our vulnerable and fragile world.

His Excellency further affirmed the COP28 Presidency’s support for the call made by faith leaders to unite efforts, activate participation in climate action, and build a better future for humanity worldwide. He described the ‘Abu Dhabi Interfaith Statement on Climate Change’ as a significant declaration of intent that underscores the urgent need for action, unity, and cooperation, while also stressing the importance of taking responsibility and nurturing hope. He also commended the religious leaders and present beliefs that unite various faiths around one message for all of humanity, shouldering the responsibility of nurturing beliefs and supporting the aspirations of the vast majority of people while also amplifying the voices of many vulnerable communities. He also clarified that the ‘Global Faith Leaders Summit’ highlights humanity’s capacity to unite in climate action despite divisions, bringing together different religions and beliefs to unify efforts and realize a common goal.

For his part, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres said via a recorded video message, “The summit, which is taking place in the run up to COP 28 comes at the critical moment for humanity and the planet we call home. Those least responsible for this crisis, people and planet, need action to limit global warming to 1. 5 degrees, to face down planet killing fossil fuels, ramp up the renewables revolution and to support developing countries and deliver climate justice with finance for renewables adaptation and loss and damage. We need your moral voice and spiritual authority to summon the conscience of leaders, awaken their ambition, and inspire them to do what is needed at COP 28 to save our one and only home.”

In a speech delivered on behalf of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, His Eminence Dr. Mohamed Al-Duwaini emphasized that we must take decisive measures to influence global decision-makers in order to promote climate justice and protect the environment. He also explained that the convening of the Global Faith Leaders Summit is a historic step while commending the summit’s organizers. He further expressed his hope for greater cooperation among all concerned groups and organizations, to find practical and effective solutions that would mitigate the effects of climate change.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See, added in a speech delivered on behalf of His Holiness Pope Francis, Pontiff of the Catholic Church, “The climate crisis, which has deep ethical roots, is an alarming and clear example of a failure of conscience and responsibility, and it is one that we can no longer accept. Its powerful effects are being felt even now – especially by those peoples that are most vulnerable – and those effects will be felt even more by future generations. Effectively confronting the climate crisis calls for involvement on the part of everyone. Individual actions are not of themselves sufficient; what is needed is the development of a responsible, collective response truly aimed at working together to build our common home.”

His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople added, “The world still remains in crisis, but transformation is possible through ceaseless cooperation. Partnership is the new normal. As never before, diverse groups align to safeguard civilization and planetary health. By walking hand in hand, with hope as our compass, we embark on an unprecedented yet essential journey where faith, conscience and action converge. To sustain collaboration between diverse faiths and partners in science and society, we have to establish an ongoing mechanism for joint reflection, advocacy and action on the linked challenges of justice, sustainability and human development, translating powerful intentions into meaningful impacts. Together we are greater than the sum of our parts. Guided by timeless wisdom yet open to new solutions, we will restore nature’s balance, in order to build a society that flourishes in harmony with the Earth that sustains us all.”

The Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, praised the efforts of the United Arab Emirates and its President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. He also commended His Highness’s support for the global movement to address the climate emergency and stated that the hosting of COP28 by the UAE marks the beginning of a new and decisive phase in enhancing global efforts to confront this existential challenge. He further affirmed that the Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, is especially keen on unifying the voices of religious leaders in facing global challenges, particularly the climate emergency. He also emphasized that the signing of the ‘Abu Dhabi Interfaith Statement on Climate Change’ by faith leaders confirms their unity in delivering their joint message to the world.

The Global Faith Leaders Summit, organized by the Muslim Council of Elders in collaboration with the COP28 Presidency, the United Nations Environment Programme, the Holy See, and the UAE’s Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence kicked off in Abu Dhabi on Monday. The summit saw significant participation from faith leaders and figures, academics, and environmental experts, along with representatives from indigenous populations, youth, and women with the aim of formulating a shared vision on climate change.

The summit’ first day featured two sessions titled, ‘Faith and Sustainability’ as well as ‘Faith for Plantary Resurgence’, while the second day included five sessions; ‘Changemakers Majlis: Faith and Science – Connecting the Heart and the Head’, ‘Towards an Integrated Approach’, ‘Interfaith Women Leaders’, ‘Youth Faith Leaders’ and ‘Towards Consolidated Action’. 

Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders: Scenes of Debris and Destruction We Witness in Gaza Every Day Represent a Deep Wound in Our Humanity, and International Movements are Necessary if We Desire Genuine Peace

The Secretary-General of the مسلم کونسل آف ایلڈرز, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam has emphasized that the existence of religions aims to preserve the reservoir of hope in promoting the common good. He pointed out that Islam creates hope for the future through the cosmic relationships of humans with God, the world, and their fellow humans. This includes the relationship of trust and hope in God and confidence in His capability. It also involves considering the world as a field for human succession, where people bear the responsibility of rebuilding and preserving it for the benefit of future generations. This is accomplished through the values of justice, compassion, and solidarity.

During his participation in a dialogue session titled “In Search of Hope for a Better World” at the World Policy Conference in Abu Dhabi, the Secretary-General stated that the potential of Islam in generating this hope is closely tied to its historical connection with divine religions from the Middle East. This region, where prophecies were revealed and philosophies were formed, remains strongly present in the conscience and thinking of humanity. Unfortunately, it is now suffering from severe and relentless bloodshed, causing innocent civilian casualties every moment. This situation places a collective responsibility on us towards our humanity and the world we live in, which is truly in need of a dose of hope created by our will, sincerity, and belief in justice for all people.

The Secretary-General further explained that the Quran, when considering the mission of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as the culmination of the stages of divine revelation to humanity, describes him as a mercy to the world. This underscores the significance of revelation or religion as a beacon of hope for humanity and mercy for all creatures. The message of this final Prophet is directed towards all of humanity without distinction, making universality, based on spiritual faith and voluntary moral commitment, as well as solidarity for the benefit of humanity, one of the features of the religious message.

He emphasized the importance of initiatives that aim to strengthen the globality of religious values while preserving diversity and harnessing the spiritual power of religions to address current human issues and the shared challenges of our world. This aligns with the Document on Human Fraternity, co-signed by the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, along with Pope Francis on February 4, 2019. The Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi, which opened at the beginning of 2023, also provides a shared space not only for coexistence among these three religions but also for dialogue and cooperation between them.

The Secretary-General concluded by affirming that despite the challenges and risks, it remains meaningful to ask how the three monotheistic religions can work together to realize their fundamental shared values of justice, truth, and peace. He expressed his deep conviction that victory will be the ally of every force that upholds the essence of our humanity, embodies and defends these values.

Leaders and representatives from all major world religions are laying the groundwork for the Global Faith Leaders Summit, which will take place this week in Abu Dhabi under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and will underscore the crucial role of faith communities and religious institutions in addressing the climate emergency.  Ahead of the summit, high-level religious leaders representing over 30 faiths – as well as academics, environmental experts, youth, female leaders, and indigenous constituencies – are completing a months-long collaborative process to deliver an ambitious unified faith declaration on climate action, which will be signed by leading religious figures during the summit.   In recognition that over 84 percent of the global population identifies with a religion, the faith declaration on climate action will harness the collective influence of religious representatives, communities, and institutions to inspire humanity to advance climate justice.   The two-day summit is organized by the Muslim Council of Elders (MCE) in collaboration with the COP28 Presidency and the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP).  COP28 President, Dr. Sultan Al Jaber said: “Inclusion is at the heart of our COP Presidency – faith-based communities and organizations play a crucial role in helping the world address climate change. We aim to ensure that COP28 amplifies the call to action from global religious leaders to many of the world’s communities to drive and engage in climate action.”    Muslim Council of Elders Secretary-General Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam said: “We are looking forward to this landmark event, which will address the collaboration between faith and science and amplify the voices of religious leaders and faith communities in saving the future of our planet, mitigating the negative impact of climate change, and ensuring a just energy transition.”   His Eminence Cardinal Miguel Ángel Ayuso, Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue and a featured participant in the upcoming summit, added: “All of us participants – representing various religions and backgrounds – recognize we have a moral and religious responsibility to shape an ethic of care for the earth – our shared home. This summit, bringing together both the high-level and grassroots, is a call to all of humanity to safeguard nature.”  Taking place on November 6 and 7, the summit comes ahead of the 28th Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC (COP28), which will be hosted by the UAE from November 30 to December 12, 2023.  During COP28, MCE – in collaboration with the COP28 Presidency, UNEP, and a coalition of faith partners – will host the Faith Pavilion, the first pavilion of its kind at a COP event. This pioneering space is designed to be the focal point for fostering meaningful interfaith collaboration and engagement, with the ultimate goal of catalyzing effective and ambitious climate action.  COP28 UAE is expected to convene over 70,000 participants, including heads of state, government officials, international industry leaders, private sector representatives, academics, experts, youth, and non-state actors. As mandated by the Paris Climate Agreement, COP28 UAE will deliver the first ever Global Stocktake – a comprehensive evaluation of progress against climate goals. The UAE will lead a process for all parties to agree upon a clear roadmap to accelerate progress through a pragmatic global energy transition and a “leave no one behind” approach to inclusive climate action.

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the Chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, condemns the massacre committed by the Israeli occupation forces against the Palestinian people in the Jabalia Refugee Camp, which resulted in hundreds of martyrs and wounded. The Council warns that the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip continues to cause a humanitarian catastrophe for innocent Palestinian civilians.

The Muslim Council of Elders reiterates its call to the Arab and Islamic worlds as well as the global community, international institutions, and all the free people of the world to urgently act to stop the Israeli occupation’s brutal and ongoing aggression against innocent civilians in the Gaza Strip, and for an immediate cessation of hostilities in accordance with the resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on October 27, 2023.

The Council emphasizes that the continuation of this humanitarian crime against the Palestinian people along with the ongoing massacres against innocent civilians, and the loss of thousands of martyrs, most of them being women and children, constitute a blatant violation of international law and thwarts the aspirations of the Palestinian people who have been dreaming of peace and struggling for the establishment of an independent state and obtaining their legitimate rights for over seventy years.