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The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohammad Abdelsalam has visited the headquarters of the World Council of Churches in Geneva, Switzerland, upon an official invitation from Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay, the Secretary-General of the World Council of Churches.

During the visit, the two parties discussed enhancing cooperation in the field of interreligious dialogue as well as the role of religious leaders in addressing current global challenges, particularly climate change in light of the upcoming COP28 conference, which will be hosted by the United Arab Emirates at the end of the year.

Judge Abdelsalam and Dr. Pillay also discussed ways to promote and enhance peace in Africa as well as the final preparations for the second edition of the Emerging Peacemakers Forum, which will be held in partnership between the Muslim Council of Elders, the World Council of Churches, and the Rose Castle Foundation in July. The forum is set to feature the participation of 50 young people from the East and the West with the aim of producing future generations of youth that are capable of positively contributing to international peacebuilding.

At the meeting’s conclusion, the Secretary-General along with other senior figures of the World Council of Churches praised the efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar in promoting the values of tolerance, coexistence, and interreligious and intercultural dialogue. They also expressed their full support for all interreligious dialogue efforts and initiatives planned during the upcoming COP28 conference, which will be held in the United Arab Emirates at the end of the current year. The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, for his part, emphasized that the World Council of Churches serves as a model for how religious organizations should collaborate in promoting the values of dialogue, tolerance, and global peace.

As part of universal efforts towards protecting the environment and preserving the world’s natural resources, the Muslim Council of Elders affirms that environmental conservation and the sustainability of its resources are religious and ethical duties that contribute to advancing global peace, development, and stability.

On World Environment Day, which is celebrated by the United Nations on June 5th of each year, the Muslim Council of Elders calls for the unification of efforts aimed at preserving the environment by promoting sustainability and raising awareness about environmental risks that threaten life on this planet. It also emphasizes the significant role that individuals and institutions can play in protecting and preserving the environment and mitigating the negative impacts of climate change, which is one of the main challenges endangering life on this planet.

The Muslim Council of Elders has undertaken various efforts to raise awareness about environmental issues and climate change. The Document on Human Fraternity, co-signed by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders alongside His Holiness Pope Francis, Pontiff of the Catholic Church, in Abu Dhabi in 2019, emphasizes the necessity of addressing climate change. Additionally, the exceptional meeting of the Muslim Council of Elders and senior representatives of the Catholic Church which took place during the Bahrain Dialogue Forum, further discussed the role of religious leaders in facing current global challenges, particularly climate change.

In late May, His Holiness Pope Francis, Pontiff of the Catholic Church, alongside Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, and His Excellency Majid Al Suwaidi, Director-General and Special Representative for the Presidency of the United Arab Emirates for the COP28 conference, discussed the possibility of launching a joint initiative to invite all religious institutions, religious leaders, and civil society organizations worldwide to unite their efforts in achieving the shared goal of protecting the Earth. The meeting also explored the potential establishment of an interfaith and intercultural dialogue pavilion at the COP28 conference, which would serve as a dedicated platform for enriching enlightened religious dialogue, knowledge and experience exchange, and highlighting the crucial role of leveraging religious insights and values in addressing the current climate crisis.

The United Arab Emirates will host the 28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) from November 30th to December 12th, 2023. The aim of the conference is to seek effective solutions to confront the negative impacts of climate change, as one of the main global challenges threatening life on this planet.

In line with the commitment of the Muslim Council of Elders, under the Chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, to promote peaceful coexistence and celebrate diversity in the Muslim world, a seminar titled ‘Identity Harmony Management in the Muslim World: Concepts and Mechanisms’ was organized at the Council’s stand in the International Publishing and Book Fair in the Moroccan capital, Rabat. The seminar featured Dr. Yahya Ramadan, Head of the Raqee Center for Studies and Dr. Fouad Bouali, Director of the ‘Identity Harmony Management in the Muslim World’ initiative at the Al-Hokama Center for Peace and Research.

At the beginning of the seminar, Dr. Yahya Ramadan expressed his gratitude to the Muslim Council of Elders for their efforts in promoting peace and disseminating the values of dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence. He emphasized that understanding and managing peace require taking into consideration the global context in which Muslims exist, stressing the need to approach the management of identity harmony in the Arab world from different perspectives and the necessity of a deeper understanding of it.

The Head of the Raqee Center for Studies and Research added that the contemporary world is characterized by cultural and identity diversity, and migration has led to the coexistence of different cultural groups. This has given rise to identity discourse, which is sometimes insufficiently understood. He also pointed out the challenges posed by diversity and stressed the desired goal of building a society based on the values of peace and shared living. Ramadan finally affirmed the importance of managing the issue of identity in a fruitful way and transforming it from a source of tension and division into a mechanism for peaceful coexistence.

For his part, Dr. Fouad Bouali emphasized that identity harmony is a timely and crucial issue, stating that the discussion of identity is not merely a temporary debate but a sustainable and future-oriented matter. He also explained that “identity harmony management” is not just a theoretical project but a procedural project aimed at achieving peace among people. He presented a set of proposed solutions to overcome the identity crisis, including recognizing minorities, implementing policies of diversity, promoting constructive dialogue and mutual learning between different communities. He also highlighted the importance of achieving social solidarity and social justice as the foundation for achieving identity harmony.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ stand at the International Publishing and Book Fair in Rabat is set to host several seminars and activities aimed at rectifying misconceptions, promoting dialogue and tolerance, and building bridges of communication and coexistence. These efforts align with the Council’s message, under the Chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, which aims to enhance peace in Muslim and non-Muslim societies.

Under the title ‘Efforts of Orientalists in Preserving Heritage as an Expression of Cultural Communication’, the Muslim Council of Elders organized a seminar at the 2023 International Publishing and Book Fair in Rabat. The seminar was delivered by Dr. Ahmed Shoukry Binbayn, the Director of the Royal Library in Morocco.

At the beginning of the seminar, Dr. Binbayn expressed his gratitude to the Muslim Council of Elders, under the Chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar for their participation in the International Publishing and Book Fair in Rabat. He praised the council’s efforts in promoting and enhancing the values of dialogue, coexistence, tolerance and peace. 

During the seminar, which was attended by Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, and moderated by Dr. Samir Boudinar, Executive Director of Al-Hokama Center for Peace and Research, Dr. Binbayn discussed various aspects of Orientalist work, including academic, research, linguistics, and other historical aspects. He emphasized the importance of using scientific and critical methods in studying heritage and the need for communication and collaboration between researchers and Orientalists in order to achieve a higher level of accuracy and comprehensiveness in interpretation and documentation.

Meanwhile, Dr. Binbayn criticized the lack of awareness among some teachers and students about the work of Orientalists who have long been working on preserving heritage throughout history. He pointed out that some students and teachers have preconceived notions about certain Orientalists, which poses a significant challenge in understanding and appreciating the efforts of others.

The Director of the Royal Library in Morocco also highlighted the existence of fair and sympathetic Orientalists towards Islam, such as ‘Gustav Jahn’ who translated the book ‘Sibawayh’ into the German language due to his expertise and deep knowledge of grammar and morphology. He also noted other Orientalists who embraced Islam and defended it, as well as others who didn’t convert to Islam but defended it nonetheless.

In conclusion, Dr. Binbayn appealed to younger generation to be vigilant and not succumb to extremists. He encouraged them to embody the teachings of tolerant Islam, which call for accepting and respecting others, and to promote the values of human fraternity among all people.

Dr. Samir Boudinar, the Executive Director of Al-Hokama Center for Peace and Research, affirmed the importance of peaceful cultural communication, while emphasizing the efforts of Orientalists in preserving heritage. He explained that Arab and Islamic heritage is rich and vast and has required continuous efforts by successive generations of scholars throughout history.

The seminar witnessed a significant attendance of visitors to the fair who were also keen to visit the Council’s stand to explore publications by ‘Dar Al Hokama Publishing’, which aims to correct misconceptions and promote the values of dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ stand at the International Publishing and Book Fair in Rabat is set to host several seminars and activities aimed at rectifying misconceptions, promoting dialogue and tolerance, and building bridges of communication and coexistence. These efforts align with the Council’s message, under the Chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, which aims to enhance peace in Muslim and non-Muslim societies.

The Zayed Award for Human Fraternity today opened nominations for its 2024 award – an independent global prize honoring individuals and entities of all backgrounds working selflessly and tirelessly to advance solidarity, integrity, fairness, and optimism, and create breakthroughs towards peaceful coexistence. 

The award – which includes a USD $1 million financial prize – launched in 2019 to mark the historic meeting in Abu Dhabi between His Holiness Pope Francis and His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, during which the two leaders co-signed the Document on Human Fraternity.

The Secretary-General of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity and the Muslim Council of Elders Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam said: “As the 2024 edition of the award begins, we call for nominations of people and organizations who are advancing human fraternity at all levels of society, inspiring others to serve the common good, and changing our world for the better.”

Eligible nominators can submit nominations through the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity’s official website: https://zayedaward.org/. 

Nominations will be accepted until October 1, 2023. An independent judging committee of experts in peacebuilding and coexistence will review the nominations and select the honoree(s).

The recipient(s) will be honored during a ceremony to be held on February 4, 2024 – coinciding with the UN-recognized International Day of Human Fraternity and the anniversary of the signing of the Document on Human Fraternity by Pope Francis and His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders.

Since the award’s inception, leaders, activists, and humanitarian organizations from around the world have been honored including: His Holiness Pope Francis, head of the Catholic Church (honorary recipient); the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb (honorary recipient); UN Secretary-General António Guterres; activist against extremism Latifa Ibn Ziaten; His Majesty King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein, King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and his wife, Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah; Haitian humanitarian organization the Foundation for Knowledge and Liberty (FOKAL); the Community of Sant’Egidio organization; and Kenyan peacebuilder Shamsa Abubakar Fadhil.

His Holiness Pope Francis, Pope of the Catholic Church, in a special meeting, on Monday, May 29, received His Excellency Advisor Muhammad Abdul Salam, Secretary-General of the Council of Muslim Wise, and His Excellency Ambassador Majed Al-Swedi, Director-General and Special Representative to the President of the United Nations for the Twenty-eighth Session of the United Nations Framework Agreement on Climate Change.

During the meeting, the possibility of launching a joint initiative on climate change, in preparation for the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference, was discussed; aimed at engaging religious leaders, religious institutions, and civil society organizations in achieving the goals of the conference.

The initiative calls on all religious institutions, religious leaders and civil society organizations around the world to unite efforts to achieve a common goal of protecting the planet Earth; the Common House for all humanity, the initiative also aims to leverage on the role of religions in consolidating bridges of communication between countries, cultures and peoples, and opening up new horizons for climate action. The initiative is also based on a solid conviction on the importance of the role of religious leaders and religious institutions in providing practical solutions to address the negative effects of ongoing climate change.

The meeting also discussed the possibility of establishing an interfaith and cultural dialogue wing at the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference, to serve as a special platform for enriching enlightened religious dialogue and the exchange of knowledge and experiences in this field, rather than being a platform for interfaith and cultures dialogue, highlighting the crucial role in drawing on religious insights and values in Addressing the climate crisis

The United Arab Emirates is hosting its 28th session of the United Nations Framework Agreement on Climate Change, from November 1 to December 10, 2020, aiming to find effective solutions to address the negative impacts of climate change, as one of the global challenges that threaten life on the surface of this planet.

The Vatican alongside the Muslim Council of Elders and and the Presidency of the (COP28) Conference are discussing the launch of an initiative aimed at involving religious institutions and leaders to address the challenges of climate change

His Holiness Pope Francis, Head of the Catholic Church, received in private Audience, on May 29, H.E. Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, and H.E. Ambassador Majid Al-Suwaidi, Director-General and Special Representative of the UAE Presidency for COP28.

During the Audience, they shared the possibility of launching a joint initiative on climate change in preparation for and on the occasion of the upcoming COP28, in order to involve religious institutions, leaders, and civil society organizations in addressing the goals of COP28.

The initiative will call on all religious institutions, leaders, and civil society organizations worldwide to unite towards achieving the shared goal of protecting the Earth, our common home. It aims to build on the role of religions in bridging communication between nations, cultures, and individuals, and opening new horizons for climate action. The initiative will be driven by the firm conviction of the important role of religious leaders and institutions in driving practical solutions to address the detrimental consequences of climate change.

During the Audience, the possibility of creating an interfaith and intercultural dialogue pavilion at COP28 was also considered. This space could be dedicated to enlightened religious discourse and knowledge exchange, serving as a platform for dialogue between religions and cultures and highlighting the crucial role of religious perspectives and values in addressing the climate crisis.

The United Arab Emirates is hosting the COP28 conference from November 30 to December 12, 2023, aiming to find effective solutions to mitigate the negative impact of climate change as a global challenge that threatens life on this planet.

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With a wide-ranging library of publications as well as a seminar and lecture program

The Muslim Council of Elders is set to participate in the 28th  edition of the International Publishing and Book Fair, scheduled to be held in the Moroccan capital, Rabat, from June 1st to 11th, 2023. The upcoming participation aligns with the Council’s mission to deepen awareness and promote values of tolerance, coexistence, and peace.

The Council’s stand at the International Publishing and Book Fair will allow visitors to explore a collection of important publications, books, and manuscripts. Additionally, a diverse and comprehensive seminar and lecture program will address various important topics related to Islamic thought. These events will feature the participation of a number of scholars, thinkers, writers, intellectuals, and university professors.

The Council’s stand will begin with a seminar titled ‘Orientalism and the Efforts of Orientalists in Preserving Heritage’ presented by Dr. Ahmed Shoukry Binbayn, Director of the Royal Library in Rabat, on Friday, June 2nd. On Saturday, June 3rd, Dr. Elias Belka, Professor at Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University in Fez, will deliver a seminar titled ‘Conflict and Strife in the Muslim World and Prospects for Islamic Dialogue’.

Furthermore, the Council’s stand will host a seminar featuring Dr. Yahya Ramadan, Professor of Higher Education at the Regional Center for Education and Training in Meknes, in collaboration with Dr. Fouad Bouali, Director of the ‘Identity Harmony Management in the Muslim World’ initiative at the Al-Hokama Center for Peace and Research,. The seminar is titled ‘Identity Harmony Management in the Muslim World: Concepts and Mechanisms’ and will take place on Sunday, June 4th.

On Tuesday, June 5th, the Council’s stand will organize a seminar titled ‘A Reading of the Book ‘Dawn of Andalusia’ presented by Dr. Hassan Oureid, Professor of Political Science at Mohammed V University in Rabat. Another seminar titled ‘The Role of the Muslim Council of Elders in Serving and Disseminating Islamic Heritage’ will be held on Wednesday, June 6th, presented by Dr. Mohammed Jamal, Researcher at the Heritage Revival Office of Al-Azhar.

Dr. Adel Mousawi, Professor of International Relations at Mohammed V University in Rabat, will discuss the topic of ‘Efforts of Conflict Resolution Groups in Africa’ on Thursday, June 8th while Dr. Said Kafaiti, Professor at the Faculty of Arts and Humanities at Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University in Fez, along with Dr. Norah Al-Issaoui, Professor of the History of Religions and Dialogue of Civilizations at the Faculty of Theology at Abdelmalek Essaadi University in Tetouan, will present a seminar titled ‘A Reading of the Book: ‘Religious Pluralism, Identities, and the Paths to Peace’. All seminars at the Muslim Council of Elders’ stand will take place at 5.30PM.

The main sessions will also include a seminar moderated by Dr. Youssef Al-Kalam, Professor of Higher Education at Al-Qarawiyyin University in the Dar Al-Hadith Al-Hassania Institution, and Dr. Samir Boudinar, Executive Director of the Al-Hokama Center for Peace and Research, titled ‘Religion and the Challenges of the Era’. The seminar will be held on Monday, June 5th, at 12.30PM in the Rabat Al-Fath Hall.

The final seminar will be titled ‘Principles of Understanding and Comprehension from Thought and Language’ presented by His Eminence Dr. Mustapha Benhamza, member of the Muslim Council of Elders, President of the Ulema Council of Oujda, and President of the Regional Scientific Council in the Oriental Region. The seminar includes a book signing of various publications by Dr. Benhamza and will be held at 3PM in Hall 2 on Saturday, June 10th.

With the presence of a large number of distinguished scholars and researchers, the Muslim Council of Elders’ stand at the International Publishing and Book Fair in Rabat represents an exceptional opportunity for the public to discover and expand their knowledge of Islamic heritage and contribute to fruitful intellectual dialogues.

The Council continues to have a clear and positive impact on the global cultural field through its high-quality and distinguished participation in international book fairs, as well as various scientific and intellectual events. This falls in line with the vision of His Eminence the Grand Imam of promoting dialogue and spreading tolerance and peace globally as well as building bridges of cooperation with people of all backgrounds.

The Council recently concluded its participation in the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, which took place from May 22nd to 28th 2023. During the event, the Council’s stand received a large number of visitors who acquainted themselves with the council’s achievements and contributions in various fields, as well as its efforts to enhance awareness of Islamic heritage.

Commending the efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders in raising awareness and educating people about environmental issues and climate change

Sheikh Dr. Abdulaziz bin Ali bin Rashid Al Nuaimi: Protecting the Earth and preserving the environment is a religious, moral, social, and humanitarian duty.

Under the Chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, the Muslim Council of Elders has placed a great concern for environmental issues and confronting the negative impacts of climate change since it is one of the major global challenges threatening life on this planet. With respect to that, the Council’s stand at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair organized a seminar titled ‘Humans and Environmental Protection’ by Sheikh Dr. Abdul Aziz bin Ali bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, also known as ‘The Green Sheikh’, Environmental Advisor to the government of Ajman and Vice Chairman of Al Ihsan Charity Association.

At the beginning of the seminar, Sheikh Dr. Abdul Aziz bin Ali bin Rashid Al Nuaimi emphasized that there are seven fundamental elements governing the relationship between humans and the Earth. The first is monotheism, which holds the highest status and is the essence of existence. He explained that the second element is that humans are successors on Earth, entrusted with its development and preservation to ensure its continuity for future generations. He referred to the statement of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, that “our approach, heritage, and legacy are about sustaining resources for future generations.”

The Green Sheikh further added that the third element is sincerity in work, which creates a sense of satisfaction that serves the Earth and further preserves it. The fourth element is the verses of the Holy Qur’an, all of which were revealed for contemplation and reflection on the signs indicating the greatness of the Creator in the Earth and the heavens. The fifth element is justice, moderation, and balance in everything, which serves as the true measure of ethics. The sixth element is equilibrium, and the seventh is goodness, which he noted as the highest level of justice itself.

Sheikh Dr. Abdul Aziz bin Ali bin Rashid Al Nuaimi pointed out that many people overlook that we are not living on this planet alone and that there are billions of other humans and an even greater number of other creatures that share our ecosystems. He affirmed that it is our duty as humans to preserve the Earth and sustain its resources, in order to protect everyone who lives on it.

The Green Sheikh expressed his gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon us by Almighty Allah which is one of the most important factors for the sustainability of these blessings. He emphasized that the first and most important factor for sustainability is gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon us by Almighty Allah, whether as individuals or communities. Security and tranquility are a blessing that must also be preserved, along with kindness among other things.

The Green Sheikh also presented a video highlighting the story of goodness towards the environment, drawing inspiration from the efforts of the Founding Father of the UAE, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who showed great concern for the Earth for the benefit of future generations, who in turn have carried the banner of protecting the Earth and followed his approach in caring for and preserving it.

Sheikh Dr. Abdul Aziz bin Ali bin Rashid Al Nuaimi concluded by addressing the relationship between religions and laws of the environment, affirming that there is a close relationship between religions and the preservation of the environment. He praised the efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders in raising awareness and educating people about environmental issues and climate change, emphasizing the need to unite all efforts to protect and preserve our planet as a religious, moral, social, and humanitarian duty.

As part of the Muslim Council of Elders’ seminar program at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, Datuk Senator Dr. Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri delivered a seminar titled ‘Muslim Council of Elders and Promoting Coexistence.’

Senator Al-Bakri emphasized that the message of the Muslim Council of Elders revolves around promoting moderation and opening doors for dialogue with others, with the aim of enhancing peace in societies and mitigating conflicts. He added that the Human Fraternity Document, 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, serves as evidence and proof of the Council’s diligent efforts in working towards unity and preventing global conflicts and divisions. Dr. Al-Bakri also called for the universal implementation and adherence to the principles outlined in the document.

As a member of the Muslim Council of Elders, Al-Bakri highlighted that the Council strives to promote dialogue with others through various purposeful initiatives that target all segments of society. He commended the efforts of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, who set a practical example by promoting the values of dialogue, peace, coexistence, while countering bigotry, racism, discrimination, and hatred.

Malaysia’s former Minister of Islamic Affairs added that the Malaysian branch of the Muslim Council of Elders constantly organizes cultural events and activities for the youth, aimed at enhancing their positive role in their communities and spreading the values of goodness, tolerance, and shared coexistence. Additionally, the Council’s Malaysian branch actively engages with religious leaders in Malaysia to strengthen bonds of human fraternity.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ stand at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2023 is set to host several seminars and activities aimed at rectifying misconceptions, promoting dialogue and tolerance, and building bridges of communication and coexistence. These efforts align with the Council’s message under the Chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, which aims to enhance peace in Muslim and non-Muslim societies.

The Permanent Committee for Islamic-Christian Dialogue between the Vatican’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue and the Muslim Council of Elders: The Abu Dhabi Document on Human Fraternity is a model for interreligious dialogue for all humanity

The Permanent Committee for Islamic-Christian Dialogue between the Vatican’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue and the Muslim Council of Elders: The Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi is a civilized model that preserves the distinctiveness of each religion and promotes understanding

The Permanent Committee for Islamic-Christian Dialogue between the Vatican’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue and the Muslim Council of Elders expresses its gratitude to the King of Bahrain for supporting constructive dialogue efforts among people of different religions and hosting the inaugural meeting of the committee and supporting its findings

The Permanent Committee for Islamic-Christian Dialogue between the Vatican’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue and the Muslim Council of Elders emphasizes the role of dialogue among people of different religions in addressing the negative impacts of climate change and supports the efforts of the United Arab Emirates and the United Nations in organizing COP28

The Permanent Committee for Islamic-Christian Dialogue between the Vatican’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue and the Muslim Council of Elders held its first meeting in the Kingdom of Bahrain to discuss ways of unifying joint efforts based on the role of religious leaders in facing contemporary global challenges and promoting Islamic-Christian dialogue and cooperation.

The statement affirmed that the Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi represents a civilized model that preserves the uniqueness of each religion and promotes human acquaintance based on the Quranic principle “To you, your religion; to me, mine.” It also emphasized that the Abrahamic Family House embodies a practical application of the 2019 Abu Dhabi Document on Human Fraternity which was co-signed by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed El-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, and His Holiness Pope Francis, Pontiff of the Catholic Church under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates. The Abrahamic Family House serves as a foundation for humanitarian dialogue among people of different religions and a humanitarian basis for coexistence and human fraternity.

The committee also emphasized the importance of enhancing citizenship and abandoning the exclusionary use of the terms “minority” and “majority”. It also commended the Al-Azhar Declaration on Citizenship issued during the ‘Freedom and Citizenship: Diversity and Integration’ conference held in Egypt between Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders, as well as the principles stated in the Document on Human Fraternity and the Kingdom of Bahrain Declaration for Peacful Coexistence.

The statement also emphasized the importance of efforts by religious leaders in addressing the negative impacts of climate change and the dangers it poses to the future of humanity. It highlighted the role that interreligious and intercultural dialogue can play in enhancing the involvement of religious leaders and institutions in confronting climate change during the upcoming COP28 conference. It also expressed its support for the United Nations and the United Arab Emirates in organizing the COP28 conference to achieve effective solutions to address the negative climate impacts that threaten the future and well-being of humanity.

The statement pointed to the need to prepare a future project that includes various initiatives to enhance dialogue among people of different religions, with a special focus on Islamic-Christian dialogue. Such peace initiatives can be discussed and agreed upon at a later stage.

The Permanent Committee for Islamic-Christian Dialogue expressed its utmost gratitude to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of Bahrain, and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince of Bahrain for hosting the committee’s inaugural meeting and supporting its findings of strengthening bridges of communication, promoting values of tolerance, mutual respect, and coexistence. The committee also acknowledged the Kingdom of Bahrain’s role in promoting dialogue, human fraternity, and coexistence

The meeting was attended by His Eminence Cardinal Miguel Ángel Ayuso, President of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, His Eminence Professor Dr. Abbas Shouman, former Deputy of Al-Azhar, His Eminence Al Sayyid Ali Al-Amine, member of the Muslim Council of Elders, His Excellency Datuk Senator Dr. Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri, member of the Muslim Council of Elders, member of the Malaysian Senate and Malaysia’s former Minister of Islamic Affairs, His Eminence Dr. Shaykh Abdulrahman Derar Al Shaer, member of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in the Kingdom of Bahrain representing His Excellency Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in the Kingdom of Bahrain and member of the Muslim Council of Elders, Dr. Mohammad Al-Sammak, Secretary-General of the National Committee for Christian-Muslim Dialogue in Lebanon, Monsignor Khaled Akasheh, Secretary of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue and Monsignor Aldo Berardi, Apostolic Vicar of Northern Arabia.

The Permanent Committee for Islamic-Christian Dialogue was established under a joint memorandum of understanding between the Abu Dhabi-based Muslim Council of Elders and the Vatican’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue.