تمام

The Muslim Council of Elders, led by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, emphasized that people of determination are an essential element of the community structure. It highlighted that their active participation in various life aspects is critically necessary for the development of thriving and advanced societies, showcasing a visionary future-oriented approach that leverages all available human resources and fosters creativity and innovation across all sectors.

In a statement released on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, observed annually on December 3, the Council noted that Islamic principles firmly advocate for the human dignity of all individuals without discrimination and call for a supportive social, economic, and cultural environment that promotes equity and justice. The Council urges both institutions and individuals to establish the necessary conditions and resources that allow people of determination to overcome challenges and realize their ambitions. Throughout history, these individuals have demonstrated extraordinary capabilities in achievement and effort, making significant contributions that set them apart as exemplary figures of determination and perseverance.

The statement further mentioned the Document on Human Fraternity, signed by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb and His Holiness Pope Francis in Abu Dhabi in February 2019, which reiterates that safeguarding the rights of vulnerable groups, including those with special needs, is not merely optional but a mandated religious and humanitarian obligation. The document specifies that ensuring appropriate support for these groups requires robust legislation and effective enforcement mechanisms to guarantee their dignity and provide them with opportunities to fully engage in society-building efforts. The Council remains committed to integrating this crucial community segment into its various initiatives and projects aimed at fostering and strengthening the values of tolerance, coexistence, and human fraternity.

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Professor Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, extends its heartfelt congratulations to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, as well as to his fellow rulers and sheikhs of the UAE, and to the noble Emirati people on the occasion of the 53rd National Day—a day that commemorates the founding of the UAE’s union in a spirit of unity and solidarity.

The Muslim Council of Elders commends the UAE for its outstanding civilizational and developmental achievements for its people and its global efforts in promoting the values of tolerance, fraternity, and fostering peace and coexistence among nations and cultures. The Council prays to Almighty Allah for continued prosperity and well-being for the Emirati people and for the Arab and Muslim nations.

The Muslim Council of Elders, chaired by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, welcomes the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon. The Council affirms its support for all regional and international efforts aimed at achieving security and stability in the region.

In a statement, the Muslim Council of Elders expressed its hope that this agreement would mark the beginning of lasting stability in Lebanon, preserving its sovereignty and territorial integrity while strengthening its security and stability. The Council also called on all active parties to adopt a similar stance and intensify efforts to reach an urgent and lasting ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip. Such an agreement would ensure the delivery of emergency relief and humanitarian aid to the civilians among the Palestinian people, who are enduring severe humanitarian conditions.

The Muslim Council of Elders also renews its call to the international community to assume its responsibilities and work towards a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue. It stresses the importance of ending the suffering of the Palestinian people, which has persisted for more than 70 years, and reaffirming their legitimate right to establish their independent state with Jerusalem as its capital.

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the leadership of His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, extends its heartfelt congratulations to the Republic of Azerbaijan, President Ilham Aliyev, and the COP29 Presidency for the remarkable success in hosting the 29th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 12 to 22.

The Council commends the outstanding efforts by Azerbaijan’s leadership and its people in ensuring the success of this conference. It notes that COP29 marked a significant breakthrough with its outcomes that bolstered climate finance for developing nations, activated carbon markets, and highlighted the critical role of youth leadership in climate initiatives. These achievements are seen as pivotal steps towards achieving environmental equilibrium and advancing climate justice.

The Muslim Council of Elders organized the Faith Pavilion at the COP29 conference, which over two weeks hosted more than 54 dialogues and discussions featuring over 230 speakers from diverse backgrounds. This global alliance included 97 organizations representing 11 religions and denominations from around the world, in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence, the United Nations Environment Programme, the COP29 Presidency, the Caucasus Muslims’ Board, the Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence, and the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions in Kazakhstan. The Pavilion’s activities saw significant momentum, diverse participation, and widespread acclaim from COP29 attendees for its pivotal role in highlighting the critical contributions of religious leaders to global climate efforts, serving as an inspiring model of cooperation among different faiths in addressing shared environmental challenges.

The Muslim Council of Elders reaffirms its commitment to enhancing the partnership between religious leaders and uniting their efforts to address global challenges. It aims to mobilize ethical and spiritual voices to tackle the climate crisis at future COP conferences, promoting an inclusive approach that fosters dialogue and collective action. This strategy is intended to shape policies that support the transition to environmental sustainability and achieve climate justice, considering the needs of the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

The Muslim Council of Elders, led by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, has affirmed that women are fundamental partners in the development and progress of nations, crucial to shaping both the present and future of societies. The Council emphasized that gender-based violence significantly threatens the social and human fabric, depriving women of their fundamental rights and undermining their ability to contribute effectively to societal advancement and fulfill their aspirations.

In a statement issued to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, observed annually on November 25, the Muslim Council of Elders stated that protecting women and safeguarding their dignity and identity are both a humanitarian priority and a societal necessity. The Council noted that Islam establishes clear principles honoring women and respecting their roles at every stage of life—as mothers, sisters, daughters, and wives. Islam recognizes them as equals to men in rights and responsibilities, fully affirming their rights without any diminishment. It prohibits any form of harm or violence against them and advocates for their kind and respectful treatment. The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, is quoted as saying: “The best of you is he who is best to his family.” The Council also called for the development of comprehensive strategies to tackle gender-based violence, including enacting laws that ban such acts and reinforce values of mutual respect.

The Muslim Council of Elders has stressed that imposing specific identities or roles on women that contradict their values, culture, and religion constitutes a clear violation of their rights and an infringement on their freedom. The Council referred to the Document on Human Fraternity, which was signed by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, along with His Holiness Pope Francis, Pontiff of the Catholic Church, in Abu Dhabi in 2019. This landmark document emphasizes the urgent necessity of women’s rights to education, work, and the exercise of their legal rights. It calls for the liberation of women from historical and social pressures that are contrary to the tenets of their faith and dignity, the cessation of all inhumane practices and customs that demean women, and the revision of laws that hinder women from fully realizing their rights.

The Faith Pavilion, organized by the Muslim Council of Elders, wrapped up sessions at the 29th United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan. The pavilion stressed the importance of achieving climate justice, empowering women and youth, supporting vulnerable groups impacted by climate change, finding sustainable solutions for environmental crises, using indigenous peoples’ traditional knowledge, and fostering interfaith cooperation to address climate challenges and promote harmony between humans and nature.

Over two weeks, the Faith Pavilion hosted over 54 dialogue and discussion sessoons, featuring over 230 speakers from 97 organizations representing 11 different religions and sects from around the world. The pavilion was held in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence, the United Nations Environment Programme, the COP29 Presidency, the Caucasus Muslim Board, the Hamad Global Center for Peaceful Coexistence, and the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions in Kazakhstan. The pavilion drew significant attention and diverse participation, earning high praise from COP29 attendees for its critical role in underscoring the contributions of religious leaders to global climate initiatives and as an exemplary model of interfaith collaboration in tackling shared environmental challenges.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, highlighted that the Faith Pavilion at COP29 showcased the extraordinary role of religions in tackling climate challenges. He emphasized that the climate crisis is not merely a scientific or economic challenge; it is a true test of global awareness and moral responsibility. He pointed out that the Faith Pavilion conveyed a crucial message: religious values can transform into a powerful force that inspires profound and enduring change. He thanked the Republic of Azerbaijan and Preident Ilham Aliyev for supporting the Faith Pavilion at COP29 and affirmed the Council’s commitment to ongoing efforts in mobilizing religious leaders for climate action, building on the successes of the Faith Pavilions at COP28 and COP29 to achieve impactful outcomes that realign humanity with nature and safeguard our shared planet.

At the Faith Pavilion, a major focus was on enhancing climate justice. Discussions centered on ensuring that vital resources reach communities and nations severely impacted by environmental disasters. There was a strong emphasis on supporting local projects that facilitate climate adaptation and mitigate the harsh impacts of climate change. The sessions also highlighted the importance of forging sustainable partnerships between local and regional entities and leveraging traditional community knowledge to address environmental disasters. These discussions aimed at developing innovative solutions that respect and bolster local cultures’ resilience to climate change.

The sessions also highlighted the critical role of empowering women in confronting the climate crisis, recognizing that they are often at the forefront of managing its impacts within their communities. Participants stressed the urgent need to elevate women’s roles as leaders capable of crafting and implementing innovative solutions to environmental challenges. Building on the significance of this role, the Faith Pavilion saw the launch of the Global Alliance of Women Religious Leaders to Combat Climate Change. This initiative serves as a platform to strengthen the leadership role of women in religious communities and empower them to address climate challenges effectively.

Youth engagement was a focal point during the dialogue sessions, highlighting the importance of tapping into the energy of young people to develop sustainable solutions that incorporate innovation and technology. There was a strong push for greater youth involvement in climate-related decision-making, emphasizing the need to equip them with necessary skills through training programs and workshops. These programs are designed to empower youth to actively participate in crafting and executing environmental projects both locally and globally, thus fostering communities that are more aware and better prepared to handle future climate crises.

The discussions at the Faith Pavilion also emphasized the urgent need to integrate climate issues into educational curricula to inform upcoming generations about the importance of environmental protection and the conservation of natural resources. This educational initiative is seen as fundamental to cultivating a global consciousness about sustainable environmental practices. Additionally, the sessions highlighted the value of strengthening partnerships between religious beliefs and scientific knowledge to create effective climate change strategies. There was also a focus on investing in early warning systems, including the development of advanced technologies for monitoring environmental risks and providing preemptive alerts. This is particularly crucial in regions frequently affected by natural disasters like floods and droughts, as it helps reduce potential losses and damage.

​The 29th session of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) was held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11 to 22. This conference featured numerous activities underscoring the necessity of rallying international efforts to address the climate challenge. A significant emphasis was placed on the critical role of women in environmental leadership. Reflecting this, the Faith Pavilion launched the Global Alliance of Women Religious Leaders to Combat Climate Change, a platform aimed at enhancing the leadership role of women in religious communities and enabling them to effectively confront climate challenges.

The sessions held on Days 9 and 10 at the Faith Pavilion, organized by the Muslim Council of Elders at COP29 addressed a broad range of critical topics related to climate change and sustainable development. These included the role of spiritual and faith-based values in supporting global efforts to combat the climate crisis, the importance of integrating youth, women, and indigenous communities into global climate action, and the urgent need to develop climate-resilient cities and implement nature-based solutions to improve water quality and food security.

On Day 9, You Lin, Director of Fo Guang Shan New York Temple, emphasized that climate change and ecosystem destruction have become pressing global emergencies requiring concerted action to care for and sustain nature. She noted that environmental protection begins with individuals through pure thoughts and positive behavior and called for collective action to achieve sustainable development and ensure a better future for the planet and its resources for future generations.

Upendo Mwakyusa, Founder and Executive Director of The Call for Environmental Conservation (CFEC), delivered the youth address, highlighting the essential role of young people in combating climate change and building sustainable communities. She stressed the importance of focusing climate action on women, youth, and children, who are among the groups most vulnerable to climate challenges. She also emphasized that these groups should not only be seen as victims but also empowered to become part of effective climate solutions.

The first session, titled ‘Urbanization in Asia: Overcoming barriers and scaling urban Nature-based Solutions’ explored the challenges posed by rapid urban expansion in Asia amidst climate change. Participants noted that by mid-century, hundreds of coastal cities in Asia will face threats such as rising sea levels, extreme storms, and unsustainable urban practices. They highlighted the need for more climate-resilient cities by improving early warning systems, creating adaptation plans for extreme weather, and implementing nature-based solutions to improve water quality, reduce temperatures, and enhance food security.

The second session, ‘Processing the H.E.A.R.T’ discussed the importance of integrating spiritual values and ethical principles into global climate dialogues. Speakers emphasized the necessity of including voices from faith organizations, religious leaders, civil society, youth, and women in climate efforts. They called for ongoing dialogue between religious leaders and policymakers to ensure their perspectives are incorporated into climate policies, fostering environmental action within communities and spreading knowledge about climate change mitigation practices.

The third session, ‘Interfaith Dialogue on COP29 Stocktake and What is Needed for COP30’, underscored the urgency of joint multilateral efforts to address the global climate crisis. Participants highlighted the need to raise awareness within communities about the risks of climate change and emphasized the critical role of faith communities in advancing these efforts. They showcased effective environmental programs such as tree planting and renewable energy adoption.

The final session on Day 9,’African Experiences of Faith, Advocacy, Action, and Intergenerational Community Accompaniment for a Just Planet’ highlighted African initiatives combining faith, collective action, and community advocacy to address the climate crisis. Speakers stressed the importance of empowering communities with knowledge about climate impacts and solutions, including renewable energy adoption, sustainable land-use practices, climate-resilient infrastructure development, and comprehensive mitigation measures. They called for ambitious climate action to ensure a fair and sustainable future, particularly for vulnerable groups such as farmers and fishermen.

On Day 10, the session titled ‘Belief to Action: The Roles of Religious Leaders and Power of Faith-based Values on Planetary Health’ emphasized the central role of faith-based values in advancing efforts to combat climate change and achieve sustainable development. Participants discussed integrating religious and ethical teachings, such as simplicity and respect for life, into environmental policies to drive behavioral change and foster positive transformations at both individual and societal levels. They highlighted the ability of religious leaders to contribute to building a more sustainable and equitable future.

The Faith Pavilion at COP29 builds on the success of its inaugural edition at COP28, framing climate change as a profound religious and moral issue. It continues to explore best practices for promoting sustainable lifestyles, examining the non-economic impacts of climate change through faith-based perspectives, and urging global policymakers to consider the spiritual and ethical consequences of environmental neglect while taking decisive action to protect the planet.

Today, His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, received Mrs. Verónica Alcocer García, the First Lady of Colombia.

His Eminence Prof. Dr. Al-Tayeb warmly welcomed Mrs. Verónica, expressing his deep appreciation for Colombia. He requested that she convey his greetings to President Gustavo Petro, commending the Colombian President’s efforts and repeated calls for peace and the cessation of violence in Gaza. His Eminence affirmed that Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders are committed to spreading the message of Islam as a religion of peace for all people. His Eminence highlighted that Islam places understanding, connection, and compassion at the heart of human relationships, regardless of differences in faith, race, or color. He further explained that diversity is a divine universal law and that bonds of human fraternity should guide relationships both among believers and between believers and non-believers.

He also noted that so-called “religious wars” throughout history were not genuinely religious but were driven by political ideologies seeking to manipulate religion for their own ends. His Eminence outlined Al-Azhar’s proactive initiatives to foster peace and fraternity both in Egypt and globally. These include the establishment of the Egyptian Family House in partnership with Christian churches in Egypt, aimed at strengthening bonds of unity and coexistence between Muslims and Christians. Building on this foundation, Al-Azhar has reached out to religious and cultural institutions worldwide, culminating in the historic signing of the Document on Human Fraternity in Abu Dhabi with his dear brother Pope Francis, Pontiff of the Catholic Church. This landmark document, which took a year to draft, was later recognized by the United Nations, designating February 4 as the International Day of Human Fraternity.

His Eminence stressed that the greatest challenge facing humanity today is the growing disconnection of the body from the spirit, alongside efforts to marginalize religion or exploit it for materialistic gains, particularly in justifying the arms industry. He criticized the production of weapons and explosives, pointing out the wars and conflicts they continue to fuel.

Mrs. Verónica expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to meet His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, praising his efforts to promote global peace. She voiced her belief in the ability of religious leaders to foster peace through dialogue and mutual understanding. She also aligned with his views on the dangers of the arms industry, describing it as a root cause of the world’s tragedies. Mrs. Verónica expressed hope for an end to arms manufacturing as a step toward eliminating poverty, conflict, hatred, and war. She emphasized the need to replace hatred with love and war with peace and underscored the value of the historic Document on Human Fraternity as a model of cooperation among religious leaders—a much-needed example for the world today.

The Muslim Council of Elders participated in a press conference titled “Peace and Cooperation to Enhance Ambitious Climate Action,” as part of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, hosted by Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 12 to 22.

In his address at the press conference, Mr. Mohammed Bahr, Director of Strategic Planning at the Muslim Council of Elders, emphasized that the Faith Pavilion represents a pivotal turning point in the trajectory of global climate action. It aligns with the Council’s vision of empowering religious leaders as moral voices with the profound ability to influence communities. This capacity, he noted, allows them to garner community and popular support, fostering behaviors that are crucial for the planet’s protection. Additionally, he underscored the importance of integrating religious figures and organizations into climate dialogues, establishing an indispensable link between environmental policies and the humanitarian values essential for enacting real and impactful change.

He added that the Muslim Council of Elders’ initiative, represented by the Faith Pavilion—first launched at COP28 and now in its second iteration at COP29—is a tangible embodiment of this vision. The pavilion opens up new avenues for collaboration between policymakers and religious leaders, thereby strengthening sustainable climate solutions. This is particularly crucial as the pressing climate challenges that threaten our planet’s future necessitate strategic partnerships across all sectors. 

The Faith Pavilion embodies hope and unity. It serves as an open platform for dialogue and cooperation, merging intellectual diversity with innovation in climate action. This initiative transcends traditional conference boundaries, symbolizing positive change and driving climate efforts forward toward a better and sustainable future. This reflects the commitment of the Council’s leadership to consistently hosting the Faith Pavilion and ensuring a proactive, sustained presence at the Conference of the Parties, with a vision to continue these efforts through at least 2030. The goal is to reformulate climate efforts in a way that is more comprehensive and effective, to secure a sustainable future for upcoming generations.

The Faith Pavilion at COP29 aims to build on the success achieved in its inaugural edition at COP28 by continuing to frame climate change as a profound religious and ethical issue. It seeks to explore best practices for promoting sustainable lifestyles and to examine the non-economic impacts of climate change from faith-based perspectives. Additionally, the pavilion calls on global policymakers to consider the spiritual and ethical consequences of environmental neglect and to take immediate and decisive actions to protect the planet.