تمام

Calls for Reconsidering the Management of Climate Disasters from Ethical and Religious Perspectives

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Emphasizes the Importance of Increasing Awareness on How to Preserve the Earth

Day 9 of the Faith Pavilion at COP28 continued with a total of 7 sessions hosting 27 speakers. The discussions focused on enlightened perspectives on disasters and climate events, climate and nature advocacy and action, mobilizing faith communities for land restoration, faith in action for climate justice in addressing loss and damage, the Mediterranean Climate Hub, and faithful stewardship in addressing the climate crisis in blue food systems.

The first session, titled “Living Spirit or Commodity? Traditional and Faith-Informed Perspectives on Land and Land Use in Disasters and Climate Events,” explored ways to confront climate disasters and adapt to climate change effects. Participants emphasized the role of religious leaders and communities in recovery and proposing solutions to the crisis. They called for creating innovative methods to prepare for climate disasters using modern technological means, changing the culture of preparedness, and adopting a proactive approach to disaster management to reduce individual risks.

In the second session, “Climate and Nature: Strengthening Advocacy and Action,” participants highlighted the interconnectedness of the climate and nature crises, emphasizing that one cannot be solved without the other while also underscoring the need for cooperation and partnership with religious leaders and communities, engaging new effective entities from different sectors to bridge the gap between science and religion. Participants praised the organization of the Faith Pavilion at COP28, affirming that religious communities can shape ideas and programs at the societal level to create a better future for everyone and protect the environment.

The third session, “How to Mobilize Your Faith Community Towards Land Restoration,” focused on the belief that 85% of the world’s population follows a belief or religion, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between different religions to address the common cause of land restoration and the climate crisis. Participants discussed the common values among religious leaders and representatives of various religious groups to support the responsibility of preserving the land and saving the planet from climate change threats.

Indian spiritual and humanitarian leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar emphasized the importance of focusing on organic farming to preserve the environment. He outlined the methods implemented to conserve heavy rainfall and utilize it in agriculture, affirming that religious leaders and communities should enhance awareness of how to preserve the land and ensure its sustainability. He also urged officials to develop plans and solutions to address the climate crisis, highlighting that religious leaders have credibility with their communities.

In the fourth session, “Faith in Action for Climate Justice in Addressing Loss & Damage,” participants discussed the vital role played by active religious entities in leading climate action. They appreciated the announcement by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, to establish a $30 billion fund for global climate solutions, addressing the climate financing gap and facilitating affordable access to it and that the fund’s significance in fairly reducing the impact of the climate crisis.

The fifth session, “Mediterranean Climate Hub,” explored the future of youth movements and initiatives within the framework of adaptation and climate change. Participants discussed the impact of climate change on the Mediterranean region and emphasized the need for cooperation and participation in environmental and humanitarian solidarity to find solutions sustaining the region’s resources.

The sixth session, “Pastoral Care and Support for Negotiators” focused on the unique role and power of religious leaders in influencing and shaping negotiations to mitigate the effects of the climate crisis and enhance climate justice. The seventh session, “Faithful Stewardship: Addressing the Climate Crisis in Blue Food Systems,” discussed the challenges faced by blue food systems, including aquaculture and fisheries, in the context of climate change. Participants emphasized the importance of prioritizing funding for blue food systems to achieve social and environmental resilience while respecting social justice to save the planet Earth.

The Muslim Council of Elders is organizing the Faith Pavilion at COP28 in collaboration with the COP28 Presidency, the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence in the UAE, and the United Nations Environment Programme. Held from December 1 to 12 at Expo City Dubai, the pavilion will feature representatives of nine religions participating in around 70 dialogue sessions with over 300 speakers from around the world.

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, welcomes the decision by the Danish Parliament to ban the inappropriate treatment of religious texts of significant importance to recognized religious communities. This law, it notes, effectively bans the burning of the Holy Quran.

The Council emphasizes that enacting this law is an important step towards promoting a spirit of tolerance, mutual coexistence, and respect for sacred religious texts and symbols. It also calls on other nations facing similar assaults on freedoms and religious sanctities to enact similar legislation to counteract bigoted, hateful, and Islamophobic speech.

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, visited the Faith Pavilion at COP28 and was welcomed by the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam. His Excellency Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Mohammed Al Khalifa conducted a comprehensive tour of the pavilion, familiarizing himself with its various initiatives and activities organized by the Muslim Council of Elders in collaboration with the COP28 Presidency, the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence in the United Arab Emirates, and the United Nations Environment Programme.

Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Mohammed Al Khalifa commended the relentless efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders under the leadership of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar. He also acknowledged the council’s significant role in amplifying the influence of religious leaders and symbols in addressing global challenges. He noted that the Faith Pavilion serves as a tangible manifestation of the ‘The Call of Conscience: Abu Dhabi Statement on Climate Action for COP28’, the historic document which was signed by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb and Pope Francis, symbolizing the commitment of the world’s most prominent religious figures to continue collaborative efforts towards a better future for humanity.

Expressing gratitude to the United Arab Emirates for hosting the Faith Pavilion at COP28, Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Mohammed Al Khalifa extended his appreciation to the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, for his instrumental role in organizing the pavilion. He emphasized that the pavilion represents a global platform for religious participation and dialogue on environmental issues. The overarching goal is to generate ambitious and effective visions and actions for achieving environmental justice.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders welcomed the visit of the Chairman of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in the Kingdom of Bahrain while expressing his appreciation for Bahrain’s consistent efforts, spearheaded by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, in promoting dialogue between religions, fostering peaceful coexistence, and serving the causes of Islam and Muslims. He also commended the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in the Kingdom of Bahrain for championing values of dialogue, tolerance, and human fraternity and underscored the pivotal role played by the King Hamad Center for Peaceful Coexistence in enhancing dialogue and coexistence among followers of different religions. He also highlighted the historical significance of organizing the Faith Pavilion at COP28, bringing together religious leaders and symbols from various faiths to discuss common solutions for addressing the climate crisis.

The Muslim Council of Elders is organizing the Faith Pavilion at COP28 in collaboration with the COP28 Presidency, the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence in the UAE, and the United Nations Environment Programme. Held from December 1 to 12 at Expo City Dubai, the pavilion will feature representatives of nine religions participating in around 70 dialogue sessions with over 300 speakers from around the world.

Inger Andersen, the Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme, visited the Faith Pavilion at COP28, organized by the Muslim Council of Elders in collaboration with the COP28 Presidency, the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence in the United Arab Emirates, and the United Nations Environment Programme at Expo City Dubai.

During the visit, Andersen 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 unifying the voices of religions to address the climate challenge. Leaders from various religions worldwide gathered through the Faith Pavilion at COP28 to discuss and explore the best solutions for mitigating the negative impacts of climate change. She also emphasized that religions give us the courage to speak the truth and provide us with determination to face global challenges, including the climate crisis as well as engaging religious leaders in global climate action will contribute to the necessary fundamental change to protect the planet.

The Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme familiarized herself with the initiatives and events of the pavilion, including dialogues held throughout COP28. She stressed the importance of enhancing collaboration between science and religion to confront the climate crisis, preserve the environment and its natural resources, and build a better and more sustainable future for future generations.

The Muslim Council of Elders is organizing the Faith Pavilion at COP28 in collaboration with the COP28 Presidency, the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence in the UAE, and the United Nations Environment Programme. Held from December 1 to 12 at Expo City Dubai, the pavilion will feature representatives of nine religions participating in around 70 dialogue sessions with over 300 speakers from around the world.

Peace Ambassador Shri Shri Ravishankar: Religions play a crucial role in addressing the challenges of climate change

Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme Calls on World Leaders and Religious Communities to Participate in Tropical Deforestation – to protect the Earth

Call to Instill Ethical Values Related to Climate Action for Children

On day 8 of the Faith Pavilion at COP28, four discussion sessions were held, engaging approximately 16 speakers. The discussions focused on the intersection of religion, youth, and the environment, the ethical foundations of climate action, the involvement of farmers in shaping adaptation policy, and the role of religions in protecting forests, climate, and indigenous peoples.

The day commenced with an opening address by Shri Shri Ravishankar, who praised the organization of the Faith Pavilion at COP28. He emphasized the crucial role religions play in inspiring individuals to preserve the environment and in formulating policies to address climate challenges.

Ravishankar highlighted successful stories of utilizing natural resources in agriculture and environmental conservation, stressing the need to pay attention to the planet’s health. He also underscored the importance of preserving and improving water resources to combat climate threats and commended government initiatives, such as the ban on plastic bags, to safeguard the environment. He urged individuals to actively participate in initiatives aimed at saving the Earth from the risks of climate change and the imperative role of religious communities in inspiring and motivating individuals to conserve the environment, avoid water wastage, and implement projects for protecting the planet and its environment was emphasized.

The first session, titled “Religion, Youth, and Environment: A Global Response through Local Action,” explored projects by youth participants in the global ACWAY movement. These young changemakers, committed to interfaith work and peacebuilding, showcased how their initiatives and projects between religions can address climate change issues and environmental protection.

The second session, titled “The Ethical Foundations of Climate Action: Integrating Bhagavad Gita’s Teachings to Empower School Students in Combating Climate Change,” presented a model educational program established by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) as part of the “Faith for Earth” initiative. The program enables students worldwide to embrace core values and translate them into positive environmental impacts.

The third session, “Amplifying the Voice of Smallholder Farmers in Shaping Adaptation Policy: A Faith-Based Response,” challenged common perceptions of the role of religious institutions in addressing climate challenges. Participants emphasized the need to involve farmers in discussions and solutions related to the climate crisis, along with directing them to use modern farming methods for land preservation and resource sustainability.

In the fourth session, “Religions in Action for Forests, Climate, and Indigenous Peoples: Innovations from the Interfaith Rainforest Initiative in Brazil, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Indonesia, and Peru,” the role of religions in protecting forests and prioritizing strategies to address climate change was discussed. The session showcased innovations from the Interfaith Rainforest Initiative in five countries containing 70% of the world’s remaining rainforests.

Inger Andersen, the Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), emphasized that addressing tropical deforestation is one of the most urgent challenges today. She called for the leadership and influence of the world’s religions to halt and reverse tropical deforestation, requiring a commitment from religions alongside the Rainforest Coalition. She also pointed that all religious leaders, organizations, and communities worldwide were invited to participate in efforts to combat tropical deforestation to protect the Earth and future generations.

The Muslim Council of Elders is organizing the Faith Pavilion at COP28 in collaboration with the COP28 Presidency, the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence in the UAE, and the United Nations Environment Programme. Held from December 1 to 12 at Expo City Dubai, the pavilion will feature representatives of nine religions participating in around 70 dialogue sessions with over 300 speakers from around the world.

The Faith Pavilion at COP28 hosted a dialogue session titled “Faith, Youth, and COP28” on its eighth day, with the participation of Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity, along with H.E. Omar Saif Ghobash, Advisor to the UAE’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Ambassador to the Holy See, Archbishop Christophe Zakhia El Kassis, Apostolic Nuncio to the United Arab Emirates, Rabbi David Rosen, Special Advisor for Interfaith and Jewish Affairs at the Abrahamic Family House, and Abdulla Al Shehhi, Acting Executive Director of the Abrahamic Family House.

The dialogue session highlighted ways to enhance efforts to raise awareness in addressing global issues related to climate change, the role of religions in promoting youth responsibility, and the importance of joint initiatives between religions in the field of climate action.

H.E. Omar Ghobash emphasized that solutions to the climate crisis can be found outside traditional thinking, and it is essential to embrace Islamic principles and traditions that advocate for coexistence. He also pointed out that accepting the notion that others present facts about various challenges, especially the climate challenge, will contribute to exploring a greater number of innovative ideas and solutions.

Archbishop Christophe Zakhia El Kassis stated that everyone is ethically and spiritually committed to protecting the planet and preserving the environment, ensuring a brighter and safer future for all, especially the current and future generations. He affirmed that His Holiness Pope Francis, Pontiff of the Catholic Church, calls on all communities and peoples, including youth, to consider their shared responsibilities and take tangible and effective actions to address the challenges of climate change.

Rabbi David Rosen emphasized that interfaith cooperation has become a necessity and that leaders and religious figures must participate in discussions and policies related to climate change. He noted that the climate crisis is not a scientific problem but rather a result of human behaviors that impact the environment and its natural resources. He further highlighted that climate change is currently the most critical global issue because the Earth is at risk of collapse unless urgent measures are taken to preserve it.

For his part, Abdulla Al Shehhi explained that the consequences of climate change are accelerating at an unprecedented pace, with increasing risks. However, there is an opportunity for collaboration and joint action to make fundamental and methodological changes that can reduce the negative effects of climate change. He called on climate action organizers to meet the needs of communities to adapt to the new climate reality and support them in facing the climate crisis to build a world of peace and prosperity.

The Muslim Council of Elders is organizing the Faith Pavilion at COP28 in collaboration with the COP28 Presidency, the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence in the UAE, and the United Nations Environment Programme. Held from December 1 to 12 at Expo City Dubai, the pavilion will feature representatives of nine religions participating in around 70 dialogue sessions with over 300 speakers from around the world.

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, is scheduled to participate in the 8th Arabic Book Fair in Istanbul which is set to take place from December 9 to 17. The Council’s stand at the fair will showcase over 160 diverse publications in multiple languages, addressing significant intellectual issues to go with a program of lectures and seminars.

As part of its extensive book collection on display, the Council’s stand at the Arabic Book Fair in Istanbul is set to feature ‘The Pope and the Grand Imam: A Thorny Path’ by the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam and ‘Love in the Holy Quran’ by Council member Prince Ghazi bin Mohammed of Jordan along with ‘Islam, the West and Tolerance: Conceiving Coexistence’ by Dr. Aaron Tyler, Professor of International Relations and Global Affairs at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas.

The Council’s stand will also feature 11 publications by the Chairman of the Council His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, among them, ‘The Foundations of Islam’, ‘The Al-Azhar Method’, ‘In Linguistic and Sufi Terminology’, ‘Insights into the Thought of Imam Ash’ari’, ‘Heritage and Renewal: Discussions and Responses’ and more.

Likewise, in continuation of its general mission, the Council is set to present several new publications by Dar Al-Hokama Publishing, among them; ‘Basis of Understanding from Thought and Language’ by His Eminence Dr. Mustapha Benhamza, member of the Muslim Council of Elders and President of the Ulema Council of Oujda in Morocco, ‘The Sunnah and Its Role in Establishing Legal Rulings’ by Mohammed Saad Jalal, among others.

Likewise, the Council exhibited a collection of translated publications such as Religious Tolerance in World Religions by Jacob Neusner and Bruce Chilton along Countering Islamophobia in Europe by Ian Law, Amina Easat-Daas, Arzu Merali and S. Sayyid.

The Istanbul International Arabic Book Fair is the largest international exhibition of Arabic books held outside the Arab world. It aims to revive the Arabic language in Turkey, providing a wide range of publications in various fields for those interested in the Arabic language. The fair’s theme for this year is, “Arabic Unites Us,” which highlights the event’s significance for Arab communities in Europe, considering Istanbul as a bridge between the East and the West.

The Council’s pavilion is located at Booth No. 38, Hall No. 9, Section C.

Malaysian Minister of Natural Resources: The Time has Come for Urgent and Tangible Joint Actions and Innovative Solutions for the Climate Issue

Botswana Minister of Environment and Natural Resources: Religious Communities Play a Significant Role in Preserving Environmental Sustainability

Licypriya Kangujam: ‘Climate Solutions Fund’ Marks a Concrete Beginning to Confront the Climate Crisis

The Faith Pavilion at COP28 continued for the sixth day, featuring several discussion sessions that focused on wise leadership for transitioning to clean technology, religious philanthropy as a catalyst for climate action, and increasing trust and transparency for a just transition to clean energy.

The day began with a speech by Indian child environmental activist, Licypriya Kangujam, commending the organization of the faith pavilion for the first time in the history of the COP conferences to support solutions addressing climate challenges. She emphasized the profound impact of religious and spiritual values in saving the planet, highlighting the disproportionate impact of the climate crisis on vulnerable populations worldwide, especially children.

The first session, titled “Al-Mizan: A Covenant for the Earth to Life,” provided an overview of the Al-Mizan movement with the goal of launching this pioneering initiative in the future. Participants discussed the struggles of various communities due to climate change and reviewed the principles and clauses of the Earth Covenant for Life, emphasizing its potential to shape a global interfaith movement for environmental advocacy, values-based education, youth advocacy, and participation.

The second session, “Wise Leadership for Transitioning to Clean Technology,” explored the role of fossil-free places of worship in transitioning to renewable energy. Participants stressed the need for a visionary mindset to inspire sustainable practices within communities. Religious leaders were identified as pivotal in connecting faith, environmental stewardship, and clean technologies such as solar and wind energy. Their significant role in bridging gaps, promoting collaboration, and influencing policy changes toward a sustainable future was highlighted.

In the third session, “Religious Philanthropy: A Catalyst for Climate Action,” participants emphasized the transformative role of religious philanthropy in bridging the funding gap for climate challenges to save the Earth from the risks of climate violations. Botswana’s Minister of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation, and Tourism, Phildah Kereng, underscored the significant role various religious communities play in environmental issues, resource conservation, and sustainability, especially in implementing policies to mitigate climate change risks.

The fourth session, “Increasing Trust and Transparency for a Socially Just Energy Transition under the Paris Agreement,” focused on the necessity of transparent action to confront climate challenges and enhance trust between stakeholders. Participants emphasized the importance of working transparently to promote trust, citing recent studies from various countries and presenting results related to local climate action and a just transition to clean energy.

The fifth session, “Clergy Tell Their Stories from the Frontlines of the Climate Crisis,” featured real-life stories of how religious communities were affected by floods, fires, droughts, and hurricanes. Religious leaders discussed their responses not only for reconstruction but also in attempting to mitigate climate emergencies by changing climate patterns. 

Malaysia’s Minister of Natural Resources, Environment, and Climate Change, Nik Nazmi, participated in the fifth session, affirming that the time has come for urgent and tangible joint actions, innovative solutions, and engaging all sectors of society in climate action. He also highlighted the ingrained commitment to the environment and sustainability in Malaysian culture, characterized by the richest biodiversity and diverse cultural and religious backgrounds.

The Muslim Council of Elders is organizing the Faith Pavilion at COP28 in collaboration with the COP28 Presidency, the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence in the UAE, and the United Nations Environment Programme. Held from December 1 to 12 at Expo City Dubai, the pavilion will feature representatives of nine religions participating in around 70 dialogue sessions with over 300 speakers from around the world.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, welcomed H.E. Ahmed Darwish Al Muhairi, Director General of the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai, to the Faith Pavilion at COP28. During the visit, the pair toured the pavilion, gaining insights into its significant activities and events.

The Director General 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 enhancing the role of religious leaders in addressing global challenges, particularly the climate crisis. He commended the launch of the ‘Abu Dhabi Statement on Climate Action for COP28’ and the organization of the Faith Pavilion at COP28, marking a historic milestone in COP conferences.

For his part, the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders expressed appreciation for the visit by the Director General of the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai, emphasizing the vital role that religious institutions can play in confronting climate challenges. He also commended the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai for its efforts in raising awareness about climate issues and launching initiatives contributing to climate awareness and effective measures.

The Director General actively participated in an interactive seminar alongside Professor Dr. Salama Dawood, President of Al-Azhar University. During the seminar, he highlighted the UAE’s commitment to implementing Islamic principles for environmental conservation since its founding. Al Muhairi also explained that the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department joined the UAE’s efforts to support climate action by reducing carbon footprint, preventing water wastage in mosque facilities, planting greenery, reducing electricity consumption, and applying international standards for sustainable and green construction in various mosques in Dubai. He affirmed that the department also focuses on educating the community on Islamic teachings related to climate conservation through lessons, Friday sermons, seminars, and lectures, aiming to engage all segments of society in fulfilling their responsibilities towards nature and the Earth.

Professor Dr. Salama Dawood, President of Al-Azhar University, stated that climate change affects all communities, making environmental preservation and protecting the Earth a shared responsibility for everyone. He also emphasized that the Faith Pavilion at COP28, the first of its kind in the history of COP conferences, is a commendable initiative, and it is hoped that its outcomes and results contribute to changing climate-related procedures.

The Muslim Council of Elders is organizing the Faith Pavilion at COP28 in collaboration with the COP28 Presidency, the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence in the UAE, and the United Nations Environment Programme. Held from December 1 to 12 at Expo City Dubai, the pavilion will feature representatives of nine religions participating in around 70 dialogue sessions with over 300 speakers from around the world to formulate a common vision and take a unified stance among religious leaders, scholars, environmental experts, youth, women, and representatives of indigenous peoples in addressing the adverse effects of climate change.

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, announced that four international youth projects in the realm of climate change have won awards during the Faith Pavilion at COP28. These projects emerged as winners in a competition initiated by the Council, designed for graduates of the Emerging Peacemakers Forum.

Drawing around 50 youth projects from 11 countries, the competition’s objective was to bolster and motivate the youth to craft innovative and sustainable solutions to combat the climate crisis. It also aimed to empower young minds, enabling their active involvement in public discussions and decision-making processes concerning environmental policies and strategies for mitigating climate change.

Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, highlighted the Council’s profound interest in the youth as the torchbearers of hope and peace in the world. He further underscored the Council’s ongoing initiatives, actively working towards empowering youth, channeling their potential, and fostering their positive contributions to address global challenges, with a particular emphasis on climate change.

The Secretary-General elaborated on the support extended by the Muslim Council of Elders to the winning projects which aligns with the coordination of the Faith Pavilion at COP28, the first of its kind in the history of COP conferences, which is organized in collaboration with the COP28 presidency, the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence in the UAE, and the United Nations Environment Programme. The Pavilion serves as a global platform for interfaith dialogue, aiming to formulate effective solutions to the climate crisis.

The competition encompassed various domains, including climate change and climate justice. ‘EmpoweHer,’ the winning project from Gambia, seeks to train approximately 5,000 women by 2030 in the Konta Niang region. It focuses on the adoption and implementation of sustainable agricultural practices, targeting a 90% reduction in emissions associated with traditional agricultural systems.

In the second category, emphasizing social inclusion and empowering youth from diverse religious backgrounds to assume leadership roles in climate action, the ‘Climatic Peace Initiative’ emerged triumphant. This initiative aims to provide comprehensive training and guidance to youth, coupled with the necessary funding to establish climate initiatives fostering cross-cultural dialogue and addressing climate challenges.

In the capacity-building category related to education and training in climate change, promoting an entrepreneurial culture as a pathway to address climate change, an initiative from Cameroon secured the prize. The initiative seeks to fortify youth resilience in combating violent extremism by building capacities and facilitating climate actions to preserve wildlife, specifically snails, whose economic, health, and nutritional value are significant. The project focuses on identifying easy and affordable methods for cultivating them within the Cameroonian environment while empowering youth to manage this project.

Also among the winners, a project from Albania clinched an award in the category of the role of religions in addressing climate change. The project aims to raise awareness among youth of different religions regarding the environmental challenges posed by climate change and their potential role in addressing these challenges locally. It also involves engaging religious communities to collaborate on environmental protection initiatives.

The Muslim Council of Elders is organizing the Faith Pavilion at COP28 in collaboration with the COP28 Presidency, the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence in the UAE, and the United Nations Environment Programme. Held from December 1 to 12 at Expo City Dubai, the pavilion will feature representatives of nine religions participating in around 70 dialogue sessions with over 300 speakers from around the world to formulate a common vision and take a unified stance among religious leaders, scholars, environmental experts, youth, women, and representatives of indigenous peoples in addressing the adverse effects of climate change.