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His Eminence Dr. Ahmad Abdul Aziz Al-Haddad: Intra-Islamic Dialogue Plays a Crucial Role in Uniting Muslims and Enhancing Mutual Understanding

Dr. Ridwan Al-Sayyid: The Bahrain Islamic Dialogue is a Significant Opportunity to Launch a New Vision for Understanding Among All Components of the Ummah and Strengthen Relations Among Muslims and with the World

The Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion at the 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair hosted a seminar titled “Intra-Islamic Dialogue: Challenges and Prospects for Achieving Unity.” The seminar featured His Eminence Dr. Ahmad Abdul Aziz Al-Haddad, a member of the Muslim Council of Elders, Senior Mufti at the Fatwa Department in Dubai, and member of the UAE Fatwa Council, alongside Dr. Ridwan Al-Sayyid, Dean of the College of Graduate Studies and Scientific Research at Mohamed bin Zayed University of Humanities. The discussion was moderated by Khalifa Khalid, a participant in the Emerging Peacemakers Forum. The seminar focused on the importance of fostering unity and collaboration within the Muslim world, responding to the call by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, during the Bahrain Dialogue Forum in November 2022. This call emphasized that religious fraternity is the foundation of human fraternity and that unity is essential for ensuring stability and strength in the face of global challenges.

Dr. Ahmad Abdul Aziz Al-Haddad highlighted the critical role of intra-Islamic dialogue in uniting Muslims and fostering mutual understanding. He stressed the importance of identifying shared principles, such as faith in Allah and the practice of religious rituals, while using constructive dialogue to address differences. He explained that dialogue in Islam is a tool for achieving harmony, correcting misconceptions, and resolving conflicts, citing examples from the Quran and Sunnah. Dr. Al-Haddad commended the Muslim Council of Elders for its efforts to promote dialogue and praised its initiative to organize the Islamic Dialogue Conference in Bahrain next February. He described this conference as a strategic step toward uniting the Muslim world and demonstrating its collective stance to the global community.

Dr. Ridwan Al-Sayyid discussed how contemporary challenges in Islamic relations are linked to modern contexts and complexities. He reflected on past initiatives in the mid-20th century when scholars and thinkers from various sects collaborated to address modernity and global changes, focusing on jurisprudential matters that could unite rather than divide. Dr. Al-Sayyid praised the Grand Imam’s call for unity and expressed optimism about the upcoming Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference in Bahrain in early 2025. He noted that the conference will bring together Muslims from diverse sects, ideologies, and cultures under the shared declaration of faith.

Participating for the third time at the Sharjah International Book Fair, the Muslim Council of Elders reaffirms its commitment to promoting peace, dialogue, and tolerance. The pavilion features over 220 publications on various topics, alongside a series of cultural and intellectual programs for visitors. The pavilion is located in the Arabic section, Hall 6, Pavilion M8.

The fifth day of the Faith Pavilion at COP29 featured a series of discussion sessions addressing the urgent challenges posed by climate change. Sessions emphasized the importance of enhancing transparency in global climate action and advocated for the unification of efforts by faith communities to achieve tangible results in tackling the environmental crisis. They also focused on combining religious values with scientific knowledge to raise environmental awareness and protect the communities most affected by the impacts of climate change.

In his opening remarks, Eugene Cho, CEO of Bread for the World, highlighted that climate change is one of the key drivers of global hunger and poverty. He noted that 45 million children suffer from severe malnutrition and that climate-related disasters have impacted 1.7 billion people over the past decade. Cho stressed the importance of collective action to address these critical challenges through decisive and immediate measures to protect the planet and mitigate the effects of climate change on vulnerable and affected communities.

During the first session, titled “Defining Climate Discourses: A More Effective Strategy for Engaging Grassroots Communities in Faith-Based Climate Diplomacy,” participants explained that grassroots climate discussions often rely heavily on religious understandings of environmental changes, which may sometimes differ from scientific and technical language. They emphasized the importance of involving mid-level and grassroots religious leaders to directly guide communities and recognizing the impact of religious knowledge in understanding and addressing climate change as part of efforts to tackle environmental challenges.

The second session, “Aligning Transparency: Navigating Requirements for Nationally Determined Contributions to Enhance Climate Action,” highlighted the importance of promoting transparency to support global climate efforts, particularly concerning Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Participants stressed the need to implement transparency principles in measuring countries’ progress toward achieving climate goals, thereby building trust among nations and the international community by providing accurate data on emissions and climate policies.

During the third session, titled “Opportunities and Challenges in Advancing Climate Plans,” participants noted that despite differing religious perspectives on nature, there is a consensus on the importance of environmental protection and collaboration among faith communities. They pointed to successes in multilateral efforts, such as the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement, which demonstrated the importance of decisive leadership in building trust, resilience, and focusing on shared goals to implement global climate projects.

The fourth session, “Unifying Faith Communities for Strategic Results on the Road to COP30,” underscored the role of faith communities in advancing climate action and achieving environmental justice. Participants discussed COP30 as a critical milestone for unifying climate efforts and highlighted the pivotal role of faith communities in ensuring social and environmental rights. They also stressed the importance of involving all vulnerable groups, including women, girls, and indigenous peoples, in climate action initiatives.

In the final session of the day, titled “Al Mizan – A Call to Action,” participants emphasized the significance of this document as a comprehensive framework reflecting the relationship between humans and nature through religious values. They highlighted the importance of maintaining balance between humanity and nature and encouraged a sense of responsibility for preserving natural resources. Participants also stressed the need to integrate these principles into community action by fostering local awareness and engagement.

CEO of the Shaolin Monastery praises Faith Pavilion as a global platform for dialogue and engaging religious leaders in addressing the climate challenge

Muslim Council of Elders and the Shaolin Monastery discuss ways to strengthen mutual cooperation

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, met with Shi Yongxin, CEO of the Shaolin Monastery, on the sidelines of COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan. The discussion centered on the importance of uniting the efforts of religious leaders to address global challenges, with climate change being a primary focus.

During the meeting, Judge Abdelsalam emphasized the significant role religions can play in driving impactful global change. He highlighted their ability to guide millions of individuals toward sustainable and responsible behaviors to protect Earth, humanity’s shared home. He noted that the Faith Pavilion at COP29 reflects the commitment of the Muslim Council of Elders, led by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, to amplifying the collective voice of religions in protecting the environment and its natural resources.

Shi Yongxin praised the historic ‘Document on Human Fraternity’, which was co-signed in Abu Dhabi in 2019 by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb and His Holiness Pope Francis. He also commended the Faith Pavilion initiative launched at COP28 in Dubai, describing it as a global platform for interfaith and intercultural dialogue and a practical step in involving religious leaders in climate change efforts. Shi Yongxin emphasized that the Pavilion embodies a message of peace and unity among religions to protect the planet.

The Faith Pavilion at COP29, running from November 12 to 22, features over 40 discussion sessions with the participation of 97 organizations representing 11 religions. It aims to build on the success of its inaugural edition at COP28 by strengthening interfaith collaboration for environmental protection, exploring best practices for sustainable adaptation, promoting sustainable lifestyles, and addressing the non-economic impacts of climate change alongside mechanisms for climate justice.

Following an invitation from Leyla Aliyeva, the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, participated in the inauguration of the international fine arts project “Mother Nature,” hosted by the Heydar Aliyev Center in the capital of Azerbaijan, Baku, as part of the 29th session of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29).

The Secretary-General commended the vital role that art plays in raising awareness about the numerous challenges and issues facing humanity, including climate change. He emphasized that art has a unique ability to connect with both hearts and minds, adding that protecting the environment is a collective responsibility. Therefore, all available resources, including meaningful art, should be leveraged to instill a love for nature and foster a sense of responsibility toward our planet.

The project features 127 artworks created by 55 artists from 28 countries. These artistic creations aim to increase awareness of the importance of protecting the environment and preserving our planet through art and aesthetics, contributing to global efforts to address climate change.

Indonesia’s Minister for Religious Affairs: The Responsibilities of Religious Leaders Are Increasing Amid Global Crises, Especially in Promoting Tolerance and Protecting the Environment

Member of the Muslim Council of Elders: The Council, Under the Leadership of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Is Making Pioneering Efforts to Promote Tolerance, Coexistence, and Human Fraternity

Member of the Executive Office of the Muslim Council of Elders: Working for the Environment Requires Integrated Collaboration Among All Sectors of Society, Including Religious Leaders

The Muslim Council of Elders’ branch in Indonesia organized a dialogue titled “The Role of Religious Leaders in Preserving Harmony and Protecting Nature” on the occasion of the International Day for Tolerance, observed annually on November 16. The event coincided with COP29 and gathered representatives from Indonesia’s print and visual media.

The discussion, which focused on the importance of promoting values of tolerance and the role of religious leaders in addressing environmental challenges and supporting climate action to achieve global peace and stability, featured several prominent figures, including Dr. Nasaruddin Umar, Indonesia’s Minister for Religious Affairs, Dr. Muhammad Quraish Shihab, former Minister for Religious Affairs and a member of the Muslim Council of Elders, and Dr. Muhammad Zainul Majdi, a member of the Executive Office of the Muslim Council of Elders.

In his speech via video, Dr. Nasaruddin Umar stated, “Religious leaders are facing significant challenges given the current state of humanity, especially with increasing global crises. These responsibilities include enhancing tolerance and understanding among nations and contributing to environmental protection and climate action.” He further emphasized, “Religious leaders play a pivotal role in guiding communities toward collective action and uniting efforts to confront shared challenges by combining spiritual values with environmental awareness to promote peace and sustainable development.”

Dr. Muhammad Quraish Shihab said, “Under the leadership of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, the Council is making pioneering efforts to promote tolerance, coexistence, and human fraternity. Tolerance is not merely accepting differences; it is an active commitment aimed at fostering societal harmony and building bridges of understanding among cultures, peoples, and communities.” He added, “These values are a fundamental pillar in addressing the major challenges facing the world today, such as the climate change crisis, by encouraging international cooperation and mobilizing collective efforts to protect the environment and achieve sustainability.”

For his part, Dr. Muhammad Zainul Majdi highlighted, “Working for the environment requires integrated collaboration among all sectors of society, including religious leaders who can contribute to raising environmental awareness and supporting efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change.” He noted that “The Muslim Council of Elders is committed to spreading a culture of shared responsibility toward the environment and supporting global efforts for sustainable development.”

This dialogue session follows a visit by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, to Indonesia in mid-July. During the visit, His Eminence discussed efforts with official and religious leaders to promote coexistence and tolerance in Indonesian society. His Eminence also praised Indonesia’s pioneering experience in managing diversity and respecting pluralism, noting that the peaceful coexistence climate prevailing in Indonesia could serve as a global model.

The Faith Pavilion at COP29 hosted a number of dialogue sessions on its fourth day, focusing on the role of faith in addressing climate change and the associated economic challenges. The discussions emphasized the need for a fundamental shift in how humans interact with the environment, methods to integrate climate finance with efforts to protect nature, and the influence of faith-based organizations in mobilizing communities for effective climate action. The sessions also addressed the obstacles posed by debt in combating climate change and highlighted the importance of tackling non-economic losses, such as social and psychological impacts, through collaboration and directing resources to support communities most affected by climate change.

In his opening address, Shi Yongxin, CEO of the Shaolin Monastery, stated that the climate crisis poses a serious threat to humanity, causing environmental destruction and increasing natural disasters that claim countless lives. He called for decisive and courageous international action to address this existential issue. He emphasized that current solutions fail to address the root causes of climate change and advocated for a fundamental transformation in how humanity interacts with nature to achieve sustainable development and stabilize the climate system.

The first session, titled “Finance for Integrating Climate and Nature Actions: A Driver to Accelerate Achieving Net Zero Goals Through Policy Coherence,” focused on the importance of fostering collaboration to effectively address the climate crisis. Participants highlighted the need for transparency in managing climate-related financial risks and activating the role of financial institutions in leading the transition toward nature-positive strategies.

The second session, “Reimagining Climate Financing: Harnessing Unique Contributions of Faith-Based Organizations,” emphasized the pivotal role global faith organizations play in building community movements and launching effective initiatives to combat fossil fuel industries and promote renewable energy use. Speakers stressed the importance of mobilizing financial resources to address natural disasters swiftly and ensuring that climate financing reaches the most climate-affected countries, enabling them to implement adaptation and mitigation measures effectively.

In the third session, “Reckoning with Debt: The Major Barrier to Climate Action,” speakers highlighted the significant impact of debt on achieving climate justice, noting that many countries allocate a substantial portion of their funding to debt servicing rather than critical sectors like education, health, and social protection. The burden of debt, they explained, makes it impossible to dedicate sufficient resources to mitigate climate change, adapt to its impacts, and build resilience against its consequences.

The final session, titled “Unseen Toll: Addressing Non-Economic Losses in the Climate Crisis,” highlighted the profound non-economic impacts of climate change, including human loss, displacement due to floods, and the psychological and social challenges faced by affected individuals and communities. Participants underscored the importance of strengthening the efforts of faith-based organizations and religious leaders, who have the ability to inspire humanity to serve others, protect nature, and contribute to a better future by caring for the planet.

The second edition of the Faith Pavilion, running from November 12 to 22 at COP29, builds on the success of its inaugural edition at COP28 in the United Arab Emirates. It features over 40 dialogue sessions focusing on enhancing interfaith collaboration to care for the Earth, exploring best practices for sustainable adaptation planning, encouraging sustainable lifestyles through religion, addressing non-economic impacts of climate change through faith-based perspectives, improving access to loss and damage funding, and advocating for local accountability mechanisms and inclusive climate justice for all.

Muslim Council of Elders – Tolerance is an ethical principle and a human duty essential for establishing genuine peace that restores balance to humanity and spreads compassion, justice, and hope

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the Chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, calls on world leaders and their communities to prioritize fostering tolerance and coexistence while rejecting all forms of violence and conflict that destabilize societies and exhaust their resources as these challenges pose a grave threat to the present and future of coming generations. The Council emphasizes that tolerance is not merely an option but the only viable path to breaking the cycle of wars and conflicts affecting various parts of the world. It is also the key to ending the ongoing suffering endured by innocent victims, the impoverished, the vulnerable, and the marginalized.

In a statement marking the International Day for Tolerance on November 16, the Muslim Council of Elders asserts that tolerance is not just an ethical choice but a human duty and an essential prerequisite for societal stability and progress and the foundation of genuine peace, capable of restoring balance to humanity while spreading compassion, justice, and hope worldwide. The Council highlights that Islam, at its essence, is a religion of peace and mercy that denounces hatred and hostility. It consistently advocates for peaceful coexistence among people of diverse races, religions, and cultures while promoting principles of mutual respect and human connection. This is exemplified in the Quranic verse: “We have created you from male and female and made you into nations and tribes, so that you may know one another” (Surah Al-Hujurat, 49:13), underscoring the significance of building bridges of understanding among nations.

The Muslim Council of Elders has undertaken substantial efforts to promote a culture of tolerance, coexistence, and acceptance of others. These initiatives culminated in the launch of the Document on Human Fraternity,  which was co-signed by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, and His Holiness Pope Francis in Abu Dhabi in 2019. The document calls on global leaders and policymakers to actively foster the values of tolerance and peace and urges immediate action to end the bloodshed of innocent lives, resolve global conflicts and wars, and address critical issues such as climate change and cultural and moral decline.

Third Day of the Faith Pavilion at COP29 discusses the Role of Faith and Science in Achieving Climate Justice

The third day of the Faith Pavilion at COP29 hosted a series of discussion sessions that brought together religious leaders, scientific experts, and policymakers. These sessions addressed the challenges posed by climate change, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between faith and science. Topics included the role of faith communities in supporting climate adaptation efforts, the necessity of achieving climate justice to assist the most vulnerable, the impact of conflicts on adaptation efforts, and the need for comprehensive solutions that link nature restoration with social cohesion.

In his opening remarks, H.E. Ambassador Majid Al-Suwaidi, Director General and Special Representative of the UAE COP28, commended religious leaders for their exemplary role, particularly in promoting values such as tolerance and mutual respect, which are vital for protecting the Earth, humanity’s shared home. He described the establishment of the Faith Pavilion at COP28 as a groundbreaking step, providing a unique platform for dialogue among religious leaders, scientists, policymakers, youth, and indigenous representatives. He emphasized the Pavilion’s ongoing role in COP conferences as a global hub for inclusive and intergenerational climate discussions.

Lord Alok Sharma, President of COP26, stated in his opening address that the world is experiencing a state of uncertainty, but three facts remain certain: the worsening of climate change, negative cash flows, and the urgent need for increased funding to support developing countries. He emphasized the pivotal role of faith leaders in global climate action, explaining that collaboration between science and religion is essential to achieving climate neutrality and limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. He noted that significant efforts have been made at COP26, COP27, and COP28 to achieve this critical goal.

In the first session, titled “Inclusive Climate Justice for All,” speakers stressed the need for holistic approaches to ensure climate justice and improve the lives of those most vulnerable to climate change. Discussions emphasized the importance of adequate funding for climate initiatives to ensure resources reach those in greatest need. Participants shared global initiatives demonstrating the positive impact of empowering vulnerable communities to adapt to and recover from climate challenges.

The second session, “Breaking Barriers: Navigating Adaptation Limits—Addressing Loss and Damage through Inclusive and Innovative Climate Action,” focused on the unavoidable impacts of climate change that mitigation and adaptation cannot address. Speakers underscored the necessity of mitigation to limit future climate impacts and called for the development of effective monitoring and evaluation systems to refine responses to loss and damage.

In the third session, “Climate Action as a Conflict Resolution Tool within Multi-Faith Communities,” discussions centered on how climate change exacerbates crises and conflicts. Participants highlighted challenges faced by pastoralist communities due to shifting seasonal patterns, leading to resource disputes with farmers. They emphasized the need to integrate humanitarian aid with climate justice to support affected communities and ensure agricultural sustainability lost to conflicts.

The fourth session, “The Role of Faith and Science in Climate Negotiations,” explored the integration of faith and science in addressing climate challenges. Participants stressed the influence of faith, as 85 percent of the world’s population identifies as religious, and called for shared values like justice and peace to hold policymakers accountable for climate action.

The final session, “Adaptation and Social Cohesion: How Nature Restoration and Faith Interacts for Successful Transformation,” emphasized the need for transformational adaptation in vulnerable and conflict-affected nations. Participants noted that 70 percent of the most climate-vulnerable countries are also the most fragile, highlighting the compounding challenges of climate change and conflicts. They called for tangible and effective adaptation strategies that link climate resilience with social cohesion.

Third Day of the Faith Pavilion at COP29 discusses the Role of Faith and Science in Achieving Climate Justice

The third day of the Faith Pavilion at COP29 hosted a series of discussion sessions that brought together religious leaders, scientific experts, and policymakers. These sessions addressed the challenges posed by climate change, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between faith and science. Topics included the role of faith communities in supporting climate adaptation efforts, the necessity of achieving climate justice to assist the most vulnerable, the impact of conflicts on adaptation efforts, and the need for comprehensive solutions that link nature restoration with social cohesion.

In his opening remarks, H.E. Ambassador Majid Al-Suwaidi, Director General and Special Representative of the UAE COP28, commended religious leaders for their exemplary role, particularly in promoting values such as tolerance and mutual respect, which are vital for protecting the Earth, humanity’s shared home. He described the establishment of the Faith Pavilion at COP28 as a groundbreaking step, providing a unique platform for dialogue among religious leaders, scientists, policymakers, youth, and indigenous representatives. He emphasized the Pavilion’s ongoing role in COP conferences as a global hub for inclusive and intergenerational climate discussions.

Lord Alok Sharma, President of COP26, stated in his opening address that the world is experiencing a state of uncertainty, but three facts remain certain: the worsening of climate change, negative cash flows, and the urgent need for increased funding to support developing countries. He emphasized the pivotal role of faith leaders in global climate action, explaining that collaboration between science and religion is essential to achieving climate neutrality and limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. He noted that significant efforts have been made at COP26, COP27, and COP28 to achieve this critical goal.

In the first session, titled “Inclusive Climate Justice for All,” speakers stressed the need for holistic approaches to ensure climate justice and improve the lives of those most vulnerable to climate change. Discussions emphasized the importance of adequate funding for climate initiatives to ensure resources reach those in greatest need. Participants shared global initiatives demonstrating the positive impact of empowering vulnerable communities to adapt to and recover from climate challenges.

The second session, “Breaking Barriers: Navigating Adaptation Limits—Addressing Loss and Damage through Inclusive and Innovative Climate Action,” focused on the unavoidable impacts of climate change that mitigation and adaptation cannot address. Speakers underscored the necessity of mitigation to limit future climate impacts and called for the development of effective monitoring and evaluation systems to refine responses to loss and damage.

In the third session, “Climate Action as a Conflict Resolution Tool within Multi-Faith Communities,” discussions centered on how climate change exacerbates crises and conflicts. Participants highlighted challenges faced by pastoralist communities due to shifting seasonal patterns, leading to resource disputes with farmers. They emphasized the need to integrate humanitarian aid with climate justice to support affected communities and ensure agricultural sustainability lost to conflicts.

The fourth session, “The Role of Faith and Science in Climate Negotiations,” explored the integration of faith and science in addressing climate challenges. Participants stressed the influence of faith, as 85 percent of the world’s population identifies as religious, and called for shared values like justice and peace to hold policymakers accountable for climate action.

The final session, “Adaptation and Social Cohesion: How Nature Restoration and Faith Interacts for Successful Transformation,” emphasized the need for transformational adaptation in vulnerable and conflict-affected nations. Participants noted that 70 percent of the most climate-vulnerable countries are also the most fragile, highlighting the compounding challenges of climate change and conflicts. They called for tangible and effective adaptation strategies that link climate resilience with social cohesion.

Muslim Council of Elders and Indonesia’s Delegation at COP29 Affirm Importance of Religious Voices in Addressing Climate Challenges

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, met with Hashim Djojohadikusumo, Special Envoy of President Prabowo Subianto for Energy and Environment and Head of Indonesia’s delegation to COP29, in Baku, Azerbaijan.

During the meeting, the Secretary-General emphasized the Council’s substantial efforts in supporting the role of religious leaders in addressing global challenges, including climate issues. He noted that the Council launched the Call of Conscience: Abu Dhabi Joint Statement for Climate, signed by 30 prominent religious leaders worldwide. The Council also organized the Faith Pavilion at COP28, marking the first of its kind at a Conference of the Parties, and is now holding the second Faith Pavilion at COP29 following the great success of the first.

The Secretary-General praised Indonesia’s exemplary model of pluralism, diversity, and coexistence, congratulating the new Indonesian government led by President Prabowo. He expressed his honor in attending the inauguration of Indonesia’s President and Vice President last month and affirmed the Council’s commitment to strengthening constructive engagement across Indonesian society and Southeast Asia through initiatives that promote dialogue and coexistence.

For his part, Indonesia’s Head of Delegation to COP29 expressed his appreciation for the Muslim Council of Elders’ efforts in mobilizing religious leaders to tackle the climate challenge, including the Faith Pavilion initiative at COP28 and its continuation at COP29. He also conveyed his intent to visit the pavilion and engage with its various activities, highlighting the significance of the Religions for Development and Peace initiative, which aims to amplify the role of religious leaders in development and peacebuilding.

At the end of the meeting, both sides affirmed the importance of religious leaders’ voices in addressing climate challenges, committing to continued collaboration to raise awareness of the urgent need to respond to climate change and its risks.