خبریں

The Muslim Council of Elders’ booth at the Istanbul Arabic Book Fair hosted a seminar titled “The Human Fraternity Journey: Grand Imam and Pope Francis as Models.” Dr. Samir Boudinar, Director of the Al Hokama Center for Peace Research, presented the seminar at Booth No. 38, Hall 9, at the exhibition grounds in Istanbul.

During the seminar, Dr. Boudinar emphasized the urgent need for the world to establish and enhance the values of human fraternity, particularly amidst wars and conflicts that require the dissemination of peace values, mutual coexistence, and the fight against all forms of violence, terrorism, bigotry, hatred, and discrimination.

Boudinar affirmed that Grand Imam Ahmed Al-Tayeb and Pope Francis provide an inspirational model for the relationship between leaders and symbols of religions. He highlighted the fraternal relationship and friendship between these significant religious figures, culminating in the Document on Human Fraternity signed in Abu Dhabi in 2019, which embodies humane values to promote and strengthen the values of dialogue, tolerance, and human fraternity.

The Director of the Al Hokama Center for Peace Research explained that the book “The Pope and the Grand Imam: A Thorny Path” provides a detailed account of the journey of the Document on Human Fraternity, the most important document in modern human history. It alsl sheds light on the path of human fraternity by the Grand Imam and Pope Francis to guide humanity towards a better future.

For the second consecutive year, the Muslim Council of Elders is participatiny in the Istanbul Arabic Book Fair, aligning with its mission to promote a culture of dialogue, tolerance, and human coexistence. The fair stands as one of the essential gatherings for Arab publishers and creators of literary and cultural content in the region. It also serves as a significant event for Arab communities in Europe, considering Istanbul as a bridge of dialogue between the East and the West.

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, extends its deepest condolences for the passing of His Highness Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Emir of the State of Kuwait, who passed away this morning at the age of 86.

The Council expresses sincere condolences to the leadership, government, and people of Kuwait, as well as the Arab and Islamic worlds, for the loss of the departed leader. They pray that Almighty Allah shower him with His mercy and grant him a place in the spacious gardens of paradise. “To Allah, we belong, and to Him, we shall return.”

The Muslim Council of Elders organized a seminar at the 2023 Istanbul Arabic Book Fair titled: “The Role of the Muslim Council of Elders in Disseminating Books of Islamic Heritage and Thought”. The seminar was presented by Dr. Abdul Rahman Madkur, a researcher at the Office of Islamic Heritage Revival at Al-Azhar. It addressed the role of the Muslim Council of Elders and its efforts in promoting peace, spreading the values of dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence. It also discussed countering extremism, hate speech, bigotry, terrorism, and correcting misconceptions to go with highlighting the initiatives and diverse publications of the council.

Audience members actively engaged in the seminar, contributing to discussions on intellectual and cultural issues emphasized by the council’s publications. They praised the efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders, led by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, in promoting awareness of Islamic heritage and culture, defending the issues of the nation, building bridges of communication between nations and peoples, and spreading the culture of human fraternity.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ booth at the 2023 Istanbul Arabic Book Fair, held from December 9 to 17, features a series of seminars addressing various intellectual, cultural, and societal issues. These activities align with the council’s mission to promote peace, tolerance, and coexistence among all peoples and cultures.

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, commended the parties of the twenty-eighth session of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) for reaching the UAE Consensus. This agreement, for the first time in the history of conferences, includes an invitation to achieve a transition in the energy sector away from fossil fuel use. The Council affirmed that this agreement represents a historic step towards building a more prosperous and sustainable future for humanity.

The Muslim Council of Elders congratulates the United Arab Emirates, led by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE, for successful hosting of of COP28 which reflects the UAE’s serious commitment to addressing climate challenges on local, regional, and global levels and protecting the planet. The Council praised the tremendous efforts of His Excellency Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, the UAE’s Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, who also served as the COP28 President, and the COP28 team for achieving the ‘UAE Consensus’. This achievement is evidence of the world’s ability to collaborate and work collectively towards achieving sustainable development and preserving the environment for current and future generations.

In collaboration with the COP28 Presidency, the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence in the UAE, and the United Nations Environment Programme, the Muslim Council of Elders organized the Faith Pavilion at COP28 for the first time in the history of COP conferences. The Pavilion served as a platform for dialogue among religious leaders and symbols to address the climate change crisis.

For the First Time in 30 Years, the Faith Pavilion at COP28 Provided a Platform Bringing Together Religious Leaders and Decision-Makers to Discuss and Support the Priorities of the Conference of the Parties

Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders: The Faith Pavilion Represented an Inspiring Path that Has Begun and Will Flourish in the Upcoming Sessions of the Conference of the Parties

Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders Expresses Gratitude and Congratulations to the United Arab Emirates, Led by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, for Supporting the Faith Pavilion

The Faith Pavilion successfully concluded its activities at COP28, amidst unprecedented engagement from religious leaders, figures, scholars, academics, decision-makers, environmental experts, youth representatives, women, and indigenous peoples from across the globe. The event also garnered praise from visitors for the outstanding organization of the Faith Pavilion by the Muslim Council of Elders, acknowledging its initiatives aimed at supporting efforts to address and tackle urgent climate issues. 

In total, the Faith Pavilion at COP28 organized 70 sessions with over 300 speakers from around the world, focusing on the global recognition of the ethical responsibility to preserve the environment, caring for and protecting the Earth as a sacred duty and a shared responsibility of humanity. Emphasis was also placed on promoting sustainable lifestyles in line with the principles of justice advocated by various faiths, the sustainable use of natural resources, and raising awareness within religious communities to bring about fundamental change in the behaviors of individuals and societies which would contribute to achieving sustainable environmental development and building a better future for the planet.

Participants emphasized the need to enhance collective action in facing climate challenges, fostering partnerships between religious organizations, governments, civil society, and other relevant entities to implement environmental projects, awareness campaigns, and community initiatives aimed at addressing the negative impacts of climate change. This includes the development of legislation and policies consistent with the ethical principles embraced by various religions, including the implementation of comprehensive and fair strategies that meet the needs of vulnerable communities and promote climate justice.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, expressed that the success of the Faith Pavilion at COP28 in engaging religion alongside science in addressing the climate crisis places a significant responsibility on religious leaders and figures to contribute to effective solutions for climate change and raise awareness of its risks. He also affirmed that this inspiring path has started and will continue to flourish in the upcoming Conference of the Parties, echoing the voice of faith and the values of human fraternity.

Abdelsalam also extended gratitude and congratulations to the United Arab Emirates, led by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, for supporting the organization of the Faith Pavilion, reflecting its strong belief in the importance of the voices of religions in facing global challenges, particularly the climate crisis. He also thanked the COP28 Presidency and His Excellency Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, the UAE’s Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and COP28 President, for their outstanding efforts in promoting collective action for effective and tangible solutions to the climate crisis. 

Additionally, Judge Abdelsalam thanked the UAE’s Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence and His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, along with the United Nations Environment Programme, for their active participation in the success of the Faith Pavilion at COP28.

The opening of the Faith Pavilion at COP28 witnessed the signing of the ‘The Call of Conscience: Abu Dhabi Statement on Climate Action for COP28’ by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and the Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, alongside His Holiness Pope Francis of the Catholic Church. The statement was also signed by 28 leaders and symbols of various religious denominations and sects, at the ‘Global Faith Leaders Summit’ organized by the Muslim Council of Elders in November. The statement called for accelerating the pace of a rapid and fair transition, adopting clean and renewable energy sources, urging governments to overcome the linear growth model and transition to the circular model, achieving justice and inclusivity in climate transformation to address losses and damages resulting from climate change, especially in vulnerable regions. It also encouraged comprehensive dialogue during and beyond the Conference of the Parties, involving religious leaders, marginalized groups, youth, women’s organizations, and the scientific community to form alliances that promote sustainable development.

The Faith Pavilion at COP28 was organized by the Muslim Council of Elders in collaboration with the COP28 Presidency, the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence in the UAE, and the United Nations Environment Programme from November 30 to December 12 with the aim of creating a global platform for interfaith dialogue on climate issues.

Urgent Call to Address the Climate Crisis with Involvement of Faith Communities Discussed at the Faith Pavillion

The activities of the Faith Pavilion at COP28 continued into its eleventh day, featuring several panel sessions that focused on exploring various religious approaches to climate action. Topics ranged from youth engagement and climate concerns to the shared commitment of faith actors to climate justice, sustainability, as well as exploring climate and sustainability in the Quran and Sunnah.

Participants in the first session, titled “Exploring Religious Resistence to Climate Action,” stressed the urgent need for broad-scale engagement and practical responses to the climate crisis, emphasizing the vital role of religious communities. They highlighted the importance of shifting societal mindsets towards environmental preservation from a religious and moral perspective. Additionally, they underscored the need to move away from resource exploitation through mismanagement and political disputes as a means to address climate change repercussions.

Participants emphasized that religious communities can provide the ethical foundation for addressing the climate crisis and guiding individuals to take purposeful and transformative climate actions. They stressed the importance of considering all religious perspectives and orientations within societies to realize collaborative climate actions.

Titled “Youth, Climate Anxiety, and the Role of Faith,” the second session addressed the significant concerns, particularly among young people and children, regarding climate change and the future of our planet. Participants highlighted the crucial role played by religious leaders and communities in addressing this concern. They called for innovation and active participation in environmental conservation initiatives to address the climate crisis for future generations. They also emphasized the need to raise religious and cultural awareness among young people regarding environmental protection and climate change impacts, encouraging them to devise solutions for tackling this crisis.

In the third session, titled “Call to Action: Joint Commitment of Faith-Based Actors for Climate Justice,” participants emphasized the importance of religious leaders in enabling all communities to adapt to climate changes fairly, ensuring they benefit adequately from the transition to renewable energy sources and the optimal utilization of natural resources available in many societies, particularly in Africa. They stressed the need for these measures to avoid climate-related emergencies.

Participants discussed the impact of floods, wildfires, droughts, and hurricanes on their communities. They emphasized the proactive response of religious leaders, which extended beyond simple reconstruction efforts. These leaders, participants pointed out, have made efforts to mitigate climate emergencies by encouraging changes in consumption patterns concerning water, food, and natural resources within their respective communities. Furthermore, they underscored the significance of strengthening global cooperation and fostering a shared commitment among communities to ensure climate justice for all.

In the fourth session, Dr. Mohamed Ibrahim Farsi, Senior Grand Researcher at the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai, discussed the theme of ‘Sustainability in the Quran and Sunnah’. He highlighted that sustainability in the Quran and Sunnah signifies sustaining the primary sources of the Islamic faith. Dr. Farsi explained that sustainability involves providing for the current generation’s needs without compromising the rights of future generations.

Dr. Farsi explained that the Quran urges us not to be extravagant, as God Almighty says: “And [they are] those who, when they spend, do so not excessively or sparingly but are ever, between that, [justly] moderate;” (Quran, 25:67) “And eat and drink, but be not excessive. Indeed, He likes not those who commit excess.” (Quran, 7:31). Furthermore, in the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), he discouraged extravagance in the use of water and emphasized the importance of its conservation. Dr. Farsi further affirmed that Islamic teachings emphasize the need to regulate the consumption behaviors of communities.

The fifth session, titled “A Visual Expression of Humanity’s Values,” delved into shared human values through topics and initiatives in the field of climate justice. It also addressed gender equality, youth involvement, dietary patterns, and their role in promoting human values and collaboration to protect planet Earth from the impacts of climate change. Participants emphasized the importance of forging new partnerships and alliances among all communities, especially religious ones, to guide individuals toward shared values and principles that advocate for environmental care and sustainability across all walks of life to save the planet from the impacts of climate change.

Ethical Development and Consolidating Development Efforts to Address Climate Change discussed on day 10 of the Faith Pavilion

On day 10 of the Faith Pavilion at COP28, five dialogue sessions were held featuring 28 speakers. Discussions focused on the ethical development pathways for climate-resilient food systems, the consolidation of development and interfaith efforts to preserve natural resources impacting food security, and the moral imperative of faith communities to address water, food and climate justice.

Participants in the first session, titled “Ethical Development Pathways for Climate-Resilient Food Systems,” emphasized the need for a holistic approach to address the just and fair transition to local and climate-resilient food systems. They highlighted the crucial role of behavioral change in this process and underscored the importance of religions in guiding individuals toward values and religious ethics that promote food sustainability.

The second session, “Consolidated Development and Interfaith Efforts to Preserve Natural Resources Impacting Food Security – A Case from Egypt” showcased best practices and practical experiences in interfaith climate action in Egypt. Participants emphasized the importance of studying erroneous agricultural practices to confront climate crises and preserve natural resources. They also stressed the significance of converting agricultural waste into organic fertilizers instead of burning it, raising awareness about the need to reduce carbon emissions.

In the third session, “Faith Communities Have a Moral Imperative to Address Water-Food-Climate Justice,” participants affirmed that the vital connection between sustainable food and agriculture, water, and climate change requires a comprehensive approach to addressing climate change alongside other issues.

Prof. Pedro Arrojo-Agudo, UN Special Rapporteur for Human Rights to Water and Sanitation, commended the organization of the Faith Pavilion at COP28, stating that its sessions and discussions would contribute to sustainability efforts and climate environmental justice in the field of human rights.

The fourth session, titled “Listen to Those Who Listen to the Earth: A Plea for an Urgent Ethical Blue Framework by Indigenous Populations and World Religions,” discussed the importance of transitioning from shared ethical and religious narratives to shared commitments to environmental protection and safeguarding the Earth. Participants also emphasized that engagement in environmental justice would make communities more resilient to the impacts of climate change.

Prof. Nazila Ghanea, UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief, emphasized that freedom of religion and belief for all, regardless of their thoughts, conscience, religion, or beliefs, is crucial for preserving natural resources and the right of all individuals to access water to confront the climate changes affecting everyone.

The fifth session, “Eco-Affinity: Water and Climate Activism through Contemplative and Faith-Based Practice,” highlighted that the healing of the planet from the consequences of climate change is inseparable from our own healing. Participants emphasized the importance of exploring awareness, environmental affinity, and the unity of nature, society, and the economy as driving factors to achieve sustainable and positive outcomes for nature. They also encouraged a shift from fear of the climate crisis to facing and addressing it.

The sixth session, “‘Science-Based Targets for Faith’: Advancing a Global Standard for FBOs to Measure, Manage, and Report GHG Emissions,” discussed science-based goals to reduce emissions set by organizations in alignment with scientifically derived goals in the Paris Agreement. Participants presented fundamental concepts of science-based targets and their potential applications for faith-based organizations. They provided examples of creed-based organizations that successfully implemented science-based goal methodologies to mitigate the 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, welcomes the recent positive developments and peace-building initiatives between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Armenia.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, stated that the Council supports global efforts to promote peace and affirmed the Council’s backing for this initiative, expressing hope that it would significantly contribute to enhancing stability, consolidating the steps taken toward peace, and fostering development for the peoples of Azerbaijan and Armenia, as well as the broader Caucasus region.

The Council emphasized the paramount importance of continuing to build bridges of communication, promoting the values of dialogue, cooperation, and trust which should lead to a permanent peace agreement between the two nations, facilitating the final resolution of the conflict and establishing enduring peace.

The Muslim Council of Elders is an independent international organization aimed at promoting peace, understanding, and cooperation in Muslim and non-Muslim societies alike. The council is chaired by Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and is comprised of senior Muslim scholars and leaders from around the globe. Among its members is His Eminence Sheikh ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazadeh, the spiritual leader of Muslims in Azerbaijan and the Caucasus.

Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, has met with Master Ji Jing, the head of Gao Zun Monastery and a board member of the Europe Asia Center, along with Rui Yan, the Director of the Center. The meeting took place during COP28 conference at Expo Citu Dubai, focusing on discussions to enhance the role of religious leaders in addressing global challenges.

Master Ji Jing and Rui Yan visited the Faith Pavilion at COP28, and learned about the significant initiatives and activities presented by the Pavilion which is organized by the Muslim Council of Elders 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 platform for dialogue, bringing together religious leaders and communities to find solutions to climate challenges.

The head of Gao Zun Monastery and the Director of the Europe Asia Center praised the organization of the Faith Pavilion, describing it as a historic initiative at COP conferences. They emphasized that the religious and cultural diversity reflected in the Pavilion contributes to enhancing the role of religious leaders in addressing the negative impacts of climate change. They also expressed appreciation for the efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders, led by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, in unifying the voices of religions to save the Earth. They also commended “The Call of Conscience: Abu Dhabi Statement on Climate Action for COP28” and its call to world leaders to take tangible and effective actions to address the climate crisis.

The Faith Pavilion at COP28 hosted numerous religious leaders, scholars, environmental experts, youth, and representatives of indigenous peoples, aiming to discuss and explore solutions to address climate change challenges and raise awareness about the dangers of this global threat through 70 dialogue sessions involving over 300 speakers from around the world.

Bhupender Yadav, India’s Minister of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, 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 UAE, and the United Nations Environment Programme. During the visit, he Yadav was introduced to the various initiatives and activities of the pavilion aimed at raising awareness about the climate crisis.

Yadav commended 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 addressing various global challenges, notably climate change. He emphasized that this pavilion provides a crucial opportunity to engage religious leaders in discussions on how to tackle climate issues, fostering cooperation and understanding among different religious communities in their shared endeavor to protect the environment and its natural resources.

He also expressed his deep belief in the significant role of religions in changing behavioral patterns harmful to the environment, advocating for raising awareness in communities to enhance their understanding of the climate crisis and the necessity to mitigate its impacts, especially on vulnerable and marginalized communities. He affirmed that collective commitment is essential to work towards environmental conservation, as all religions call for collaborative action, unity, and cooperation to build a better and sustainable future for planet Earth.

The Faith Pavilion at COP28 aims to bring together religious leaders, scholars, youth, environmental experts, and indigenous peoples most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change in one place. It hosts over dialogue sessions and more than 300 speakers from various fields to unite leaders in adopting a unified stance on the climate crisis and issuing a call to policymakers and decision-makers for urgent action.