The Muslim Council of Elders participated in the G20 Interfaith Forum, held in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, on May 13–14. The event coincided with the observance of World Interfaith Harmony Week.
The Council took part in the Forum’s Opening Plenary Session, titled “The African Union at the G20 Summit: The Role of Africa’s Faith Communities to Advance G20 Purposes in Africa.” During the session, Mr. Mohamed Bahr, Director of Strategic Planning at the Muslim Council of Elders, affirmed the Council’s belief in the vital and transformative role of faith communities in Africa in advancing both global and continental priorities. He highlighted the impact of trusted religious institutions in addressing poverty, inequality, and conflict, as well as the critical role of African faith leaders in areas such as food security, climate action, and migration.
Mr. Bahr also noted the Council’s efforts to advance peace in Africa and uphold the values of dialogue, coexistence, and peace through several key initiatives. These include the Peace Convoys, the Emerging Peacemakers Forum, and the practical implementation of the principles of the historic Document on Human Fraternity. He emphasized that the core values upheld by religious institutions—justice, compassion, care, and solidarity—align directly with the priorities of the G20, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
In the Forum’s third plenary session, titled “Sustainable Development in a World in Turmoil: Africa’s Contributions, Africa’s Needs,” the Council’s intervention focused on Africa’s contributions to sustainable development, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable financing, debt relief, and inclusive policies that empower women and youth. The Council called on faith leaders to pursue equitable solutions and collaborative responses to pressing humanitarian challenges. It also highlighted the Council’s initiatives aimed at enhancing the role of faith leaders in addressing global challenges and fostering sustainable development.
Among these initiatives is the launch of the first-ever Faith Pavilion at COP28, which unified the voices of faith leaders in addressing the climate crisis. The Council also announced its new initiative, “Religions for Peace and Development,” reaffirming its commitment to interfaith collaboration as a means of fostering global resilience and prosperity.
The G20 Interfaith Forum in Addis Ababa was held in celebration of the African Union’s membership in the G20. The forum focused on advancing the Sustainable Development Goals, the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and South Africa’s G20 Presidency in 2025, through the contributions of Africa’s faith communities. The event brought together faith leaders, policymakers, and civil society representatives to advance dialogue and develop actionable solutions for peace, sustainability, and social justice.