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.