The Muslim Council of Elders is participating in the opening of the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11 to 22 which will be attended by world leaders, officials, and representatives from international organizations, following an official invitation from President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan.
The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, arrived in Baku on Sunday morning, where he was welcomed at Heydar Aliyev International Airport by Matin Karimli, Chief of Staff of Azerbaijan's Ministry of Science and Education, along with other officials.
At COP29, the Muslim Council of Elders is organizing the second Faith Pavilion, building on the significant success of its first edition at COP28. The Pavilion features a global alliance of 97 organizations, representing 11 diverse religions and denominations, providing religious and ethical perspectives on climate action and will include over 40 discussion sessions focused on the integration of spirituality and ethics in advancing climate action.
Under the Chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, the Muslim Council of Elders has pioneered initiatives to enhance the role of religious leaders in addressing global challenges, including climate change. Last year, the Council hosted the Global Faith Leaders Summit for Climate in Abu Dhabi, culminating in the launch of the 'Call of Conscience: Abu Dhabi Joint Statement for Climate', which was co-signed by 30 religious leaders worldwide, including the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar as well as His Holiness Pope Francis. The Council also co-hosted the recent Global Religious Leaders Summit for Climate in Baku, furthering its mission to mobilize religious and ethical voices to devise effective climate solutions. The Council continues to impact through the Faith Pavilion at COP28 and COP29, underscoring the essential role of interfaith collaboration in addressing global environmental challenges.