Muslim Council of Elders Participates in Astana International Forum
The Muslim Council of Elders participated in the Astana International Forum (AIF), hosted in the Kazakh capital, Astana, under the theme “Connecting Minds: Shaping the Future.” The forum, held from May 29 to 30, brought together a wide range of global leaders and decision-makers and aimed to advance international dialogue and multilateral cooperation to address complex global challenges that require coordinated and comprehensive responses.
During a panel session titled “The Innovation Challenge: Making Climate Action Work for All,” the Muslim Council of Elders emphasized that the Document on Human Fraternity—signed in Abu Dhabi in 2019 by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, and the late Pope Francis, former head of the Catholic Church—advocates the values of peace, justice, solidarity, and respect for the environment. The document is founded on the shared ethical and spiritual principles of the world’s religions.
The Council added that all religions call for respect for nature, the prevention of corruption on Earth, and the assumption of responsibility toward creation. These are not only spiritual principles but also moral foundations that can serve as a global reference point to support climate action. It noted that the role of faith leaders in this regard extends beyond moral guidance to awakening human conscience, strengthening collective responsibility, and mobilizing communities to adopt more sustainable lifestyles.
The Council has worked to advance the role of faith leaders in addressing the climate crisis through a number of pioneering initiatives. These include organizing the Global Summit of Faith Leaders for Climate in Abu Dhabi, which resulted in the launch of the “Call of Conscience: The Abu Dhabi Joint Statement for Climate”—signed by 30 prominent faithleaders from around the globe, including the Grand Imam Al-Tayeb and Pope Francis. The Council also organized the first-ever Faith Pavilion at COP28 in Dubai—marking a historic milestone in the UN Climate Change Conferences. Its resounding success has led to the organization of a second edition at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, which served as a global platform for interfaith dialogue and for amplifying the voices of faith leaders in addressing climate challenges.
The Council noted that faith leaders and local communities in Kazakhstan can play a significant role in promoting sustainability and resilience by activating ethical and religious discourse to raise environmental awareness, linking environmental protection to faith and moral responsibility before God and society. This can also be achieved by integrating sustainability concepts into community activities—whether in schools, houses of worship, or local initiatives—thus making climate action a part of everyday culture. Setting a good example is equally important; when people see faith leaders and community figures committed to sustainable lifestyles, it inspires others to follow their lead. Additionally, building partnerships with youth and civil society is essential, as behavioral change requires intergenerational communication and effective awareness strategies, especially in the digital age.
The Council concluded its remarks by affirming that sustainability begins with recognizing the value of both humanity and nature. As religions have long taught, healing the Earth begins with self-reform, the cultivation of conscience, and cooperation in the pursuit of the common good.
