Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders: The Abu Dhabi Joint Statement for the Climate Change reaffirms the determination of religious leaders to support global climate action

Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders: Religious leaders are the voice of humanity, supporting the efforts of world leaders and decision-makers in facing climate change

President of the Congress of Christian Leaders: The Faith Pavilion at COP28 is a historic initiative that must be integrated into the framework of future COP conferences

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, underscored that the Faith Pavilion at COP28 functions as an inspirational platform and a bridge for communication between science and religion. It conveys a universal message that underscores the collective responsibility of everyone in preserving the environment and constructing a better, sustainable future for both current and forthcoming generations.

During a discussion session titled "Advancing Understanding for Our Common World," held on the fifth day of the Faith Pavilion at COP28, the Secretary-General asserted that there is no inherent conflict between science and religion. He noted the continuous benefits derived globally from the legacy of Muslim scholars across diverse fields. Abdelsalam also emphasized the significant role religion plays in addressing the climate crisis, highlighting that, as stewards of the Earth entrusted with knowledge and research, humans bear the responsibility of preserving the environment as an inherent duty in their lives and behaviors.

Abdelsalam clarified that the 'Call of Conscience: Abu Dhabi Joint Statement for Climate Change' co=signed by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, along with His Holiness Pope Francis, Pontiff of the Catholic Church, and 28 other leaders and symbols of international religions, reaffirms the commitment of religious leaders to supporting global climate action. He also emphasized that the essence of the call is for religious leaders to be the collective voice of humanity, backing the efforts of world leaders and decision-makers in addressing the impacts of climate change.

For his part, Rev. Johnnie Moore, President of the Congress of Christian Leaders said, "The faith pavilion at COP28 is historic and has to be maintained because it brings together people of different faiths to talk about ways of mitigating climate change, which is very significant and will yield great results. As people of faith, we should educate ourselves on issues concerning climate change and environmental protection in order to disseminate the right information to our communities to save the planet.

The Muslim Council of Elders is organizing the Faith Pavilion at COP28 in collaboration with the COP28 Presidency, the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence in the UAE, and the United Nations Environment Programme. Held from December 1 to 12 at Expo City Dubai, the pavilion will feature representatives of nine religions participating in around 70 dialogue sessions with over 300 speakers from around the world to formulate a common vision and take a unified stance among religious leaders, scholars, environmental experts, youth, women, and representatives of indigenous peoples in addressing the adverse effects of climate change.