The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, welcomed H.E. Ahmed Darwish Al Muhairi, Director General of the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai, to the Faith Pavilion at COP28. During the visit, the pair toured the pavilion, gaining insights into its significant activities and events.

The Director General praised the efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, in enhancing the role of religious leaders in addressing global challenges, particularly the climate crisis. He commended the launch of the 'Abu Dhabi Statement on Climate Action for COP28' and the organization of the Faith Pavilion at COP28, marking a historic milestone in COP conferences.

For his part, the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders expressed appreciation for the visit by the Director General of the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai, emphasizing the vital role that religious institutions can play in confronting climate challenges. He also commended the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai for its efforts in raising awareness about climate issues and launching initiatives contributing to climate awareness and effective measures.

The Director General actively participated in an interactive seminar alongside Professor Dr. Salama Dawood, President of Al-Azhar University. During the seminar, he highlighted the UAE's commitment to implementing Islamic principles for environmental conservation since its founding. Al Muhairi also explained that the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department joined the UAE's efforts to support climate action by reducing carbon footprint, preventing water wastage in mosque facilities, planting greenery, reducing electricity consumption, and applying international standards for sustainable and green construction in various mosques in Dubai. He affirmed that the department also focuses on educating the community on Islamic teachings related to climate conservation through lessons, Friday sermons, seminars, and lectures, aiming to engage all segments of society in fulfilling their responsibilities towards nature and the Earth.

Professor Dr. Salama Dawood, President of Al-Azhar University, stated that climate change affects all communities, making environmental preservation and protecting the Earth a shared responsibility for everyone. He also emphasized that the Faith Pavilion at COP28, the first of its kind in the history of COP conferences, is a commendable initiative, and it is hoped that its outcomes and results contribute to changing climate-related procedures.

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.