Malaysian Minister of Natural Resources: The Time has Come for Urgent and Tangible Joint Actions and Innovative Solutions for the Climate Issue

Botswana Minister of Environment and Natural Resources: Religious Communities Play a Significant Role in Preserving Environmental Sustainability

Licypriya Kangujam: 'Climate Solutions Fund' Marks a Concrete Beginning to Confront the Climate Crisis

The Faith Pavilion at COP28 continued for the sixth day, featuring several discussion sessions that focused on wise leadership for transitioning to clean technology, religious philanthropy as a catalyst for climate action, and increasing trust and transparency for a just transition to clean energy.

The day began with a speech by Indian child environmental activist, Licypriya Kangujam, commending the organization of the faith pavilion for the first time in the history of the COP conferences to support solutions addressing climate challenges. She emphasized the profound impact of religious and spiritual values in saving the planet, highlighting the disproportionate impact of the climate crisis on vulnerable populations worldwide, especially children.

The first session, titled "Al-Mizan: A Covenant for the Earth to Life," provided an overview of the Al-Mizan movement with the goal of launching this pioneering initiative in the future. Participants discussed the struggles of various communities due to climate change and reviewed the principles and clauses of the Earth Covenant for Life, emphasizing its potential to shape a global interfaith movement for environmental advocacy, values-based education, youth advocacy, and participation.

The second session, "Wise Leadership for Transitioning to Clean Technology," explored the role of fossil-free places of worship in transitioning to renewable energy. Participants stressed the need for a visionary mindset to inspire sustainable practices within communities. Religious leaders were identified as pivotal in connecting faith, environmental stewardship, and clean technologies such as solar and wind energy. Their significant role in bridging gaps, promoting collaboration, and influencing policy changes toward a sustainable future was highlighted.

In the third session, "Religious Philanthropy: A Catalyst for Climate Action," participants emphasized the transformative role of religious philanthropy in bridging the funding gap for climate challenges to save the Earth from the risks of climate violations. Botswana's Minister of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation, and Tourism, Phildah Kereng, underscored the significant role various religious communities play in environmental issues, resource conservation, and sustainability, especially in implementing policies to mitigate climate change risks.

The fourth session, "Increasing Trust and Transparency for a Socially Just Energy Transition under the Paris Agreement," focused on the necessity of transparent action to confront climate challenges and enhance trust between stakeholders. Participants emphasized the importance of working transparently to promote trust, citing recent studies from various countries and presenting results related to local climate action and a just transition to clean energy.

The fifth session, "Clergy Tell Their Stories from the Frontlines of the Climate Crisis," featured real-life stories of how religious communities were affected by floods, fires, droughts, and hurricanes. Religious leaders discussed their responses not only for reconstruction but also in attempting to mitigate climate emergencies by changing climate patterns. 

Malaysia's Minister of Natural Resources, Environment, and Climate Change, Nik Nazmi, participated in the fifth session, affirming that the time has come for urgent and tangible joint actions, innovative solutions, and engaging all sectors of society in climate action. He also highlighted the ingrained commitment to the environment and sustainability in Malaysian culture, characterized by the richest biodiversity and diverse cultural and religious backgrounds.

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.