New York Times: The first-ever Faith Pavilion, inaugurated by Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmed Al-Tayeb is a place for spiritual leaders to exchange ideas about how to guide people through the effects of climate change.

Agence France-Presse: The first time in nearly 30 years of global climate talks that religion has been given its own venue

Over 5,000 Visitors and 170 Speakers in 35 Dialogue Sessions on the Role of Religions in Addressing Climate Change

The Faith Pavilion at COP28, organized by the Muslim Council of Elders in collaboration with the COP28 Presidency, the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence of the United Arab Emirates, and the United Nations Environment Programme, received global media acclaim during the period from December 1 to December 12, 2023.

Numerous newspapers, television stations, and online platforms highlighted the significance of the Faith Pavilion as the first of its kind in the history of COP conferences which will featured activities and events with the participation of 300 speakers from around the world during 70 sessions over the 11-day duration of COP28.

International media focused on the speeches of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, and His Holiness Pope Francis, Pontiff of the Catholic Church, during the pavilion's opening ceremony. This historical event marked the signing of 'The Call of Conscience: Abu Dhabi Statement on Climate Action for COP28' bringing together the two prominent religious leaders with 28 others who had previously signed the statement in November.

The New York Times explained in an article the Faith Pavilion serves as a common space for exchanging ideas among religious leaders on climate issues. Likewise, Agence France-Presse (AFP) emphasized that, for the first time in nearly 30 years of global climate talks, religion has been given its own venue. The article also noted that the pavilion provides a quiet space for contemplation away from heated diplomacy and contentious negotiations on climate issues. Hundreds of people flocked to the pavilion daily to listen to religious leaders, aiming to enhance trust between scientific and religious communities, which haven't always seen eye to eye.

The first week of the Faith Pavilion at COP28 witnessed over 35 dialogue sessions with the participation of around 170 speakers, including ministers, officials, religious leaders, environmental experts, indigenous peoples, youth, and women from various parts of the world.