Inger Andersen, the Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme, visited the Faith Pavilion at COP28, organized by the Muslim Council of Elders in collaboration with the COP28 Presidency, the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence in the United Arab Emirates, and the United Nations Environment Programme at Expo City Dubai.

During the visit, Andersen 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 unifying the voices of religions to address the climate challenge. Leaders from various religions worldwide gathered through the Faith Pavilion at COP28 to discuss and explore the best solutions for mitigating the negative impacts of climate change. She also emphasized that religions give us the courage to speak the truth and provide us with determination to face global challenges, including the climate crisis as well as engaging religious leaders in global climate action will contribute to the necessary fundamental change to protect the planet.

The Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme familiarized herself with the initiatives and events of the pavilion, including dialogues held throughout COP28. She stressed the importance of enhancing collaboration between science and religion to confront the climate crisis, preserve the environment and its natural resources, and build a better and more sustainable future for future generations.

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.