ABOUT

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates

Pre-COP28 Global Faith Leaders Summit

Abu Dhabi – November 6 – 7 2023

The summit aims to discuss the ethical responsibilities of religious leaders in addressing the climate crisis as well as exploring the collaboration between religion and science to bridge the gap between empirical evidence and spiritual teachings. The summit will also focus on strategies to enhance the role of religious leaders and figures in contributing to climate justice while highlighting ways to engage communities in achieving sustainable development. It also aims to harness and sustain the collective wisdom and significant influence of religious leaders, towards raising awareness about climate change and instilling a sense of responsibility and urgent necessity among countries, institutions, and individuals, with the ultimate goal of leading a swift path towards climate justice.

The summit will also feature a diverse group of high-level participants, including faith representatives and leaders from different religious backgrounds, along with prominent scholars, thinkers, influential youth activists, and impactful women and indigenous leaders, as well as notable figures from the private sector. This goes with the Secretary-General of the United Nations and a number of representatives of international organizations.

The summit will also feature speeches by the COP28 President-Designate Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, and other high-level representatives in the fields of science, academia, business, and various other domains.

Conference Agenda

Speakers

The final statement of the conference

About the Muslim Council of Elders (MCE)

The Muslim Council of Elders is an independent international organization established on 21 Ramadan 1445AH corresponding to 11 October 2014. The Council aims to promote peace in Muslim and non-Muslim and to spread and enhance the values of tolerance, dialogue, and coexistence and is Chaired by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar. Its comprises a group of Muslim scholars, experts, and leaders known for their wisdom, justice, independence, and moderation.

The Faith Pavilion at COP28

The Global Faith Leaders Summit is scheduled to present recommendations to the COP28 President-Designate Dr. Sultan Al Jaber to present to global leaders at COP28, which will be hosted by the United Arab Emirates from November 30 to December 12, 2023.

The Muslim Council of Elders, in collaboration with the COP28 Presidency, the United Nations Environment Programme, and the Catholic Church will organize the ‘Faith Pavilion’ which is set to be held for the first time in the history of the Conference of the Parties. The pavilion will serve as a global platform for religious participation and interfaith dialogue, aimed at taking more effective measures to address the climate crisis by engaging religious symbols and leaders in plans to confront global challenges, including achieving environmental justice.

The Document of Human Fraternity

On February 4, 2019, Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Ahmed Al-Tayeb captured the attention of the world when they met in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates to sign the Document on Human Fraternity – a joint declaration urging peace among all people in the world. Born out of the fraternal friendship between the two great religious figures, the Document provides a blueprint for a culture of dialogue and collaboration between faiths. The declaration intends to serve as a guide for future generations to advance a culture of mutual respect, in recognition that we are all members of one human family.