Historic Interfaith 28 Faith Leaders Unite in Abu Dhabi to Address Climate Change
In a significant development, 28 faith leaders committed to tackling climate change by signing the Abu Dhabi Interfaith Statement during the Global Faith Leaders’ Summit held in Abu Dhabi. This milestone was achieved after months of collaboration, and the summit was organized by the Muslim Council of Elders (MCE) in partnership with the COP28 Presidency, the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), and the UAE Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence.
COP28 President Receives the Statement
Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, the COP28 President, received the statement during the summit and pledged to convey its message to the global community at COP28. In his address, he highlighted the document as “a powerful statement of intent” that carries a message of urgency, unity, solidarity, responsibility, and hope.
Addressing Climate Change Urgency
The Abu Dhabi Interfaith Statement calls for transformative action to maintain the 1.5°C global warming limit and support affected and vulnerable communities. Signatories, representing diverse faith and indigenous traditions, gathered to express shared concerns about escalating climate impacts and their collective commitment to addressing the global crisis.
Appeal for Faith Leaders
Dr. Al Jaber urged faith leaders to join in sending a message of tolerance, peace, optimism, and prosperity from the UAE to the world. The COP28 Presidency has developed a four-point Action Plan, emphasizing a just and orderly energy transition, climate finance, the well-being of people and the environment, and full inclusivity.
Progress and Unity: Historic Interfaith
The Faith Leaders’ Summit followed an “extraordinary meeting” in Abu Dhabi focused on establishing a Loss and Damage Fund to assist vulnerable populations in recovering from climate disasters. Dr. Al Jaber noted the progress made in delivering a fully operational fund, highlighting unity and multilateralism in addressing the needs of the most vulnerable.
Changemakers Majlis
A Changemakers Majlis titled ‘Faith and Science: Actioning an Ethic of Care for the Environment’ took place during the summit. This event united faith leaders, scientists, and decision-makers in knowledge sharing and trust-building to contribute to a more secure and sustainable world.
Inclusivity at COP28: Historic Interfaith
Dr. Al Jaber emphasized that inclusivity is the hallmark of COP28, where partnership and solidarity drive progress. The Faith Leaders’ Summit was convened under the patronage of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and drew participation from leaders, academics, environmental experts, and faith representatives. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres provided a video address.
The Faith Pavilion at COP28
During COP28, the Presidency will host the Faith Pavilion, a first-of-its-kind event engaging faith communities in addressing climate change. The Pavilion will showcase the ‘Abu Dhabi Interfaith Statement for COP28’ and facilitate discussions between religious leaders, scientists, political leaders, young faith leaders, and indigenous representatives to address the climate crisis.
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