BAKU,23rd November, 2024 (WAM) – The Faith Pavilion, organised by the Muslim Council of Elders, wrapped up sessions at the 29th United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan. The pavilion stressed the importance of achieving climate justice, empowering women and youth, supporting vulnerable groups impacted by climate change, finding sustainable solutions for environmental crises, using indigenous peoples' traditional knowledge, and fostering interfaith cooperation to address climate challenges and promote harmony between humans and nature.
Over two weeks, the Faith Pavilion hosted over 54 dialogue and discussion sessoons, featuring over 230 speakers from 97 organisations representing 11 different religions and sects from around the world. The pavilion was held in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence, the United Nations Environment Programme, the COP29 Presidency, the Caucasus Muslim Board, the Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence, and the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions in Kazakhstan. The pavilion drew significant attention and diverse participation, earning high praise from COP29 attendees for its critical role in underscoring the contributions of religious leaders to global climate initiatives and as an exemplary model of interfaith collaboration in tackling shared environmental challenges.
The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, highlighted that the Faith Pavilion at COP29 showcased the extraordinary role of religions in tackling climate challenges. He emphasised that the climate crisis is not merely a scientific or economic challenge; it is a true test of global awareness and moral responsibility. He pointed out that the Faith Pavilion conveyed a crucial message: religious values can transform into a powerful force that inspires profound and enduring change.
The 29th session of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) was held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11 to 22. This conference featured numerous activities underscoring the necessity of rallying international efforts to address the climate challenge. A significant emphasis was placed on the critical role of women in environmental leadership. Reflecting this, the Faith Pavilion launched the Global Alliance of Women Religious Leaders to Combat Climate Change, a platform aimed at enhancing the leadership role of women in religious communities and enabling them to effectively confront climate challenges.
Faith Pavilion at COP29 concludes with call for climate justice
