NAIROBI: The Muslim Council of Elders participated in a conference on enhancing the role of religious institutions in achieving climate justice for Africa, organised by the All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC) from 26th to 30th August in Nairobi, Kenya. The conference was attended by numerous religious leaders and figures from across the continent, as well as representatives from religious organisations and institutions concerned with climate issues.

In his speech during a session titled “Collaboration between Religious Organisations and Multilateral Institutions,” Adama Dieng, former UN Under-Secretary-General and Advisor to the Muslim Council of Elders, emphasised that the efforts of His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, in addressing the most urgent humanitarian issues have contributed to positive change for humanity. These efforts include signing the Document on Human Fraternity, considered the most significant document in modern h
istory, and issuing “The Call of Conscience: Abu Dhabi Interfaith Statement on Climate Change.” Dieng praised the efforts of the All Africa Conference of Churches in supporting climate action, noting that in June 2022, they initiated a process focusing on the role of religious actors in achieving climate justice that would benefit the African continent.

For his part, Mohamed Bahr, Director of Strategic Planning at the Muslim Council of Elders, stated during his participation in a session titled “Enhancing Opportunities through Continental and Global Platforms to Achieve Climate Justice: A Case Study of the Faith Pavilion at COP28,” that constructive cooperation between religious institutions and organizations stems from a shared interest in environmental conservation and recognition of the close link between human health and environmental safety. He pointed out that the Muslim Council of Elders firmly believes that the global climate crisis requires an urgent response and integrated efforts to address climat
e change.

The conference aims to provide a global platform to discuss success stories and the outcomes of actions taken by religious organizations to promote climate action, as well as the efforts of religious leaders and figures to support the negotiations at COP29. The participation of the Muslim Council of Elders aims to discuss ways to enhance common issues in climate action and prioritize achieving climate justice for Africa, pushing towards the adoption of more sustainable policies.

Source: Emirates News Agency