Muslim Council Of Elders Highlights Justice In Climate Action At UN Meeting In New York

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, took part in a significant meeting focused on climate action and global governance. This event, titled "High-Level Meeting on Trust and Global Governance: Climate Action," was held alongside the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York from 25th to 26th September.

During a panel session named "COP29: Addressing justice and equity for an effective response to the climate crisis," Judge Abdelsalam stressed that those least responsible for climate change are often the most affected. He highlighted the importance of discussions at this meeting, which link the UN Summit of the Future with COP29.

Judge Abdelsalam pointed out that religious teachings can motivate people to pursue justice and solidarity. These values are crucial for addressing global crises with fair solutions. He quoted His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, who said, "Climate change presents a global challenge that demands a response rooted in justice, equity, and solidarity."

The meeting featured various influential figures such as Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus from WHO, Achim Steiner from UNDP, Miguel Ángel Moratinos from UNAOC, and Mukhtar Babayev from Azerbaijan's Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources. Their presence underscored the event's significance in addressing climate issues.

The Muslim Council of Elders has launched several initiatives to engage religious leaders in climate action. One notable effort was the Global Faith Leaders Summit for Climate, resulting in the "Call of Conscience: Abu Dhabi Joint Statement for Climate." This statement urged policymakers to take decisive actions against climate challenges.

For the first time at COP28, the council established a "Faith Pavilion," providing a platform for religious leaders to discuss environmental challenges. This initiative will continue at COP29 with another Faith Pavilion in collaboration with UNEP and COP29 Presidency.

Upcoming Events and Discussions

Ahead is the Global Faith Leaders Summit in Baku on 5th-6th November. This event will precede the launch of another Faith Pavilion at COP29's Blue Zone. These gatherings aim to foster dialogue among religious leaders about international responses to environmental issues.

The High-Level Meeting also explored various critical topics like reorganising global governance and translating future pacts into actionable steps. It addressed migration during crises, bridging gaps in climate finance, and empowering women within multilateral systems.

This gathering served as a platform for diverse voices to contribute towards shaping effective strategies for tackling pressing global challenges related to climate change.

With inputs from WAM