Muslim Council Of Elders Highlights Faith's Role At UN's Summit Of Future Preparatory Meeting

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, emphasised the historical influence of religious leaders as moral guides. He noted their crucial role in promoting peaceful coexistence and maintaining moral standards in societies. Abdelsalam highlighted the deep link between religion and ethics, explaining that many believers view their moral values as intertwined with their faith.

During a preparatory meeting for the UN’s Summit of the Future in New York, Abdelsalam discussed the Muslim Council of Elders' commitment to addressing global challenges through faith. Led by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, the Council actively promotes tolerance and interfaith dialogue. This dedication led to the signing of the Document on Human Fraternity by two major religious figures in Abu Dhabi in 2019.

The Document on Human Fraternity was signed by His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and His Holiness Pope Francis. Recognising its importance, the United Nations General Assembly declared its signing date as the International Day of Human Fraternity. The document has sparked a worldwide movement to enhance interfaith dialogue and cultural exchange among diverse communities.

Abdelsalam mentioned that this document has encouraged collaboration on pressing global issues. For example, the Muslim Council of Elders organised a Global Faith Leaders Summit for Climate and launched "Call of Conscience: Abu Dhabi Joint Statement for Climate." This statement, endorsed by 30 prominent religious figures globally, urges policymakers to take decisive action on climate change.

The Secretary-General urged organisers of the Summit of the Future to include religious viewpoints in discussions about climate change, social justice, human rights, and governance. Columbia University hosted this preparatory meeting at the United Nations headquarters on September 22-23. The summit will focus on sustainable development, peace and security, digital futures, youth engagement, and global governance.

Other key topics like human rights, gender equality, and climate crisis will also be addressed during these sessions. The summit aims to produce immediate outcomes such as a final draft of the Pact for the Future, a Global Digital Compact, and a declaration concerning future generations.

In his closing remarks, Abdelsalam reiterated that faith plays a vital role in tackling global challenges. The Muslim Council of Elders continues to advocate for peaceful coexistence through initiatives like organising the first-ever Faith Pavilion at COP28. This marked a significant moment in integrating faith perspectives into international climate discussions.

With inputs from WAM