BAKU: The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, met with Shi Yongxin, CEO of the Shaolin Monastery, during COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan. The meeting focused on the critical role religious leaders can play in addressing global challenges, particularly climate change.
According to Emirates News Agency, Judge Abdelsalam emphasized the influence religions have in promoting sustainable and responsible behaviors among millions worldwide. He noted that the Faith Pavilion at COP29 exemplifies the commitment of the Muslim Council of Elders, under the leadership of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, to uniting religious voices for environmental protection.
Shi Yongxin expressed his admiration for the ‘Document on Human Fraternity’, co-signed by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb and His Holiness Pope Francis in 2019. He also praised the Faith Pavilion initiative launched at COP28, viewing it as a significant platform for interfaith dialogue and a practical approa
ch to involving religious leaders in climate change action. Shi Yongxin highlighted that the Pavilion represents a message of peace and unity among religions to safeguard the planet.
The Faith Pavilion at COP29, scheduled from November 12 to 22, includes over 40 discussion sessions with 97 organizations from 11 different religions. It aims to enhance interfaith collaboration for environmental protection, share best practices for sustainable adaptation, promote sustainable lifestyles, and address both economic and non-economic impacts of climate change while advocating for climate justice.
