ABU DHABI: A global summit for faith leaders from around the world will be held in Abu Dhabi on Nov 6-7 to underscore the crucial role of faith communities in addressing climate change.
The summit will take place ahead of the 28th Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC (COP28), which will be hosted by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from Nov 30 to Dec 12, reported Emirates News Agency (WAM).
Under the patronage of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the event will be organised by the Muslim Council of Elders (MCE) in collaboration with the COP28 Presidency, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Catholic Church.
Faith leaders representing the world’s major religions, academics, and environmental experts are expected to attend the two-day event with the aim of discussing the ethical responsibilities of faith leaders in addressing the climate crisis.
The meeting will also address the collaboration between faith and science to bridge the gap between empirical evidence and spiritual teachings, discuss strategies for amplifying the voices of religious leaders to enhance climate justice, and highlight ways to engage grassroots communities in achieving sustainable development.
During COP28, the MCE and the UNEP, in collaboration with the COP28 Presidency, will co-host a Faith Pavilion, the first pavilion of its kind at a COP event.
COP28 UAE will take place at Expo City Dubai and is expected to convene over 70,000 participants, including heads of state, government officials, international industry leaders, private sector representatives, academics, experts, youth, and non-state actors.
As mandated by the Paris Climate Agreement, COP28 UAE will deliver the first ever Global Stocktake – a comprehensive evaluation of progress against climate goals.
The UAE will lead a process for all parties to agree upon a clear roadmap to accelerate progress through a pragmatic global energy transition and a “leave no one behind” approach to inclusive climate action. – BERNAMA-WAM
