We only have one world to live in, and if we destroyed it, we would have nothing left to live! God – glory be to Him – created animals, the universe, and nature in the most perfect condition and most creative formation. In Christianity, it is stated: “Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good.” When God created man, He placed him in the paradise to tend and keep it: “Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it.” And in Islam: “And when your Lord said to the angels, “Indeed, I will make upon the earth a successive authority.” God has entrusted man with the task of working on the earth and preserving it, so peace and preservation of the earth have become one of his most important responsibilities.
Few days ago, the events of the “Global Summit of Religious Leaders for Climate” were launched in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi (6/11- 7/11) – in preparation for the COP28 conference, which will be held in the United Arab Emirates (30/11-12/12) – under the generous sponsorship of the president, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, and under the supervision of His Excellency Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, President-designate of COP28, in cooperation with the Council of Muslim Elders and the United Nations Environment Programme; The goal set by the summit officials and organizers was to call for a convergence of human consciences and to unite the efforts of leaders for the advancement of planet Earth.
The Global Summit of Religious Leaders keeps constant endeavor and initiatives to emphasize the importance of their role in the spiritual guidance of peoples, despite the diversity of their traditions and beliefs, by taking concrete steps towards the peoples to accelerate efforts aimed at intensively addressing the climate crisis and its aggravation, which is one of the global challenges facing humanity.
An ethical imperative that seeks to explore the ethical and moral foundations of religions, affirm the interconnectedness of humanity and the natural world, and the necessity of maintaining the balance and recovery of planet Earth.
Cooperation between science and religion.
Influencing policies and decision-makers, and advocating for policies that reflect a shared ethical responsibility to people and planet.
Engage grass roots and empower communities, faith-based organizations, women, scholars and youth to adopt sustainable practices and raise awareness.
A joint statement was issued among the leaders of the twenty-eighth Conference of the Parties, expressing concern about the worsening effects and imminent danger to which the planet is exposed to climate change, while affirming the common commitment to confront this global crisis, particularly that religious teachings instill a sacred duty, not only towards the human family. Rather, towards a fragile ecosystem in which we live.
The statement also presented a call to heads of state and government, non-governmental actors and decision-makers to work towards achieving several fundamental points:
Fast-tracking energy transitions to ensure justice, equity and compliance with ethical values,
Considering Mother Earth as a source of life that must be protected,
Adopting a rapid and fair transition to clean energy sources, away from fossil fuel sources,
Strengthening services aimed at addressing the consequences of climate change on human health,
Taking the lead in reducing emissions, and supporting efforts to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change, in the least resource-abundant countries,
Adopting responsible investments and business practices consistent with climate, environmental and social standards.
The close interconnection between human-made crises affecting climate and biodiversity,
Establishing accountability mechanisms to meet global and national commitments to comprehensive climate action.
Ensuring inclusiveness in climate change,
Commitment to activating new financial mechanisms that address losses and damages resulting from climate change,
Promoting inclusive dialogue, at COPs and beyond, with religious leaders, marginalized groups, youth, women’s organizations and the scientific community to form alliances that promote sustainable development.
The Joint Statement also presented a number of obligations for representatives of religions, traditions, religious wisdom and indigenous peoples, including:
Respecting the close interconnectedness and interdependence that binds us together in the fabric of life, always reminding us of our common destiny.
Supporting the development of faith-based environmental discourse, continuous learning, and the integration of environmental teachings and values within educational, religious and cultural institutions.
Leading efforts to re-imagine sustainable, low-carbon lifestyles and social progress characterized by harmony with the Earth and respect for its resources.
Changing our consumption patterns, and ensuring that our purchases and services reflect our ethical commitment to accelerating the energy transition and achieving net zero emissions, by 2050, as stipulated in the Paris Agreement.
Committing ourselves to upholding the values of justice and doing no harm, living in peace with all living things, including nature, and promoting harmonious coexistence that enriches humanity and the planet.
Advocating for equality and removing man-made barriers to ensure inclusion, equal participation and empowerment for all.
Emphasizing that multifaceted global challenges can only be addressed if we work together, representing all religious communities, to support effective multilateralism to address the triple global crisis.