Abu Dhabi is set to host a significant global summit on November 6 and 7, gathering faith leaders from around the world to emphasize the pivotal role of faith communities in addressing the urgent issue of climate change. This summit precedes the 28th Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC (COP28), which the UAE is hosting from November 30 to December 12.

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, the event will be organized by the Muslim Council of Elders (MCE), led by Chairman His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Ahmed Al-Tayeb. The summit will be conducted in collaboration with the COP28 Presidency, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the Catholic Church.

The two-day event is expected to bring together faith leaders representing major world religions, along with academics and environmental experts. Its primary goal is to explore the ethical responsibilities of faith leaders in addressing the climate crisis. The summit will also delve into the intersection of faith and science to bridge the gap between empirical evidence and spiritual teachings, strategize ways to amplify the voices of religious leaders for climate justice, and highlight methods to engage local communities in achieving sustainable development.

Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Mohamed Abdelsalam, highlighted the summit's timeliness in addressing climate change challenges and expressed gratitude for the support of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in advancing this initiative.

In conjunction with COP28, the MCE and the UNEP, in partnership with the COP28 Presidency, will co-host the Faith Pavilion at COP28. This marks the first time such a pavilion will be present at a COP event, emphasizing the importance of faith-based communities and organizations in addressing climate change.

Ambassador Majid Al Suwaidi, Director General and Special Representative of COP28, underscored the commitment to inclusivity in the COP28 Presidency, acknowledging the vital role of faith communities in the global fight against climate change. COP28 is anticipated to gather over 70,000 participants, including world leaders, government officials, industry experts, private sector representatives, academics, youth, and non-state actors. It will facilitate a comprehensive evaluation of progress toward climate goals, in line with the Paris Climate Agreement, and foster dialogue to inspire ambitious climate action and a just transition to a sustainable energy future.