The first-ever Faith Pavilion at a Conference of the Parties (COP) event was inaugurated on the fourth day of COP28 in Dubai, marking a significant step in integrating faith communities into the global climate change dialogue. Under the patronage of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the event brought together religious leaders, scientists, and political officials to discuss the role of religious institutions in combating the climate crisis.
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, and His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin, representing Pope Francis, attended the inauguration. The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmed Mohamed Ahmed El-Tayeb, and Pope Francis delivered virtual addresses, emphasizing the urgent need for action against climate change.
The Faith Pavilion, a collaborative effort by the COP28 Presidency of the UAE, the UAE Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence, the Holy See, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Muslim Council of Elders, and other faith partners, aims to engage faith communities in climate action. It will host panels with religious leaders, scientists, political leaders, youth, and indigenous representatives.
Pope Francis, in his video message, urged religious representatives to set an example of sustainable lifestyles and called on global leaders to protect our common home. The Grand Imam highlighted the significant role of religious leaders in addressing global challenges and protecting the environment.
Sheikh Nahyan emphasized the UAE’s commitment to peace, tolerance, harmony, environmental protection, and sustainable development. He stressed the importance of cooperation and collective action for global progress and stability.
COP28 President Dr Sultan Al Jaber highlighted the essential role of faith communities in raising awareness and fostering a collective responsibility towards environmental protection. He described the Pavilion’s opening as a historic moment of hope, peace, and optimism.
The Faith Pavilion follows the successful Global Faith Leaders’ Summit in Abu Dhabi, where religious leaders, scientists, and environmental experts gathered. During the Summit, 28 faith leaders signed the ‘Confluence of Conscience: Uniting for Planetary Resurgence’ or ‘The Abu Dhabi Interfaith Statement for COP28’, expressing a joint commitment to address the climate crisis. This Statement is displayed at the Faith Pavilion, located in the Blue Zone at COP28.
Recognizing that over 84% of the world’s population identifies with a religion, the Faith Pavilion seeks to unite religious representatives and institutions in support of climate action and the Paris Agreement goals. Dr Al Jaber’s audience with Pope Francis in October, where the Pope’s advocacy for climate action was praised, further underlines the importance of religious influence in addressing the climate crisis.