Sharjah24 - WAM: The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders (MCE), Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, highlighted the pivotal role religious leaders have played throughout history as moral guides, steering humanity toward peaceful coexistence.
He noted that they have been essential in upholding the moral frameworks of both societies and individuals. Abdelsalam stressed the close connection between religion and ethics, explaining that many people of faith see their moral values as inseparable from their beliefs, underscoring the importance of religious principles in shaping ethical behaviour.
In his remarks at the preparatory meeting for the UN’s Summit of the Future in New York, he said that the Muslim Council of Elders, led by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, firmly believes in the powerful role of faith in tackling global challenges. This conviction has driven the Council to actively promote peaceful coexistence, tolerance, and interfaith dialogue.
He said that one of the most notable outcomes of this vision was the signing of the Document on Human Fraternity by two of the world’s foremost religious leaders—His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and His Holiness Pope Francis, Pontiff of the Catholic Church—in Abu Dhabi in 2019. Recognising the document’s significance in fostering dialogue and interfaith harmony, the United Nations General Assembly designated the signing date as the International Day of Human Fraternity.
The Secretary-General said that the document has sparked a global movement to strengthen interfaith dialogue, cultural exchange, and human connection across diverse communities. “It has also led to greater collaboration in addressing today’s pressing global issues.” For instance, he added, the Muslim Council of Elders organised the Global Faith Leaders Summit for Climate and launched the "Call of Conscience: Abu Dhabi Joint Statement for Climate," signed by 30 prominent religious figures worldwide. “This statement calls on policymakers to take concrete, impactful action on climate change. Additionally, the Council organised the first-ever Faith Pavilion at COP28, marking a historic moment in the COP process.”
In his closing remarks, the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders urged the organisers of the Summit of the Future to integrate religious perspectives into discussions on climate change, social justice, human rights, and governance.
Columbia University is hosting the preparatory meeting for the Summit of the Future on September 22-23 at the United Nations headquarters, setting the stage for the UN General Assembly’s high-level debate.
The summit will feature sessions focused on five key areas: sustainable development and financing, peace and security, a digital future for all, youth and future generations, and global governance.
Other issues central to the UN’s mission, such as human rights, gender equality, and the climate crisis, will also be addressed.
The summit's immediate outcomes will include a final draft of the Pact for the Future, a Global Digital Compact, and a declaration on future generations.
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