Sharjah 24 – WAM: The Muslim Council of Elders participated in a panel discussion titled “From Policy to Implementation: How Religious Leaders Can Lead Local Adaptation Efforts,” organised by 'Religions for Peace' as part of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), which was held in Baku, Azerbaijan.
In remarks delivered on his behalf by Mohamed Bahr, Director of Strategic Planning at the Council, the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, emphasised that humanity stands at a pivotal moment in its collective fight against the climate crisis. This challenge demands a united commitment and transformative actions to achieve meaningful progress.
He highlighted that the session’s theme reflects the critical role religious communities play in transforming ethical and moral values, rooted in compassion and stewardship of the Earth, into concrete and effective measures.
The Secretary-General underscored that religions have long been a powerful force for justice and the preservation of humanity and stressed the moral responsibility humanity bears to address environmental challenges and mitigate the disproportionate impacts of the climate crisis on the most vulnerable populations.
Religious leaders, he explained, have a unique role as moral guides and trusted figures in their communities, enabling local populations – particularly those with limited resources and access to services – to respond effectively to climate challenges.
Judge Abdelsalam also highlighted the importance of supporting local wisdom, which carries a wealth of traditional knowledge that can contribute to developing effective adaptation strategies. He emphasised that solutions should be co-created with those directly impacted by climate change to ensure they are both effective and relevant.
He also praised the 'Faith Pavilion' which is organised by the Muslim Council of Elders in collaboration with a global coalition of religious organisations, as a milestone in COP conferences. This pavilion has successfully united religious leaders, scientists, and policymakers to explore solutions to climate challenges.
The Secretary-General concluded by stressing the need to transition from policymaking to implementation. He called on governments and international organisations to establish robust frameworks and policies while encouraging religious leaders to offer moral guidance and community outreach and that by working together, these stakeholders can form a powerful alliance that empowers communities to lead climate adaptation efforts effectively and decisively.
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