MCE Participates in Astana International Forum

The Muslim Council of Elders participated in the Astana International Forum (AIF), hosted in the Kazakh capital, Astana, under the theme “Connecting Minds: Shaping the Future.” 

The forum, held from May 29 to 30, brought together a wide range of global leaders and decision-makers and aimed to advance international dialogue and multilateral cooperation to address complex global challenges that require coordinated and comprehensive responses.

During a panel session titled “The Innovation Challenge: Making Climate Action Work for All,” the Muslim Council of Elders emphasized that the Document on Human Fraternity—signed in Abu Dhabi in 2019 by Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, and the late Pope Francis, former head of the Catholic Church—advocates the values of peace, justice, solidarity, and respect for the environment.

The document is founded on the shared ethical and spiritual principles of the world’s religions.

The Council added that all religions call for respect for nature, the prevention of corruption on Earth, and the assumption of responsibility toward creation. These are not only spiritual principles but also moral foundations that can serve as a global reference point to support climate action. It noted that the role of faith leaders in this regard extends beyond moral guidance to awakening human conscience, strengthening collective responsibility, and mobilizing communities to adopt more sustainable lifestyles.