MCE Participates in Preparatory Meeting for Summit of Future

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, His Excellency 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 behavior.

In his remarks at the preparatory meeting for the UN’s Summit of the Future in New York, the Secretary-General stated that religious leaders, by drawing on shared values across different faiths, have a unique opportunity to bridge divides, promote understanding, and help build more peaceful and just societies. To do this effectively, they must be empowered and supported within decision-making processes, given platforms in the media, and provided with the resources they need. This will enable them to fulfill their roles in society better and counter the voices of extremism, violence, and racism—individuals who misunderstand or deliberately distort the core messages of religions, often for narrow political or sectarian aims. HE Judge Abdelsalam emphasized the need for this support, especially in light of the many challenges, wars, and conflicts the world faces today.

His Excellency further emphasized 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. 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. Recognizing 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 added 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, the Muslim Council of Elders organized 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 organized the first-ever Faith Pavilion at COP28, marking a historic moment in the COP process. These efforts will continue at COP29 in Azerbaijan, where the pavilion will serve as a global platform for religious leaders to address climate challenges. The Council is also engaged in several other initiatives, including “the Dialogue between the East and the West” tours, the Council’s international “Peace Convoys,” and “the Emerging Peacemakers Forum,” all aimed at enhancing the role of religions in promoting peace and addressing global challenges.

In his closing remarks, the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders urged the organizers of the Summit of the Future to integrate religious perspectives into discussions on climate change, social justice, human rights, and governance. He also recommended including a dedicated section on "interfaith and intercultural dialogue" in any charter or outcomes of the summit, noting that this would enrich the dialogue by incorporating diverse perspectives and drawing on the religious and cultural wisdom of communities. Additionally, His Excellency emphasized the importance of forming an executive committee stemming from the summit to turn its goals, strategies, and commitments into actionable plans. These plans, he said, should be implemented at the grassroots level through partnerships with civil society, as well as local religious and cultural leaders.

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.