President of Al-Azhar University Visits the Faith Pavilion at COP28

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, welcomed Professor Dr. Salama Dawood, President of Al-Azhar University who visited the Faith Pavilion at COP28, organized by the Muslim Council of Elders in collaboration with the Presidency of COP28, the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence in the United Arab Emirates, and the United Nations Environment Programme and is taking place from December 1 to 12 in Expo City Dubai.

During the visit, the President of Al-Azhar University explored the pavilion, gaining insights into key activities organized. He also commended the efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, in addressing global issues and challenges, emphasizing the role of religious leaders in confronting them.

Dr. Salama Dawood also stressed the importance of collaboration among different religions and cultures to address current environmental challenges. He affirmed that collective cooperation and efforts from all parties are keys to success in facing the impacts of climate change and pointed out that religious teachings advocate for environmental preservation as an integral part of our human, moral, and social responsibilities.

For his part, the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam emphasized that the world looks forward to the role of major religious leaders and institutions in raising awareness about the climate and other issues and challenges threatening humanity. He also highlighted the significant historical and leading global role of Al-Azhar across scientific, religious, ethical, and humanitarian levels.

The Faith Pavilion, the first of its kind in the history of COP conferences, organizes numerous events and activities with representatives from 9 religions, 54 countries, and more than 70 organizations and institutions worldwide. These include universities, youth, religious, indigenous peoples', governmental and non-governmental international organizations, women's institutions, and humanitarian aid organizations. The pavilion offers various programs and activities, including 65 dialogue and discussion sessions with over 325 speakers, focusing on promoting a shared concensus regarding climate action.