Religious leaders are essential in highlighting the importance of religious and spiritual communities in combating climate change, attaining the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and realising the objectives of the Paris Agreement
The historic Faith Pavilion at COP28 brings together global faith communities, highlighting their vital role in fostering environmental awareness, justice, and compassion for a sustainable future.
Research states that 84 per cent of the world's population identifies with one religion or the other, showing the impact faith can have on individuals.
The inauguration of the first-ever Faith Pavilion at COP28 marks a significant milestone in addressing the climate crisis. At the UNFCCC Conference of Parties, faith-based organisations (FBOs) and religious leaders are essential in highlighting the importance of religious and spiritual communities in combating climate change, attaining the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and realising the objectives of the Paris Agreement.
COP28 President Dr. Sultan Al Jaber said, "COP28 President Dr. Sultan Al Jaber said: "Climate change cares little about our politics, borders, or differences in religion. Our success depends on our ability to come together as one global community to solve it, and global faith communities play a significant role in instilling awareness of the shared social responsibility of all people worldwide towards environmental protection. Faith communities have come together in a truly historic moment of hope, peace, and optimism, uniting around a shared commitment to protect our planet."
His Holiness Pope Francis was also to attend the event. However, he couldn't participate in it. In his video message, he said, "Today, the world needs alliances that are not against someone but for the benefit of everyone. As religious representatives, let us set an example to show that change is possible, demonstrate respectful and sustainable lifestyles, and let us fervently ask the leaders of nations to preserve our common home".
Salman Chishty, a spiritual leader from Ajmer Sharif, India, said, "As we gather at COP28, we are reminded of the importance of justice and compassion as guiding principles for transformation.
He adds the development of three attitudes towards nature - sunlight-like grace, river-like generosity, and earth-like hospitality. By incorporating these attitudes into our daily lives, we can bridge differences and divisions in our service to others."