The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Ahmed Al-Tayeb and His Holiness Pope Francis have signed a declaration of support for urgent climate action. The statement was drafted by high-level faith leaders from around the world ahead of COP28, at the Global Faith Leaders Summit held in Abu Dhabi in November, organized by the Muslim Council of Elders in collaboration with the COP28 Presidency and the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP).

They united to give video addresses to the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) which was held in in Dubai on 3rd December, 2023.Rooted in the principles of justice, causing no harm, and fostering peace with all living beings the statement issues a resolute call to action directed at heads of state, governments, civil society, and business leaders. It impels urgent responses, including the acceleration of energy transitions, transition to circular models of living in harmony with nature, and rapid adoption of clean energy. 

COP28 President Dr. Sultan Al Jaber said: “Climate change cares little about our politics, our borders, or our 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.”

The statement has also been signed by faith and spiritual leaders from around the world, representing Anglicans, Bahá’is, Bohras, Buddhists, Coptic Orthodox, Eastern Orthodox, Evangelicals, Hindus, Jains, Jews, Mahikaris, Mandaeans, Protestants, Roman Catholics, Shia Muslims, Sikhs, and Sunni Muslims.