The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Pope Francis addressed the audience virtually and highlighted the urgency for urgent action against climate change

Bringing together religion groups from around the world, the historic religion Pavilion at COP28 emphasises the critical role that faith communities play in promoting environmental awareness, justice, and compassion for a sustainable future.

84 per cent  of people worldwide identify as belonging to one or more religions, according to research, demonstrating the influence that faith can have on people.

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.

“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,” said the COP28 president Sultan Al Jaber.

Pope Francis expressed the view that the world presently requires alliances focused on collective benefit rather than opposition. He urged religious representatives to exemplify the possibility of change, advocate for respectful and sustainable lifestyles, and fervently appeal to national leaders to safeguard our shared home.

“As we gather at COP28, we are reminded of the importance of justice and compassion as guiding principles for transformation. The development of three attitudes towards nature are, 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,” said Salman Chishty, a spiritual leader from Ajmer Sharif, India.