BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 5. Protecting the environment is a sacred duty for believers, President of the G20 Interfaith Dialogue Forum (US) Cole Durham said on the sidelines of the Global Summit of Religious Leaders in Baku today, Trend reports.
"Environmental care is of paramount importance. There are numerous threats facing our planet, including issues with air, soil, and water, as well as devastating events like the recent tragedy in Valencia, which claimed many lives. As such, protecting the environment, addressing climate change, and combating global warming are critical responsibilities.
For believers, this responsibility extends beyond a moral obligation—it is a religious duty. Azerbaijan’s initiative to host this summit is a significant and commendable step forward, and the country deserves recognition for the efforts invested in organizing this important event," Durham said.
To note, a Global Summit of Religious Leaders is being held as part of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) by the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, the State Committee on Affairs with Religious Associations, the Muslim Council of Elders, the Caucasus Muslims Office (CMO), and the United Nations Environment Program in Baku.
The global forum is set to roll out the red carpet for around 30 leaders from both secular and traditional religions, heads of prominent religious centers - patriarchs, officials from the Vatican, and Al-Azhar, along with internationally recognized religious and public figures hailing from various corners of the globe and diverse faiths, representatives from government, academia, and religious institutions hailing from 55 countries and 30 international organizations, and media representatives.