BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 6. The Global Baku Summit of Religious Leaders was held on November 5-6 in Baku, Trend reports.
A Global Summit of Religious Leaders continued its work today 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 rolled 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.
In his speech, Ahmed Mohamed Aljarwan Alshamsi, Chairman of the Global Council for Tolerance and Peace, called for collective action to combat climate change and prevent further disasters.
He emphasized that the world is facing dangers that threaten peace and stability.
"We must act without delay to encourage all parties to unite. Acts of aggression and violence demand that we come together in the pursuit of peace. We call for cooperation. When the voices of religious leaders unite, they can play a pivotal role in fostering peace built on tolerance and mutual understanding.
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Azerbaijan for hosting today's event. I wish the government great success in the upcoming COP29 climate conference," he added.
Professor Mehmet Akkan Suver, Chairman of Türkiye's Marmara Foundation Group, highlighted the urgent ecological crises the world is facing.
He viewed COP29 as a challenge for the future of humanity, noting that alongside the social issues caused by wars, climate change poses an additional threat.
"At this critical juncture, COP29, set to take place in Baku, is vital for addressing these pressing challenges. We view the COP29 event, organized by Azerbaijan, as a pivotal opportunity to pave the way for a brighter future for humanity. I believe this initiative by Azerbaijan will help steer us away from chaos, conflict, and war," he added.
Following the summit, participants sent a letter of gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev. They also issued a joint appeal and formally adopted the Baku Declaration.
