The Faith Pavilion plays a significant role in COP29 activities in Azerbaijan. It acts as a key player in advancing climate action aimed at protecting the planet.
The pavilion’s climate action journey began during COP28 in the UAE, and the progress made there continues with active participation at COP29 in Azerbaijan.
At COP29, held in Azerbaijan’s capital, Baku, the Faith Pavilion has worked to rally moral and religious voices to confront the climate challenge while building on the achievements of COP28, hosted by Dubai last year.
A Global Alliance of 97 Organizations
This year, the Faith Pavilion participates in COP29 through a global alliance of 97 organizations representing 11 religions and diverse denominations.
It addresses critical issue related to current climate challenges, including the shared ethical responsibility of religious communities to preserve the environment and its natural resources.
The pavilion also explores ways to enhance sustainable food systems, protect small farmers on the frontlines of climate change, address the non-economic impacts of climate change (particularly cultural, psychological, and spiritual effects), promote global governance to care for the Earth, and support marginalized and vulnerable communities most affected by climate change.
According to the UAE's WAM agency, the concept of the Faith Pavilion was launched during COP28. This pioneering initiative provided a global platform that brought together leaders and representatives of various religions, alongside scientists, academics, environmental experts, indigenous peoples, youth, and women. Its purpose was to find effective, decisive solutions to the climate crisis.
Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, emphasized that addressing the climate crisis requires a comprehensive approach that integrates scientific efforts with ethical and spiritual values to achieve climate justice, particularly for communities most vulnerable to climate change, while promoting environmental sustainability.
Religious Institutions’ Climate Efforts
During the first week of COP29, the Faith Pavilion hosted numerous events, including dialogue sessions featuring over 150 speakers of diverse nationalities and religions. These sessions highlighted efforts and innovative climate practices implemented by various religious institutions worldwide. They also showcased practical frameworks that combine traditional environmental knowledge with modern scientific approaches to build resilience and encourage sustainable practices.
Participants called for decisive action to address cultural and psychological losses caused by climate change, particularly those affecting indigenous communities and heritage sites. They also stressed the importance of specialized programs and projects to support women in adapting to climate change, particularly in rural and agricultural sectors.
Azerbaijan’s Historic COP29
COP29, held at the Olympic Stadium in Baku and running until tomorrow, November 22, marks the largest event ever organized by Azerbaijan and the first of its kind in the region.
The event also featured the World Leaders’ Climate Summit on November 12-13, during which global leaders delivered a joint address to unify efforts against climate change and achieve sustainable development goals.
Notably, COP29 serves as a critical platform for launching new climate initiatives that contribute to building a more sustainable future.
With international partners endorsing the Baku Initiative, climate action has been enhanced through comprehensive solutions focused on human development and climate adaptation, making the world better equipped to handle these escalating challenges.
