The MJLC would like to thank our members who contributed to the world summit of religious leaders within the framework of COP29 in Baku last week. The inclusion of their perspectives as religious leaders is a valuable contribution towards the fundamental fight against climate change. MJLC members present at the conference included Mufti Nevzet Poric, Rabbi Moshe Lewin, Mufti Muurat Iusuf, Imam Yahya Pallavicini, Rabbi Itzak Dayan, and Mr. Abdassamad El Yazidi.

Mufti Nevzet Poric, Mufti of Slovenia, spoke about the importance of the environment in Islam stating:

Islam teaches its followers to take care of the Earth. Muslims believe that people should act as stewards, or caliphs, of the planet and will be held accountable before God for their actions. This concept of stewardship is powerful and was used in the Islamic Declaration on Climate Change to encourage a shift in environmental policy in Muslim-majority countries.

In fact, Muslims are urged to turn to the Quran for guidance, where approximately 200 verses address the environment. Muslims are taught that "the creation of the heavens and the Earth is indeed greater than the creation of mankind." The reality is that nothing can be more in the spirit of Islam than protecting God’s most precious creation: the Earth.

Chief Rabbi Moshe Lewin, Vice President of the Conference of European Rabbis, reflected on his experience in Baku:

On November 5-6, I had the honor of participating as a Chief Rabbi at the world summit of religious leaders held in Baku, a significant event within the framework of COP29. This summit brought together representatives from various spiritual traditions, all united by a common goal: to address the environmental challenges our planet faces and to promote concrete actions for a sustainable future.

During the summit, we engaged in enriching discussions about the crucial role that religious leaders can play in the fight against climate change. As spiritual guides, we bear the responsibility of raising awareness in our communities about environmental issues and encouraging a lifestyle that respects nature. The intrinsic values of compassion, responsibility, and justice, which are integral to our traditions, must also be reflected in our relationship between us and with the environment.

Mr El Yazidi, the Chairman of the Central Council of Muslims in Germany, praised the event as a good forum to facilitate sustainable cooperation between religious leaders in initiatives such as the Mosque Tree Project which aims to support sustainable practices in religious buildings such as mosques and synagogues with the help of young people from different religions