The UAE Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence and the COP28 Presidency have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote tolerance, coexistence, and human fraternity during COP28.
The UAE Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence and the COP28 Presidency have joined forces to advance the causes of tolerance, coexistence, and human fraternity during the upcoming 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28). The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed in the presence of Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, and Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and COP28 President-Designate.
Afra Al Sabri, Director-General of the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence, and Ambassador Majid Al Suwaidi, Director-General and Special Representative of COP28, signed the MoU.
The MoU underscores a collective commitment to the objectives of COP28, with a particular focus on encouraging faith organizations and leaders worldwide to actively participate in this global dialogue.
Sheikh Nahayan bin Mabarak emphasized the MoU’s significance, stating, “This aligns with the vision of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the Ministry’s efforts to combat climate change. Unified action rooted in values of tolerance is crucial for leveraging local and international resources toward the conference’s objectives.”
The MoU is set to enhance cooperation in promoting interfaith dialogue, addressing climate change issues, and utilizing the Ministry’s expertise. It will also involve coordinating local and international climate efforts for COP28, supporting initiatives to combat climate change in alignment with tolerance, coexistence, and interfaith dialogue principles.
The Ministry of Tolerance will play a pivotal role in organizing and overseeing the Faith Pavilion at COP28, especially during events attended by Sheikh Nahyan and Dr. Al Jaber.
Dr. Al Jaber stated, “COP28 will be the most inclusive COP ever. We are committed to working with all sections of society, including faith-based organizations and communities, to ensure their voices are heard throughout our programs and are aligned with outcomes.”
The Ministry will also support the Faith Pavilion’s activities, programs, and agenda, collaborating closely with the COP28 Steering Committee and the COP28 Presidency, with an emphasis on information exchange, joint meetings, and identifying further partnership opportunities.
Moreover, the Ministry, along with the Muslim Council of Elders and partners, will invite spiritual leaders and religious organizations to join the Faith Pavilion at COP28. This platform aims to enhance global religious engagement and interfaith dialogue to bolster climate action and address the climate crisis.
According to the MoU, Sheikh Nahyan will serve as the Commissioner-General and official spokesperson for interfaith dialogue at COP28.
COP28, scheduled to take place from November 30th to December 12th, 2023, is expected to draw about 70,000 participants, including heads of state, government officials, industry leaders, private sector representatives, academics, experts, youth, and non-state players. The conference will focus on key areas, including accelerating the transition to clean energy, climate finance, and inclusivity. Additionally, COP28 will conduct the first-ever Global Stocktake, assessing progress toward climate targets as mandated by the Paris Agreement.
