His Eminence, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Prof. Ahmad Al-Tayeb, arrived in Baku, Azerbaijan, to participate in the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29). This historic visit marks the first time a Grand Imam of Al-Azhar participates in the Conference. The Azerbaijani President, Ilham Aliyev, extended the invitation at his meeting with the Grand Imam in Cairo, Last June.
At COP29, Prof. Al-Tayeb will deliver a speech focusing on Islam's perspective on environmental preservation and the climate crisis. He aims to highlight the role of religious leaders in raising awareness and promoting solutions to such pressing global issues. Additionally, he is expected to engage with various officials and religious figures to foster dialogue and collaboration on global challenges, particularly climate change.
Upon his arrival in Azerbaijan, the Grand Imam had a meeting with President Aliyev. Both leaders underscored the significance of international collaboration to address ongoing conflicts, citing the wars in Gaza and Lebanon as key examples. They agreed on the necessity of maintaining international pressure to halt aggression against Gaza and Lebanon and facilitate humanitarian aid access. In addition, they reaffirmed their commitment to humanitarian initiatives and the necessity of uniting efforts to combat climate change and its impacts on vulnerable populations worldwide.
The Grand Imam congratulated President Aliyev on Azerbaijan's successful organization of COP29 and acknowledged its significance in fostering dialogue among religious leaders regarding climate change.
On his part, President Aliyev remarked that the Grand Imam's participation is an honor for Azerbaijan and reflects their commitment to coordinating efforts among religious leaders and political decision-makers to raise awareness about climate change. He praised initiatives like the "Religious Pavilion" organized by the Muslim Council of Elders at COP29, expressing confidence that it would enhance religious awareness regarding environmental crises.