BAKU, NOV 5 /DNA/ – Ambassador Aftab Ahmad Khokher, Assistant Secretary General of Science and Technology, while representing the OIC Secretary General at the Global Summit of Religious Leaders in Baku, emphasized that religious leaders can and will play a catalyst role in raising awareness and creating better understanding about the global climate change challenge. The Summit is being held as part of the 29th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) in Baku, Republic of Azerbaijan, from 5-7 November 2024. The opening session of the Summit was attended by the Prime Minister, Minister for Ecology and Natural Resources and Sheik ul Islam of the Republic of Azerbaijan along with representatives of all faiths across the globe.

Ambassador Aftab stressed that the Summit provided a unique opportunity for the profound alignment between scientific insights and spiritual wisdom. Adding, that all faiths were bound by shared ethical principles of respect for nature. He stated that religions and their leaders have always urged humanity to live in harmony with nature and mobilizing ethical action to protect our planet and environment. He emphasized that the OIC was committed to supporting initiatives that harness the influence of faith to foster environmental responsibility and that the religious leaders can be catalysts in promoting energy efficiency, sustainable agriculture, and the responsible use of water, ensuring these practices resonate deeply with our communities. He recalled that the OIC created a platform of religious leaders and successfully combatted the negative perception about polio vaccination campaigns in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Ambassador Khokher Aftab highlighted the importance of collaboration of religious leaders worldwide, which will strengthens the push for climate justice. As they were the trusted voices within communities, they would able to bridge divides, facilitate conversations on environmental responsibility, and foster collective action. He added that religious leaders could remind us all that to preserve the earth is to honor the divine gift of life and to fulfill our duty to future generations.