First Day Of Religious Leaders' Global Summit In Azerbaijan's Baku Ends (PHOTO) (UPDATE)

(MENAFN- Trend News Agency) BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 5. The first day of a Global Summit of Religious Leaders in Baku has concluded, Trend reports.

First, the appeal of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev to the summit participants was read out by the country's Prime Minister Ali Asadov.

Azerbaijan's Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources and COP29 President, Mukhtar Babayev said at the summit that anthropogenic impact, industrialization, and rapid economic development have become significant threats to many nations, leading to a rise in global temperatures and increasing natural disasters.

He underscored that climate change has transitioned from a theoretical issue to a quotidian reality for communities residing in climate-sensitive areas.

“For these communities, climate change is no longer a theoretical threat but a reality they face daily.

Alterations in precipitation patterns and increasing temperatures in the Congo Basin are inflicting significant harm on forests and unique ecosystems. The flooding in Pakistan, which inundated a third of the nation, the peril of obliterating communities in small island developing states, and global natural calamities serve as concrete manifestations of this truth.

The experiences of these nations necessitate the adoption of urgent, inclusive strategies and prioritizing their concerns in our initiatives.

The COP29 Action Agenda is focused on making resources more accessible to developing countries. Under Azerbaijan's leadership, COP29 has introduced 14 pivotal initiatives. Our goal is to offer innovative solutions and new strategies not only at the national level but on the global stage as well. With these initiatives, Azerbaijan will continue its leadership in advancing the global transition to a green economy.

The Climate Action Fund, launched by Azerbaijan, will incentivize both public and private sector investments in climate adaptation, mitigation, and research. This Fund provides critical financing to support rapid responses to the impacts of natural disasters in developing countries," Babayev added.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a video address to the summit participants that the voices of religious leaders stand vital for advancing climate change action and achieving climate justice.

He indicated that harsh temperatures, intense fires, droughts, and extensive flooding are resulting in significant repercussions for the globe.

The secretary-general stressed the importance of action to ensure that countries have new national climate plans that are consistent with the goal of limiting global warming by next year.

Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Office Sheikh ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade said that Azerbaijan proposes to create a permanent Advisory Council of Religious Leaders within the framework of the UN COP (Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change).

"One of the important initiatives put forward by Azerbaijan for the future of humanity within the framework of COP29 is the initiative for a global ceasefire, and I urge all religious leaders to express their support for this initiative in the name of saving the world and the future of our children.

In this regard, we also propose the creation of a permanent Advisory Council of Religious Leaders within the framework of the UN COP. This body, during the intervals between COP sessions, could implement socially important and effective projects, conduct educational activities on issues of religion and ecological ethics, and prepare literature.

I am confident that at COP29, the proposal for a religious platform will be received positively, and the wise ideas and practical recommendations of the world's religious leaders in the final document of our Summit will become a moral support and a valuable contribution to the efforts of government and public figures in this direction," he added.

The global forum has rolled out the red carpet for around 30 leaders from both secular and traditional religions, heads of prominent religious centers - patriarchs, officials from the Vatican, and Al-Azhar, along with internationally recognized religious and public figures hailing from various corners of the globe and diverse faiths, representatives from government, academia, and religious institutions hailing from 55 countries and 30 international organizations, and media representatives.

The forum will continue tomorrow.

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