“Wisdom and Power of Faith empower science to combat climate change," said Haji Syed Salman Chishty, Gaddi Nashin of the Dargah Ajmer Sharif and Chairman of the Chishty Foundation and Board Member of Global Unity Earth Forum
The inauguration of the first-ever Faith Pavilion at COP28 marks a significant milestone in addressing the climate crisis. With the participation of various head of states including Indian Prime minister Shri Narendra Modi along with world religious leaders, spiritual luminaries scientists, climate activists and global think tanks leaderships as this unprecedented initiative seeks to harness the power of faith communities and religious institutions.
Co-hosted by respected organisations and leaders like the UAE Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence, Judge Mohamed AbdlSalaam, Secretary General of The Muslim Council of Elders in Abu Dhabi, Mr Iyad Abumoghil, Director of the Faith for Earth, United Nation Environment Program in Nairobi and USA as well as Coalition of Faith Partners.
Renowned spiritual leader Haji Syed Salman Chishty delivered a powerful speech at COP28 - Faith Pavilion on the potential of spiritual leaders to combat the climate crisis. His words emphasized the importance of justice and compassion as guiding principles for genuine transformation. The Call to Consiousness event panel was also addressed by international delegates including Audrey Kitagawa, Founder and President International Academy for Multicultural (USA), Ben Bowler, Executive Director of Unity Earth (Australia) , Ambassador Mussie Hailu of the United Religious Initiative (URI - North Africa) , Surender Singh Kandhari, Chairman of the Gurudwara Gurunanak Darbar (Dubai) and Rocky Dawuni, a musician and Global Peace Ambassador of United Nations Environment Program (UNEP).
Haji Syed Salman Chishty addressed the audience stating: "As we gather at COP28, we are reminded of the importance of justice and compassion as guiding principles for transformation. Let us unite and strive for genuine change that reflects the universal values embedded in our diverse cultures."
Together, we celebrate unity in diversity, inspired by the teachings of Khwaja Garib Nawaz, the patron of the poor. He emphasized the development of three attitudes towards nature - sunlight like grace, river-like generosity, and earth-like hospitality. By incorporating these attitudes into our daily lives, we can bridge differences and divisions in our service to others.
At the historic Ajmer Sharif dargah, the emphasis lies on embracing diversity and promoting love for all. Instead of focusing on trivial differences, let's prioritize serving others with sincerity, honesty, and integrity.