Muslim Council of Elders, Vatican discuss promoting peaceful coexistence

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of Vatican City, on the sidelines of UN's the Summit for the Future in New York.

They discussed bilateral relations and joint initiatives aimed at promoting and enhancing the values of dialogue, tolerance, coexistence, and peace.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders emphasised the important role that religious leaders and figures play in addressing global challenges. He pointed out that the Faith Pavilion at COP29, scheduled to be held in Azerbaijan, is a continuation of the success of the Faith Pavilion at COP28 in Dubai. The pavilion aims to enhance the participation of religious leaders and figures in global climate action.

He also noted that Pope Francis' visit to Indonesia, the largest Muslim country in the world, embodied the spirit of tolerance and peaceful coexistence between religions. It also sent a significant message about the need for concerted efforts on a central issue that concerns all humanity—climate change.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin said that religion can play a pivotal role in raising global environmental awareness and encouraging positive community engagement. He also highlighted that the Document on Human Fraternity, co-signed by His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, and His Holiness Pope Francis in Abu Dhabi in 2019, and the resulting pioneering initiatives, including the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity and the Abrahamic Family House, require continuous and diligent efforts to build on the legacy they have established in promoting global dialogue, peace, understanding, and respect between different cultures and religions.

He also praised the efforts of the UAE in promoting and strengthening the values and principles of human fraternity, and in fostering tolerance, peace, and coexistence.