Cardinal Ayuso: Global Faith Summit a chance to promote climate action

By Devin Watkins and Christopher Wells – Abu Dhabi

As a summit on climate change concluded in Abu Dhabi, the Perfect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue praised the event as an opportunity to promote unity among various faiths in pursuit of a common goal.

The Global Faith Summit on Climate Action was held on 6-7 November and was hosted by the Muslim Council for Elders and promoted by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates.

It brought together around 30 faith leaders from Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and a host of other religious traditions.

Participants signed a declaration addressed to COP28 delegates, urging world leaders to take action to protect the planet.

They called for the acceleration of energy transitions, protection of the Earth, the transition to circular models of living in harmony with nature, and the rapid adoption of clean energy.

Working toward a better world

In an interview with Vatican News, Cardinal Miguel Ayuso said the Holy See has worked at an international level to promote human fraternity, including in the area of care for Creation.

“Through many different issues you see how many problems have arisen in the world due to diversity, conflict and other matters,” he said. “And so, we come to this global conference together in order to promote unity.”

The Cardinal Prefect noted that climate change has united people of different cultures, countries, and religious traditions to work toward a common aim.

Cardinal Ayuso said the Global Faith Summit sought to “promote a better world by preserving our planet and proposing concrete steps that might be taken through the collaboration of religious leaders in the international community.”