Religious leaders vital for climate change progress, says OIC ambassador
Ambassador Aftab Ahmad Khokher, the Assistant Secretary-General for Science and Technology at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), has highlighted the pivotal role religious leaders can play in addressing the global climate crisis.
He said this at the Global Summit of Religious Leaders in Baku, held alongside the 29th United Nations Conference of the Parties on Climate Change (COP29).
Representing the OIC Secretary-General, Ambassador Khokher explained the opportunity for spiritual wisdom and scientific knowledge to align in promoting environmental awareness and fostering a deeper understanding of climate change’s challenges.
The summit, hosted from November 5-7, 2024, in Azerbaijan, seeks to unite leaders worldwide in a call for climate justice and sustainability.
Ambassador Khokher underscored that all faiths are united by a shared ethical commitment to respecting nature, a value that religious leaders are uniquely positioned to champion.
Reflecting on historical precedence, he pointed to the success of the OIC’s platform for religious leaders in dispelling myths surrounding polio vaccination in Pakistan and Afghanistan, stressing the impact faith-based influence has had in shaping public perception and ethical action.
The OIC, he affirmed, remains committed to supporting efforts that engage faith communities in climate advocacy, promoting eco-friendly practices, sustainable agriculture, and water conservation.
The summit in Baku provides a rare opportunity to unite scientific insights with faith-driven action, creating a powerful coalition for environmental sustainability.
Ambassador Khokher further called for the collaborative spirit of religious leaders worldwide, urging them to inspire change and act as catalysts for environmental stewardship, ultimately fostering a healthier planet for all.
