Physical Address
23,24,25 & 26, 2nd Floor, Software Technology Park India, Opp: Garware Stadium,MIDC, Chikalthana, Aurangabad, Maharashtra – 431001 India
On December 3, Day 4 of COP28, three pivotal developments took center stage. First and foremost, the COP28 UAE Declaration on Climate, Relief, Recovery and Peace emerged, a significant milestone designed to address the pressing issues faced by the world’s most vulnerable communities grappling with the impacts of climate change. This comprehensive declaration outlines strategies for climate action, relief efforts, recovery initiatives, and the promotion of global peace. Simultaneously, global unity coalesced around the preservation of two critical ecosystems—forests and oceans—as nations came together to emphasize the collective responsibility for their protection. Additionally, the day witnessed a historic moment with the inauguration of the first-ever Faith Pavilion at COP, where world religious leaders assembled to underscore the crucial intersection of spirituality and environmental stewardship, highlighting the diverse religious communities’ role in the global fight against climate change.
Declaration on Climate, Relief, Recovery and Peace
The COP28 Presidency officially revealed endorsements for its COP28 UAE Declaration on Climate, Relief, Recovery, and Peace, underlining its dedication to intensifying global endeavors aimed at enhancing the resilience of countries and communities affected by conflict and fragility due to climate change impacts. With support from 70 governments and 39 organizations, the Declaration signifies a shared commitment to boosting investments and actions to fortify regions affected by conflict, fragility, or humanitarian crises. Ambassador Al Suwaidi, COP28 Director-General, stressed the disproportionate impact of climate change on fragile and conflict-affected areas, emphasizing the commitment of the COP28 Presidency to prompt action and consensus to address this imbalance. Concurrently, the launch of the ‘Getting Ahead of Disasters Charter’ marked another initiative outlining collaborative principles for managing climate-related risks and safeguarding vulnerable populations, contributing to a broader set of actions at COP28 to expedite global resilience efforts. The day also featured a Climate and Health Ministerial, a first at COP, attracting health ministers and delegates from over 100 countries to rally support for the COP28 Climate and Health Agenda and the earlier unveiled ‘COP28 Declaration on Climate and Health.’ Ambassador Al Suwaidi emphasized the importance of prioritizing people’s well-being and health alongside the ongoing efforts to shape the future energy system and enhance climate resilience. The overarching theme of ‘Protecting Lives and Livelihoods’ remains a key focus within the COP28 Presidency’s Action Agenda, which centers on people, nature, lives, and livelihoods.
Global unity coalesced around the preservation of two critical ecosystems—forests and oceans(Simply the Biodiversity)
At the World Climate Action Summit, the COP28 Presidency and its collaborators introduced a set of innovative initiatives, backed by an initial commitment of USD $1.7 billion in financing, to concurrently address climate and biodiversity objectives. President Lula da Silva, alongside the COP28 Presidency, disclosed a two-year collaboration aimed at mobilizing fresh resources and political backing for nature, paving the way for COP30 in Belém. Emphasizing the COP28 Presidency’s commitment to acknowledging, supporting, and financing nature in its entirety as a prerequisite for climate action, H.E. Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, the UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28, stated that this political leadership, complemented by support and financing from non-state actors, underscores the fundamental role of nature not only for this COP but for all future COPs. During the session, heads of state and government revealed their national and regional investment plans and partnerships concentrated on nature-climate action, aligning with the goals of the Paris Agreement and the recently adopted Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
The inauguration of the first-ever Faith Pavilion at COP
World religious leaders, scientists, and global political officials convened on the fourth day of COP28 for the inaugural session of the Faith Pavilion, marking a historic moment as the first of its kind at a COP. Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, the inauguration saw the presence of His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, and His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, representing His Holiness Pope Francis. Virtual addresses by His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and His Holiness Pope Francis emphasized the pressing need for immediate action against climate change. Co-hosted by the COP28 Presidency, the UAE Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence, the Holy See, UNEP, the Muslim Council of Elders, and a coalition of faith partners, the Faith Pavilion is dedicated to engaging faith communities. It will host panels featuring religious leaders, scientists, and political figures, fostering intergenerational dialogue with youth and indigenous representatives. Both religious leaders highlighted the significance of such initiatives in amplifying the voice of religious leaders on the global stage. His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan emphasized the UAE’s commitment to peace, tolerance, and environmental protection, stating that the nation plays a pivotal role in global cooperation. COP28 President Dr. Sultan Al Jaber stressed the importance of collective global action against climate change, recognizing the Faith Pavilion as a historic moment of unity, hope, and commitment to protecting the planet. The Faith Pavilion builds on the momentum of the Global Faith Leaders’ Summit in Abu Dhabi, where the ‘Abu Dhabi Interfaith Statement for COP28’ was signed by 28 faith leaders, expressing shared concern over climate impacts and a joint commitment to address the crisis—a document now showcased in the Faith Pavilion located in the Blue Zone at COP28.
Acknowledging that more than 84 percent of the global population aligns with a religious belief, the Faith Pavilion aims to bring together representatives, communities, and institutions of various faiths to endorse climate action and align with the goals set forth in the Paris Agreement.
