BAKU: The Global Summit of Religious Leaders, themed ‘World Religions for a Green Planet,’ is currently underway in Baku as part of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The summit continued with a series of panel discussions.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the summit was inaugurated with the National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan, followed by readings from the Holy Quran. Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Office Sheikhulislam Allahshukur Pashazade welcomed the participants, highlighting the significance of holding the summit in Baku prior to COP29. He emphasized the global importance of climate change, noting Azerbaijan’s role in hosting such an event. Prime Minister Ali Asadov also highlighted President Ilham Aliyev’s address to the summit participants.

Religious officials from multiple countries, including Trkiye, Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Georgia, and Egypt, addressed the summit, unde
rscoring the critical role of religious calls in combating climate change. The summit is attended by 30 religious leaders from various world religions and prominent leaders from 55 countries and 30 international organizations.

The event, held at the “Gulustan” Palace, aims to evaluate the climate change crisis from a moral and spiritual perspective. It is organized under the initiative and patronage of President Ilham Aliyev, in collaboration with several partners, including the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan and the UN Environment Programme. The summit is scheduled to conclude on November 6, with foreign guests expected to visit territories liberated from Armenian occupation.