BAKU (TDI): Assistant Secretary General of Science and Technology of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Ambassador Aftab Ahmad Khokher, said on Tuesday that religious leaders had a critical role in the fight against climate change.
He made these remarks while addressing the Global Summit of Religious Leaders in Baku. He was representing the Secretary General of the OIC at the forum.
“Religious leaders have a unique influence to shape understanding and inspire action on climate issues,” Khokher said, as he highlighted the power of faith to unite communities around environmental responsibility.
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Khokher stressed that the alignment between scientific insight and spiritual guidance was a must, noting that all major religions share ethical principles of respect for nature.
“Religions have always urged humanity to live in harmony with nature,” he said, adding that the OIC is committed to initiatives that connect spiritual influence with environmental responsibility.
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The Ambassador emphasized that religious leaders can drive change by promoting energy efficiency, sustainable agriculture, and responsible water use.
Highlighting a past success, Khokher noted that the OIC mobilized religious leaders to counteract negative perceptions of polio vaccination campaigns in Pakistan and Afghanistan. “We saw first-hand how religious leaders can shift public perception and mobilize communities,” he said.
He called on religious leaders to unite globally, saying they are “trusted voices within communities” who can bridge divides and strengthen the push for climate justice. “To preserve the earth,” he concluded, “is to honour the divine gift of life and fulfil our duty to future generations.”
The event was held alongside the 29th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29). Among the attendees were Azerbaijan’s Prime Minister, Minister for Ecology and Natural Resources, Sheik ul Islam, and faith leaders from around the world.
