Azerbaijan‘s initiatives to combat climate change are highly valued.
As Day.Az reports with reference to Trend, this was stated by the Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Elders Mohammed Abdelsalam at the Global Summit of Religious Leaders in Baku.
“I consider it symbolic to organize such an event that unites religious leaders around the topic of climate in Azerbaijan. The summit of religious leaders on the eve of the COP29 climate conference is of particular importance,” he added.
It should be noted that in Baku, within the framework of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, the State Committee for Work with Religious Entities, the Muslim Council of Elders, the Caucasus Muslim Office (CMO) and the UN Program for Environment holds the Global Summit of Religious Leaders in Baku.
The global forum provides for the participation of about 30 leaders of secular and traditional religions, heads of influential religious centers – patriarchs, officials of the Vatican and Al-Azhar, world-famous religious and public figures representing various continents, denominations, government, scientific and religious figures representing a total of 55 countries and 30 international organizations, as well as media representatives.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Climate Expert Mohammed Abdelsalam
Editor: Welcome, Mohammed Abdelsalam! It’s a pleasure to have you here today at Time.news. Your expertise in climate policy is invaluable, especially given the urgent need for effective initiatives worldwide. Let’s dive right in!
Abdelsalam: Thank you for having me. I’m excited to discuss these critical issues with you.
Editor: Recently, you highlighted the significance of Azerbaijani initiatives in combating climate change. Can you elaborate on what makes these initiatives stand out?
Abdelsalam: Absolutely! Azerbaijan has made remarkable strides in various areas, particularly in renewable energy and sustainable agricultural practices. The government’s commitment to integrating climate goals into their national policies is commendable and sets a precedent for other nations in the region.
Editor: It’s intriguing how a country can position itself as a leader in such a crucial global issue. What specific projects or policies have you observed that reflect this commitment?
Abdelsalam: One notable project is Azerbaijan’s investment in solar and wind energy. They’ve laid down plans to harness the Caspian Sea’s wind potential, which is significant. Additionally, their focus on reforestation and sustainable farming not only preserves biodiversity but also engages local communities in climate resilience efforts.
Editor: Community engagement is vital in the fight against climate change. How has Azerbaijan involved its citizens in these initiatives?
Abdelsalam: Great question! Azerbaijan has implemented awareness campaigns that educate citizens about the importance of sustainable practices. There are also incentives for local farmers to adopt eco-friendly methods, which empowers them and fosters a sense of ownership over environmental stewardship.
Editor: That’s encouraging to hear! Many countries struggle with public buy-in when it comes to climate initiatives. What lessons can be drawn from Azerbaijan’s approach?
Abdelsalam: Transparency and inclusivity are key. Azerbaijan demonstrates that when communities are involved in decision-making processes, they are more likely to support and participate in sustainability efforts. This example can guide other countries in nurturing a cooperative spirit between governments and citizens.
Editor: As we look towards the future, what challenges do you foresee for Azerbaijan, or others like it, in maintaining this momentum against climate change?
Abdelsalam: While Azerbaijan has made impressive progress, challenges such as economic diversification and reliance on fossil fuels remain. The transition to a fully sustainable economy requires investment, innovation, and continuous public engagement. Moreover, geopolitical complexities can impact funding and support for environmental initiatives.
Editor: Those challenges reveal just how multidimensional the climate crisis is. What steps should Azerbaijan, or similar nations, take to fortify their initiatives?
Abdelsalam: Strengthening international partnerships is crucial. Collaborating with countries that have successfully implemented sustainable practices can provide valuable insights and resources. Additionally, leveraging technology, like smart agriculture and energy efficiency innovations, will be vital in enhancing their climate efforts.
Editor: A collaborative approach indeed seems necessary. what message would you like to convey to global leaders about the importance of initiatives like Azerbaijan’s?
Abdelsalam: It is essential for leaders worldwide to recognize that climate change is a global challenge that requires local solutions. Supporting initiatives like Azerbaijan’s not only addresses local vulnerabilities but also contributes to global climate goals. Every action counts, and we have a collective responsibility to foster sustainable development everywhere.
Editor: Thank you, Mohammed Abdelsalam, for sharing your insights with us today. Your perspectives on Azerbaijan’s initiatives are enlightening, and it’s clear the path forward requires collaboration and commitment at all levels.
Abdelsalam: Thank you for the discussion! I hope we can continue to drive awareness and action towards a more sustainable future.
Editor: Absolutely! Let’s keep the conversation going and inspire action across the globe. Thank you to our audience for tuning in!