Representing 55 countries, 30 international organizations and major media outlets at the World Summit of Religious Leaders, which began today in Baku and took place on the eve of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention United Nations on Climate Change (COP29) under the motto “World Religions for a Green Planet” more than 220 guests participate. Participants include leaders of traditional religions, representatives of various denominations, as well as world-renowned religious and public representatives.
The UN Undersecretary General and High Representative of the Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), Miguel Ángel Moratinos, also participated in the event, sharing his vision on the importance of the moral issue in the fight against climate change.
“Informe” asked Miguel Ángel Moratinos to share his expectations for COP29 and his impressions of the summit of religious leaders:
– How do you assess Azerbaijan’s cooperation with the UN and the country’s activity in the activities of your organization?
– Cooperation between Azerbaijan and the UN has always been strong. Because your country has always actively participated and defended the principle of international law and the territorial integrity of the UN States. From the beginning, Azerbaijan and the United Nations have been good and constructive partners.
Today, thanks to numerous initiatives, they have even become constructive partners. Because the UN has full confidence in the organization of COP29. The climate agenda is one of the UN’s top priorities these days.
This shows that Azerbaijan participates in all relevant events, is involved in all important UN issues, as well as in combating challenges. I think it has important regional importance and contributes to peace and prosperity here.
Azerbaijan is also a partner and ally of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations. The “Baku process” plays an active role in creating intercultural and interreligious dialogue through all international forums organized by your country, as well as in holding the Global Forum of the Alliance of Civilizations and the UN mandate to save humanity.
– You participated in several events in Azerbaijan and learned about the progress of preparations for COP29. What are your expectations from the climate conference in Baku?
– Azerbaijan has extensive experience in organizing international conferences.
You know, they’ve always been very successful. Every time an international conference or summit is held in Azerbaijan, the results are excellent. We are very optimistic about the organizational work that Azerbaijan has done so far to ensure the success of COP29.
– What can you say about the current event: the World Summit of Religious Leaders?
– I think it is celebrated at the right time. This is another proof of Azerbaijan’s innovative approach. I think country leaders and decision-makers should consider the calls made at today’s summit before coming to Baku to discuss COP29 climate issues. Because if ethics, principles, values, religious sensitivity and spirituality are not taken into account, it is very difficult to achieve good results in the fight against climate change.
Therefore, without the contribution of religious leaders, it will be very difficult to solve the problem of saving the planet with science and technology alone.
