Al-Azhar Grand Imam (GI) and MCE Chairman, Prof. Ahmad Al-Tayyeb, 

met with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, in the Azerbaijani capital, Baku, on the sidelines of his participation in the 2024 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, known as COP29.

His Eminence the Grand Imam stressed the depth of relations between Al-Azhar and the United Arab Emirates, and the role of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed in supporting Al-Azhar’s global efforts and supporting many joint initiatives, most notably the Muslim Council of Elders’ initiative. He praised the humanitarian approach of the UAE and its sponsorship of many global events and projects in the fields of tolerance and human brotherhood.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed stressed the depth of relations between the UAE and Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, and the cooperation between the two sides in the field of enhancing dialogue and understanding at the regional and international levels, expressing his appreciation for the civilizational role played by Al-Azhar Al-Sharif at the global level, especially in the field of spreading moderation and coexistence.

The meeting also touched on the important role of religious leaders and institutions in raising awareness of the seriousness of climate change. It emphasized the importance of preserving the environment and working together in order to raise awareness of the importance of climate action at the international level for the good of humanity and the protection of the planet from the dangers it is exposed to.

The meeting was attended by His Eminence Prof. Nazir Ayyad, the Grand Mufti of Egypt, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs, His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Advisor for Special Affairs at the Presidential Court, His Excellency Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, and His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Elders.