The Transformative Role of Faith Leaders at COP29

As the global community reflects on the outcomes of COP29—the United Nations Climate Change Conference— in Baku, Azerbaijan, one truth has emerged with resounding clarity: the voices of faith leaders and communities have become indispensable in the fight against climate change. This year’s conference marked a profound acknowledgment that solving the climate crisis requires not just scientific innovation and policy but also a moral and spiritual reckoning.

It’s critical to recognize that climate change is not just an environmental issue—it is increasingly a source of conflict. As extreme weather patterns—such as droughts, flooding, and shifting rainfall—further strain access to vital resources like water, land, and food, tensions between communities and nations are escalating, often resulting in intense competition for dwindling resources, exacerbating territorial and identity-based tensions, and causing widespread displacement. 

Building on momentum from COP28, religious perspectives joined the forefront of climate action dialogue. Over the past two weeks, we saw interfaith coalitions infuse discussions with moral urgency and ethical insight, reminding the world that protecting our planet is not merely a technical challenge but a sacred responsibility. As stewards of the Earth, we are called to act in unity, transcending boundaries of faith, culture, and geography.

At ICRD, we are developing targeted initiatives to address these intersections between climate, peacebuilding, and diplomacy, recognizing the urgent need for collaborative, faith-based solutions to prevent and resolve climate-related conflicts.

A Foundation of Faith and Action

Before the conference even began, the Global Summit of Religious Leaders convened under the theme “World Religions for a Green Planet,” setting the stage for faith-driven advocacy at COP29. UN Secretary-General António Guterres affirmed these efforts this in a powerful video address, stating, “The voices of religious leaders stand vital for advancing climate change action and achieving climate justice.” 

At the International Center for Religion & Diplomacy (ICRD), we have long championed the integration of faith into addressing global challenges, from conflict resolution to environmental stewardship. For decades, ICRD has worked to integrate faith into addressing global challenges—bridging divides, fostering collaboration, and building sustainable peace. The transformative engagement of religious leaders at COP29 exemplifies the potential of faith to inspire collective action and create innovative, sustainable solutions for the world’s most pressing crises.

Faith Leaders Driving Change

Throughout the conference, faith leaders didn’t just speak; they acted, prioritizing justice and equity in critical negotiations. Multi-faith collaborations were instrumental in shaping conversations around key issues, including:

• Climate Finance: Advocating for significantly increased funding from wealthier nations to support poorer countries disproportionately impacted by climate change.
• Loss and Damage Fund: Calling for a robust and well-funded mechanism to address the tangible and intangible impacts of climate disasters on livelihoods, culture, and identity.
• Gender and Youth Engagement: Elevating the voices of women and young people, whose leadership is essential for creating a sustainable future.

By framing these challenges in moral terms, faith leaders reminded the global community that no solution can be truly effective or just if it leaves the most vulnerable behind.

Additionally, the centerpiece of COP29 was the Faith Pavilion—a vibrant hub of dialogue and action. For the first time, this space hosted over 40 sessions, uniting 97 organizations across 11 faiths and sects. Discussions ranged from theological reflections on the interconnectedness of creation to actionable strategies for climate resilience.

The Faith Pavilion also hosted the inaugural UNEP Scientific Sessions, an innovative effort to bridge the gap between science and religion. This collaboration underscored a shared commitment to aligning evidence-based solutions with moral imperatives, a theme central to ICRD’s mission of uniting diverse perspectives for the common good.

Youth leadership took center stage at the Faith Pavilion as well, with young faith leaders championing intergenerational collaboration. Their energy and vision served as a poignant reminder that today’s decisions will profoundly shape the world inherited by future generations

The conference culminated with a statement released by multi-faith religious figures, that was endorsed by more than 60 faith organizations worldwide and urged global leaders to act with moral clarity while emphasizing the shared responsibility to safeguard the planet for future generations and honor all forms of life.

How to Join the Cause

COP29 illuminated the unique and powerful role of faith in combating climate change. Yet, the work ahead remains daunting. The climate crisis calls for collective action from governments, organizations, faith communities, and individuals, alongside a deep understanding of the challenges climate change poses to peacebuilding and the conflicts it ignites, which affect millions worldwide.

ICRD is steadfast in its commitment to this cause. Through fostering interfaith collaboration, amplifying the voices of marginalized communities, and promoting peacebuilding solutions, we aim to support faith leaders in their vital work. But we cannot do this alone.

Here’s how you can join the movement:

1. Learn and Engage: Explore ICRD’s resources to understand how to engage in critical conversations in your communities.
2. Build Partnerships: Collaborate with us to build interfaith coalitions that address the pressing environmental challenges of our time that affect peace and harmony.
3. Empower Faith Leaders: Support our initiatives to equip faith leaders with the tools, training, and platforms they need to lead in the fight against climate change and conflict resolution.

At ICRD, we believe that faith is not just a source of moral clarity but a driving force for global transformation. By uniting efforts to address climate-related conflicts and promote peace, we can contribute to a world where compassion, stewardship, and justice guide our actions.