Swami Amritaswarupananda Puri Addresses Urgent Climate Action at Global Faith Leaders’ Summit
Abu Dhabi — Swami Amritaswarupananda Puri, Head Disciple of Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi (Amma), Vice-Chairman of the Mata Amritanandamayi Math, and President of Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham (Amrita University), delivered a compelling message at the Global Faith Leaders’ Summit in Abu Dhabi on November 6-7, 2023.
During the Summit’s opening session, Swami Amritaswarupananda Puri emphasized the integral role of faith leaders in addressing the climate crisis, stating, “Our faith traditions implore us to be stewards of this Earth, and our moral and spiritual duty is to protect and preserve it for generations to come.”
He underscored the urgency of the climate crisis, saying, “We face an immediate problem—a problem we ourselves created, which will impact us within the next 100 years.”
The Global Faith Leaders’ Summit united eminent speakers and faith leaders from diverse backgrounds, including H.E. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin, His Eminence Prof. Mohamed Al-Duweini, His All Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew I, H.E. Maulen Ashimbayev, The Most Reverend Justin Welby, Deacon Ilya Kashitsyn, The Most Venerable Dr. Kori Shinkai, Father Mina Hanna Barsum, Bhai Sahib Bhai Mohinder Singh Ahluwalia, Sister Maureen Goodman, and His Virtue Sheikh-ul Islam Allahshukur Pashazadeh.
These high-level faith leaders came together to sign a statement of support for immediate climate action. The Summit, organized by the Muslim Council of Elders in collaboration with the COP28 Presidency and the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), brought together over 200 participants representing major religions, academics, climate scientists, youth activists, and indigenous representatives. The focus was on highlighting the ethical responsibility of faith communities and political leaders in addressing the climate crisis.
The Summit’s highlight was the signing of the Interfaith Statement on Climate Action Towards COP28, which unites religious leaders to inspire environmental justice and emphasize the connection between faith and environmental responsibility. Faith and spiritual leaders from various traditions signed the statement, symbolically presented by a child from the UAE, representing future generations affected by climate change.
This Interfaith Statement is founded on the principles of justice, causing no harm, and fostering peace with all living beings. It calls upon heads of state, governments, civil society, and business leaders to take immediate action, including accelerating energy transitions, embracing circular models of living in harmony with nature, and adopting clean energy.
Swami Amritaswarupananda Puri’s impassioned address at the Global Faith Leaders’ Summit underscores the vital role of faith leaders in advocating for urgent climate action and the necessity for collective efforts to address the climate crisis. The Summit has paved the way for meaningful change and collaboration among faith communities to safeguard our planet for future generations.