Tackling climate change through a faith-based approach

JAKARTA: Climate change is no longer just an environmental issue; it is a profound humanitarian and moral challenge that demands a united, values-driven response.

AI Brief

Nouhad Awwad emphasised faith-driven climate action, saying it resonates deeply with communities and inspires ethical engagement.
The Jakarta conference highlighted youth and interfaith voices, promoting peace, compassion, and shared responsibility.
Initiatives like Ummah for Earth mobilise Muslim communities, framing climate action as a spiritual and moral duty.

Speaking to AWANI International on the sidelines of the International Conference on Human Fraternity in Jakarta, Nouhad Awwad, Campaigner for Ummah for Earth and Global Outreach Coordinator at Greenpeace MENA, emphasized the importance of engaging communities through their faith and cultural identity.

“For Ummah for Earth, we seek to mobilize Muslim communities around the world to see climate action as an Islamic ethical duty,” said Nouhad.

“People are more inclined to engage in climate action when it aligns with their spiritual and cultural values.”

She noted that faith-based approaches resonate more deeply with local communities, especially when climate advocacy is rooted in moral and ethical teachings.

Nouhad also highlighted that various religious traditions have established their own climate justice initiatives. These efforts, she explained, reflect the intrinsic connection many people feel between their spiritual beliefs and the health of the planet.

“It is also an Islamic ethical duty to care for others and to work towards a better future for the next generation,” she added.

The International Conference on Human Fraternity, which opened on Tuesday (29 July) in Jakarta, brought together global leaders, religious figures, and academics to foster peaceful coexistence and mutual understanding in an increasingly fragmented world.

Co-organised by the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity (HCHF) and the Indonesian International Islamic University (UIII), the conference carried the timely theme: “Advancing Human Fraternity Amid Global Uncertainty: Towards a More Peaceful and Prosperous Civilization.”

The gathering aimed to revive global dialogue on compassion, shared dignity, and coexistence, across faiths, cultures, and ideologies.