Muslim Council of Elders organises seminar on environmental protection at Abu Dhabi International Book Fair

As part of its cultural and intellectual programme at the 34th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF), the Muslim Council of Elders organised a seminar titled "Environmental Protection is a Human Responsibility," presented by Sheikh Dr. Abdulaziz bin Ali Al Nuaimi, Environmental Advisor to the Government of Ajman.

At the beginning of the seminar, Sheikh Dr. Al Nuaimi affirmed that sustainability reflects the vision of the UAE and its wise leadership in safeguarding the planet and its natural resources, aligning with the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan — who famously said, "Give me agriculture, and I shall guarantee you civilization."

Sheikh Dr. Abdulaziz Al Nuaimi emphasised that integrity is the foundation of sustainability, calling for the adoption of high human values such as honesty, integrity, and justice — values deeply rooted in Emirati society, which he described as a "rare diamond" in its leadership, people, and land.

He also praised the efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders, chaired by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, in strengthening the role of religious leaders in addressing global challenges, foremost among them climate change.

He also highlighted the Council’s organisation of the Global Summit of Religious Leaders, which resulted in the issuance of "The Call of Conscience: The Abu Dhabi Joint Declaration on Climate," as well as the historic establishment of the Faith Pavilion — the first of its kind — at COP28 and COP29.

He further explained that true reading and responsible writing form the pillars of intellectual and cultural sustainability. He stated, "When you open a book, you open a window to a new world and plant seeds of wisdom in your heart. Every act of reading builds the self, and every act of writing is a legacy for future generations.

The Environmental Advisor to the Government of Ajman also called for reviving the lifeblood of rivers and rescuing endangered animals from the threat of extinction. He stressed that protecting nature begins with human awareness of responsibility toward the Earth, sharing his personal experiences, such as his visit to the kingdom of the rare gorillas in Rwanda, noting that these creatures offer a living lesson in behavior and harmony with nature