The launch of "Mizan: The World Environmental Covenant," prepared by leading Islamic scholars from around the world, will take place on February 27 at the United Nations Environment Conference in Kenya.
Prof. Dr. İbrahim Özdemir, Director of Üsküdar University Environmental Ethics Forum, who is part of the core team that prepared "Mizan: The World Environmental Covenant," stated, "Mizan represents a powerful voice reminding us that the religion of Islam calls for active environmental stewardship."
The launch of "Mizan: The World Environmental Covenant," prepared by leading Islamic scholars from around the world and with Üsküdar University participating in the core team, will take place on Tuesday, February 27, at the United Nations Environment Conference in Nairobi, Kenya.
"Mizan: The World Environmental Covenant" (https://www.almizan.earth/) offers a comprehensive Islamic perspective on moral responsibility towards the environment, calling for collective action to combat climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, and to protect our planet.
Based on principles rich in religious and ethical dimensions, the covenant outlines a path towards a more sustainable future, guided by the values of compassion, justice, and interconnectedness.
The sixth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6) is being held in Kenya
The sixth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6) will be held from February 26 to March 1, 2024, at the headquarters of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in Nairobi, Kenya.
The launch of Mizan will also take place on Tuesday, February 27, as an additional event at the United Nations Environment Conference (UNEA-6) under the theme "Effective, inclusive and sustainable multilateral actions to tackle climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution."
Mizan is seen as the Islamic equivalent of Laudato Si', which is considered a Vatican document
The launch will be attended by the UNEA President, as well as high-level representatives from Islamic and other international organizations, including Hubertus van Megen, the Permanent Observer of the Holy See to UNEP Kenya and South Africa.
Mizan is seen as the Islamic equivalent of Laudato Si', issued by Pope Francis in 2015, which is considered the most comprehensive Vatican document on environment, ethics, and Christian faith to date.
Mizan: The World Environmental Covenant is managed by the Islamic Foundation for Ecology and Environmental Sciences and supported by UNEP's Faith for Earth Coalition.
Other key partners involved in preparing the covenant include the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), Üsküdar University, Hamad University, the Qur'anic Botanic Garden, and Anaq el-Ard.
The aim is to mobilize mosques and community initiatives on environmental issues
The covenant has been endorsed by the Muslim Council of Elders and reviewed by over 300 Islamic and international organizations.
After Mizan's launch, it will be supported by an actionable strategy outlining key priorities represented by various initiatives, including the establishment of the Mizan Academy, a ten-year action plan, a youth council and summit, global achievement awards, the Mizan network and endowment fund, biannual global conferences, mobilization of mosques and community initiatives, and much more.
"Mizan, while rooted in Islamic principles, will deliver its message to people of all faiths and backgrounds"
Iyad Abumoghli, Director of UNEP's Faith for Earth Coalition, stated, "Mizan, while rooted in Islamic principles, delivers its message to people of all faiths and backgrounds. It acknowledges that environmental challenges transcend religious and cultural boundaries, underscoring the urgent need for common action worldwide."
Fazlun Khalid, Founding Director of the Islamic Foundation for Ecology and Environmental Sciences (IFEES), based in the UK, said, "Mizan is a guiding light, inspired by Islam and nurtured by responsibility, to build a more sustainable future for ourselves and future generations."
"It represents a powerful voice reminding us that the religion of Islam calls for active environmental stewardship"
Prof. Dr. İbrahim Özdemir, Director of Üsküdar University Environmental Ethics Forum and a member of the core team that prepared Mizan, stated, "Mizan represents a powerful voice reminding us that the religion of Islam calls for active environmental stewardship."
The launch will take place on Tuesday, February 27, at 4:00 PM (Nairobi time) at the UNON Media Centre, under the patronage of UNEA President Ms. Leila Benali and other high-level officials.