The third International Seminar on Religions and Ecological Civilization is held via video link on Dec 21. [Photo/cppcc.gov.cn]

The third International Seminar on Religions and Ecological Civilization was held via video link on Dec 21.

Pagbalha Geleg Namgyai, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and president of the China Committee on Religion and Peace (CCRP) delivered a written speech at the seminar.

In his speech, the CCRP president called on leaders and scholars of all religions to work together to protect the global ecological environment and build a community with a shared future for man and nature.

Azza Karam, secretary-general of the Religions for Peace (RFP), a multi-religion leadership platform, addressed the meeting via video link.

As an event held immediately following the closing of the UN 27th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27), the online seminar was themed on the co-existance of man and nature and building a shared future for all life on Earth. It was co-hosted by the CCRP and the RFP.

More than 60 experts, scholars and religious representatives of Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Catholicism, Christianity, Judaism, and Hinduism from nearly 20 countries in Asia, the Americas, Europe, Africa and Oceania attended the meeting.

In line with the theme of the seminar, leaders of the national associations of five major Chinese religions explained the concepts and content of their religious doctrines on environmental protection, and shared the practices and experience of their believers in carrying out environmental protection activities.

Xu Huaqing, director of the National Center for Climate Change Strategy and International Cooperation, reiterated China’s policy and introduced its contributions in global climate governance, in light of the information learned at COP27, which was held in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, in November.

Overseas participants talked about the difficulties and challenges in climate change faced by their regions or countries, and shared their work with cross-religion groups. They highly appreciated the concept of a harmonious coexistence between man and nature in traditional Chinese culture, as well as China's commitment and practical actions in addressing global climate changes. They also spoke highly of the important role played by the CCRP in promoting flagship environmental protection projects under the framework of the Asian Conference on Religion and Peace.

Yang Faming, vice-president of the CCRP and president of the Chinese Islamic Association, presided over the conference and delivered a speech.

In summarizing the seminar, Yang called on religious communities to play an active role in solving problems on global climate governance, pursuing inclusive development and boosting practical cooperation, adding that the CCRP is willing to work with all trans-religion peace organizations to jointly promote practical actions, deepen cooperation, and work together to build a beautiful world with a shared future for all life on Earth.