Question

To ask the President of COP26, what steps he is taking to ensure that faith communities are effectively represented at COP26.

Representing over 80% of the world’s population, faith and spiritual groups have a unique perspective on climate change, in making the moral case to individuals, communities and states to protect the planet and support the most vulnerable in society. This is why the UK COP26 Presidency is working with faith leaders from across the globe to inspire a global response to climate change and drive real world action.

We have worked in collaboration with Italy and the Vatican to convene global faith leaders ahead of COP26. On 4 October 2021, I travelled to the Vatican where Pope Francis presented me with a signed joint Appeal from faith leaders calling on the international community to raise their climate ambition.

I have also established a dedicated civil society engagement team who work with faith communities. In April 2021, I met UK-based faith leaders to discuss how the UK Presidency can best work with faith leaders to deliver an inclusive and ambitious COP26. Officials worked with faith leaders in the UK and across the globe to produce the COP26 faith toolkit. This contains guidance on how religious, faith and spiritual communities can support climate action in the run up to and beyond COP26.