Manama : The King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence today inaugurated, in cooperation with the Bahrain Centre for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (Derasat), the “Green Houses of Worship” programme.
The inauguration ceremony was held at Derasat headquarters, in the presence of officials, experts, researchers and media personnel.
Addressing the ceremony, Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, the Chairman of the boards of trustees of both the King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence and Derasat, affirmed that the keynote speech delivered by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa at the World Climate Action Summit, held as part of the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28), hosted by Dubai, the UAE, had charted a pioneering and all-inclusive framework of the kingdom’s efforts to achieve environmental security, within a cohesive society whose members enjoy harmony and prosperity.
He indicated that the “Green Houses of Worship” programme is a joint initiative launched by the two centres to promote sustainability at houses of worship by applying the best methods in environmental balance.
Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa commended the close follow-up of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, on efforts to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060, and create sustainable opportunities in the new green economy.
He also paid tribute to the Supreme Council for Environment (SCE), led by His Highness Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa, HM the King’s Personal Representative, for the positive role it is playing to preserve the environment, according to the best international standards.
He underlined the importance of introducing innovative and influential initiatives that reflect the reality of the Kingdom, as the land of peace and coexistence, stressing the need to invest in this unique model to address environmental challenges.
He indicated that this initiative aims to activate community participation in reducing harmful emissions and combating climate change, in addition to developing scientific research in applications that are compatible with places of worship, such as architecture, the use of renewable energy, and waste management efficiency.
Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa affirmed that under HM the King’s comprehensive development process, the kingdom presents an enlightened global vision that seeks to achieve the best for humanity, and stresses the need for the prevalence of tolerance and solidarity, as the best means to confront common challenges.
He added the cooperation between the King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence and Derasat embodies their commitment to consolidating sustainable practices for society, through smart partnerships based on complementarity between scientific research and religious institutions, which will serve Bahrain and the entire humanity.
Reverend Dr. Richard Fermer, the Dean Designate of St Christopher’s Cathedral, in his statement, lauded the launch of the “Green Houses of Worship” programme, noting that it reflects the importance of merging environmental supervision with religious practices in raising social awareness about climate issues.
He affirmed the role played by houses of worship in enhancing sustainable development, as well as in contributing to creating a world that is capable of facing challenges related environmental sustainability.
During the ceremony, Derasat announced the completion of the first phase of its Artificial Intelligence Renewable Energy Laboratory, which will play a pivotal role in supporting shift to green energy in the kingdom, by providing accurate analytical data to support stakeholders and researchers in field of renewable energy.
The event also featured the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence and Derasat to encourage religious institutions in the kingdom to engage in environment-friendly applications.
Dr. Abdulla Al Abbasi, the Director of Derasat’s Energy and Environment Programme, gave a presentation about the technical aspects of the “Green Houses of Worship” programme.
