"So this is an activity based on good intentions. Realizing that climate change continues and we are not in a good condition, Muhammadiyah is trying to take innovative steps," said Hening Parlan, a representative of the Global Forum for Climate Movement Committee.
He made the statement at a press conference here Thursday ahead of the Muhammadiyah's 111th anniversary due to be held on November 18.
The forum marked the Muhammadiyah's anniversary, which was themed "Efforts to Save the Universe," and saw participation from Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, the Netherlands, Kenya, Papua New Guinea, England, Australia, Morocco, Norway, Japan, the United States, and the Vatican, Parlan said.
Three international organizations also joined the event — the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), and the European Union (EU).
"We hope to be together hand in hand. We know that climate change is not only an issue in one country, but in various countries, and this is our biggest responsibility," he said.
Meanwhile, Foreign Ministry staff R. Widya Sadnovic said that the holding of the forum was motivated by increasing concern over climate change. Climate change is not only a concern for the government, but also for various elements of society, including civil society and religious organizations.
"This forum is also a means for us to show the world that in responding to and resolving strategic issues such as climate change, the government does not work alone, but they also work with active organizations, both civil society, NGOs (non-governmental organizations), including Muhammadiyah," Sadnovic added.
On the same occasion, general secretary of Muhammadiyah, Abdul Mu'ti, said that at the Global Forum for Climate Movement, the Muhammadiyah launched the Muhammadiyah Climate Center (MCC) as a concrete manifestation of efforts to tackle climate change.
"The establishment of the Muhammadiyah Climate Center is a strengthening of community-based environmental conservation movements, for example, the waste alms movement and the tree planting movement," he informed.
He said that the movements would be synergized in terms of three aspects: first, strengthening the movements that have been carried out so far; second, developing research related to environmental preservation and sustainability; and third, advocacy related to policies that are expected to better support environmental conservation.
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Translator: Zubi Mahrofi, Katriana
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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