Dar Al Ifta’s 7th Intl. Conference in Egypt Focuses on Sustainable Development

Egypt’s Grand Mufti Shawki Allam delivering the first speech at the Dar al-Ifta 7th international conference titled “Fatwa and Sustainable Development Goals.”
Egypt’s Grand Mufti Shawki Allam delivering the first speech at the Dar al-Ifta 7th international conference titled “Fatwa and Sustainable Development Goals.”
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Dar Al Ifta’s 7th Intl. Conference in Egypt Focuses on Sustainable Development

Egypt’s Grand Mufti Shawki Allam delivering the first speech at the Dar al-Ifta 7th international conference titled “Fatwa and Sustainable Development Goals.”
Egypt’s Grand Mufti Shawki Allam delivering the first speech at the Dar al-Ifta 7th international conference titled “Fatwa and Sustainable Development Goals.”

Egypt's Dar al-Ifta 7th international conference titled “Fatwa and Sustainable Development Goals,” kicked off on Monday under the auspices of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.

An official statement issued during the conference stated that it will tackle “studies on sustainable development in light of Egypt’s hosting of the climate change summit in November.”

The conference will consider the social, environmental, and economic dimensions and the proper utilization of the available resources to meet the needs of individuals in light of current climate repercussions.

Scholars and Muftis from 90 countries are attending the religious event along with representatives of the United Nations and the World Health Organization.

A documentary was screened at the start of the meeting to clarify the targets of religions and the importance of development as part of sustainability.

Egypt’s Grand Mufti Shawki Allam delivered the opening speech at the conference. Minister of Awqaf Mohamed Mokhtar Gomaa addressed the event on behalf of Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli.

Undersecretary of Al-Azhar Mohamed el-Dawiny also delivered a speech on behalf of Grand Imam of al-Azhar Ahmed el-Tayeb.

Several important themes are at the top of the conference’s agenda.

The conference will highlight the role of fatwas in eliminating poverty and hunger and achieving the well-being of peoples.

It also discusses ways to re-establish human awareness towards environmental and climate issues.

Moreover, conference attendees will address the relationship between fatwas and sustainable development and how to contribute to climate protection.

The role of fatwas in facing development obstacles and supporting the national economy will also be discussed.

The conference will witness the launch of several global initiatives, including the announcement of an advisory charter to confront climate change.



Salam: $12 Billion Needed for Lebanon’s Post-War Reconstruction

Officials are seen at the roundtable on the Emergency Support Project for Lebanon. (Prime Minister’s Office)
Officials are seen at the roundtable on the Emergency Support Project for Lebanon. (Prime Minister’s Office)
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Salam: $12 Billion Needed for Lebanon’s Post-War Reconstruction

Officials are seen at the roundtable on the Emergency Support Project for Lebanon. (Prime Minister’s Office)
Officials are seen at the roundtable on the Emergency Support Project for Lebanon. (Prime Minister’s Office)

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam announced that the cost of the country’s recovery following the latest destructive war with Israel is estimated at approximately $12 billion, stressing that the goal “is not only to rebuild, but to build back better through a more sustainable, inclusive, and transparent approach.”

Speaking at a roundtable on the “Emergency Support Project for Lebanon,” Salam outlined the urgent need for international funding to rehabilitate critical services and public infrastructure severely damaged by the war.

The event gathered diplomats from Arab, European, and Western countries, alongside representatives from global institutions and aid organizations.

“Lebanon stands at a critical crossroads,” Salam said in his opening remarks. “Despite hopes for a summer of renewal, the country is grappling with the devastating consequences of the Israeli war, which has cost many lives and crippled essential infrastructure nationwide.”

According to Salam, the Nabatieh and South Governorates suffered the most destruction, followed by parts of Mount Lebanon, including Beirut’s southern suburbs. The economic toll has been steep, with Lebanon’s real GDP contracting by 7.1% in 2024, compared to just 0.9% the previous year. Since 2020, Lebanon’s economy has shrunk by nearly 40%, deepening an already severe financial crisis.

To address this, the government launched the Lebanon Emergency Assistance Program (LEAP) initiative, a $1 billion framework designed to transition from immediate relief to long-term reconstruction.

Salam described LEAP as a transformative agenda, not merely a stopgap measure. The program focuses on restoring services, rebuilding infrastructure, and laying the foundation for climate-resilient and inclusive recovery.

LEAP prioritizes transparency and regional equity, with mechanisms across ministries to ensure aid reaches the communities most in need. “This is not a project Lebanon can undertake alone,” Salam said. “We are calling for coordinated international support within a unified, state-led framework that strengthens national institutions and rebuilds public trust.”

“The collapse of Lebanon’s financial sector is not just due to crisis,” he added, “but to years of poor governance and impunity. Meaningful reform is no longer optional, it is essential.”

In a related development, Salam revealed that over 500 weapons depots in southern Lebanon have been dismantled as part of broader efforts to restore state authority. He also confirmed enhanced security at Beirut’s international airport, while reiterating calls on Israel to halt its attacks and withdraw from disputed border areas.