The Seven Pillars

We, the undersigned organizations, commit to action as follows:

Pillar 1 - Education and Empowerment

We will ensure that all stakeholders we engage with are informed of the systemic causes and impacts of climate injustice and are prepared with proactive measures to tackle it. We understand that this work needs to be informed by context-specific data and analysis of the impact of climate change on communities and their priorities. Narrowing the data gap is key for evidence-based and participatory education and empowerment that will enable all philanthropy practitioners, regardless of roles and responsibilities, to address the climate crisis effectively.

Pillar 2 - Commitment of Resources

We will commit diverse, risk-tolerant, timely, flexible, and coordinated resources to accelerate local efforts that address the root causes of climate injustice and adaptations to its impacts. We understand that while funds and the purposes they serve are varied, they can all be deployed intentionally, consistently, and guided by local actors towards their defined impact goal. We acknowledge the value of our long-standing faith-based institutionalized giving practices, namely Awqaf, which has traditionally been used for the sustainable management of natural resources and the protection of the environment, and the need to revive these practices.

Pillar 3 - Integration

Within the design and implementation of our programs, we will actively seek opportunities to contribute to a fair and lasting transition to a net-zero world while supporting adaptation and resilience for our local communities. To advance integration, we will capitalize on our knowledge of diverse sectors and programmatic experience to assess the impact of climate injustice from an intersectional lens and enable a holistic approach to adaptation and resilience. Our approach will address the root causes of climate injustice in responding to our society's most pressing current and emerging needs and ensure that the shift to a green economy benefits all, especially marginalized groups. We will foster cross-sector collaboration, driving sustainable and resilient impacts through collective action.

Pillar 4 - Endowments and Assets

We will consider climate justice in the sourcing and management of our endowments and assets, as well as our investment decisions. Our investment strategy will be responsive and aligned with local efforts for a just transition and reducing dependence on fossil fuels with a commitment to divest from extractive practices. When possible, we will leverage our collective influence and power to advocate for policies that support climate-just investments from governments, and to advance environmentally sustainable practices in the private sector.

Pillar 5 - Operations

We will take action to reduce the environmental footprint of our operations by adopting energy- efficient practices, promoting the use of renewable energy, encouraging sustainable resource use, and implementing waste-reduction strategies across our operations. We will foster a culture of justice and environmental responsibility while cultivating an inclusive and sustainable work environment that prioritizes sustainability, climate resilience, and social equity.

Pillar 6 - Advocacy and Policy Change

We will collaborate with diverse stakeholders to amplify the voices of vulnerable and less powerful populations, ensuring our outcomes are equitable and inclusive. We will prioritize support to evidence-based advocacy, capacity building for CSOs and environmental movements, and the use of philanthropic platforms to elevate underrepresented voices. We will facilitate engagement in key decision-making processes, engage with policymakers, and build national and regional coalitions keeping in mind the specific context of the Arab region.

Pillar 7 - Transparency and Accountability

We will collect and publish information and data annually on the measures we have taken in support of all pillars to share our progress, identify areas for improvement, and develop a culture of accountability that promotes learning and encourages the community to raise ambition.