RABAT - The Summit of Climate Conscience kicked off Thursday in the Moroccan city of Fez, with aim to develop the foundations of a new shared ecological consciousness.

Speaking at the inaugural session of the summit, former Spanish Foreign Minister, Miguel Angel Moratinos, said the summit is a crucial step to share the values of sustainable development among different nations.

Countries around the world should attach utmost importance to promoting openness in strengthening neighborhood policy and to imparting education to the less privileged population, he said.

Argentina's Environment Minister Sergio Bergman said that this event should lead a constructive action that promotes peace and openness.

He also called for the setting up of a universal human rights policy which takes into account the promotion of dialogue among religions.

Initiated by Morocco's Economic, Social and Environmental Council, this meeting gathered country leaders, officials and representatives of several organizations involved in the fight against climate change.

The event is initiated ahead of the 22nd Conference of Parties to the Framework Convention on Climate Change, slated for Nov. 7-18 in the Moroccan city of Marrakech.