Social and Sustainable Development

Social and Sustainable Development

Overview

The Bahá’í International Community views the purpose of development as contributing to the foundation of a new social and international order in which all peoples can advance morally, culturally, and intellectually. This kind of development involves profound changes in our values and behaviors as well as the deliberate and systematic re-creation of social structures. Throughout its 60 years at the United Nations, our Office has participated in conferences, debates, and consultations regarding social and sustainable development – often focusing on the implementation of ethical and moral considerations in development initiatives and their assessment. Today, our Representatives bring the experience of over 180 national affiliates to bear on questions of sustainable development, racism and racial discrimination, indigenous issues, freedom of religion, the eradication of poverty, governance, collective security, and UN reform.

Recent Activities

Top 2010 Delegates to Commission on Sustainable Development Second May Akale, a representative of the Baha'i International Community, prepares to deliver an oral statement to the UN Commission for Social Development on Monday 14 February. "Efforts to eradicate poverty must be guided by a vision of human prosperity in the fullest sense of the term – a dynamic coherence between the material and spiritual dimensions of human life," said Ms. Akale.

▪   2-13 May (New York): The 19^th session of the UN Commission on Sustainable Development focused on the themes of Transport, Chemical, Waste Management, Mining, and 10 year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production Patterns.  The Bahá'í International Community contributed in many aspects of the Commission from collaboration with the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs in organizing the youth participation from around the world to planning side events and engaging in thought-provoking dialogues with NGOs and government representatives.  In its side event titled: ‘Making the Invisible Visible: Values and the Transition to Sustainable Consumption and Production’  the Bahá'í International Community explored ways in which cultural, educational, and spiritual components can be introduced into the sustainable development discourse. Bahá'í delegates to the Commission highlighted the need for cohesion between material and spiritual dimensions of development for a sustainable and progressive environment. more…

Activity Archive (2007-2010)

Contributions to the discourse on social and sustainable development

Tahirih Naylor presents oral statement on Social Integration. (YouTube Video)

Don Brown speaking at the Ethical Dimensions panel. YouTube Video

• Rethinking Prosperity: Forging Alternatives to a Culture of Consumerism (2010)
  Commission on Sustainable Development, 18^th Session
• Transforming Collective Deliberation: Valuing Unity and Justice (2010)
  Commission for Social Development, 48^th Session
• Reclaiming Freedom of Conscience, Religion or Belief to Promote Social Integration (2009)
  Commission for Social Development, 47^th Session
• Seizing the Opportunity: Redefining the challenge of climate change (2008)
  Initial Considerations of the Bahá'í International Community
• Eradicating Poverty: Moving Forward as One (2008)
• Full Employment and Decent Work (2008)
  Commission for Social Development, 46^th Session
• A New Framework for Global Prosperity (2006)
  Commission for Social Development, 44^th Session; Review of the First United Nations Decade for the Eradication of Poverty
• The Search for Values in an Age of Transition (2005)
  Commission for Social Development, 48^th Session
• The Search for Values in an Age of Transition--A Study Guide (2005)
  Companion study guide to assist readers in their understanding and examination of  "The Search for Values in an age of Transition" statement from the Baha’i International Community
• Response to the Secretary General's Report, 'In Larger Freedom: towards development, security and human rights for all' (2005)
  Statement to United Nations Non-Governmental Liaison Service