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
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Photo essay highlights diversity and contributions of indigenous peoples at the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues :
17 May 2012 (New York):
As part of its contribution to this year’s Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, the Bahá'í International Community created a photo essay highlighting the diversity and contributions of indigenous peoples to the
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Focus on education and service to community at the UN Commission on Population and Development:
3 May 2012 (New York):
The 45th Session of the UN Commission on Population and Development (23-27 April) focused on the priority theme of “Adolescents and Youth.” Bahá'í delegates to the Commission shared the perspectives
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Panel examines the role of young people in social change:
27 April 2012 (New York):
Preparing the world's young people for the future will require new directions in education that emphasize their role as global citizens.
That was among the ideas presented here at a panel discussion, sponsored by the Baha'i International Community, as a side event to the United Nations
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In Morocco, symposium explores religion, spirituality and education:
27 March 2012 (Marrakech, Morocco):
What is spirituality? How can religious education encourage it? And what role do both religion and spirituality play in fostering human well-being?
Those were among the questions considered by educators, academics and theologians from the world's religions –
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Forum at UN discusses role of rural women farmers:
6 March 2012 (New York):
Listening to and supporting rural women is fundamental to ending poverty and hunger, and achieving peace and development that is sustainable.
That was the message from Michelle Bachelet, executive director of UN Women, who opened the annual UN Commission on the Status of
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