English

The role of men and boys in achieving gender equality

The 1995 Beijing Platform of Action underlined the indispensability of the contribution of men and boys to achieving gender equality. Recent years have witnessed considerable advances in women's attainment of political and civil rights, but the implementation of full gender equality requires a profound shift in individual values, outlook and conduct, which will ultimately transform the underlying ethos of social institutions, making them more welcoming to women.

Religion and Development at the Crossroads: Convergence or Divergence?

Over the course of the 20th century, ethnic, racial and national prejudices have increasingly given way to the recognition that humankind is a single family and the earth its common homeland.1 The United Nations (UN), which was created in response to this dawning recognition, has worked tirelessly to bring about a world where all peoples and nations can live together in peace and harmony.

Quadrennial Report to the UN Economic & Social Council (ECOSOC) 1998-2001

Introduction. The Bahá'í­ International Community, with over five million members, approximately 17,000 local communities and 182 national and regional communities worldwide is committed to peace and engaged in a wide range of activities. These activities include, but are not limited to, fostering grassroots participation in sustainable development initiatives, advancing the status of women, educating children, and promoting and protecting human rights. Its affiliates support the goals of the UN Charter and celebrate UN decades, years and days.

Belief and Tolerance: "Lights Amidst the Darkness"

The human spirit must be free to know. Apprehending who we are, for what purpose we exist, and how we should live our lives, is a basic impulse of human consciousness. This quest for self-understanding and meaning is the essence of life itself. The innate and fundamental aspiration to investigate reality is thus a right and an obligation of every human being. It is for this reason that the Baha'i­ teachings affirm that the "conscience of man is sacred and to be respected."1

One Same Substance: Consciously Creating a Global Culture of Unity

Racism originates not in the skin but in the human mind. Remedies to racial prejudice, xenophobia and intolerance must accordingly address first and foremost those mental illusions that have for so many thousands of years given rise to false concepts of superiority and inferiority among human populations.

HIV/AIDS & Gender Equality: Transforming Attitudes and Behaviors

The relationship between the AIDS pandemic and gender inequality is gaining recognition globally. New HIV/AIDS infections are now increasing faster among women and girls than among males; therefore, last year half of all new cases occurred in females. At the recent 45th session of the Commission on the Status of Women, where HIV/AIDS was one of the main thematic issues, the complexity of the challenges in addressing the issue were underscored by the undeniable association of AIDS with such an intractable problem as sexism.

Overcoming Corruption and Safeguarding Integrity in Public Institutions: A Baha'i Perspective

As humanity emerges from a century of upheaval and startling change its need for moral and spiritual renewal becomes ever more apparent. That the twentieth century was a century of both darkness and light-revealing the capacity for human depravity as well as human achievement-underlies the confusion that pervades our times. A deepening moral disorientation threatens social institutions and the fundamental bonds that define human relations.

Sustainable Development: the Spiritual Dimension

Some nine years ago, over the course of the Earth Summit process, the governments of the world, with significant contributions from global civil society, crafted Agenda 21, a remarkably forward-looking strategy for the achievement of sustainable development world wide.

International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

The coming together of the peoples of the world in a harmonious and creative relationship is the crucial need of the present hour. In the wake of advances in human knowledge which have deepened bonds of interdependence and contracted the planet, the central task now before all its inhabitants is laying the foundations of a global society that can reflect the oneness of human nature. Creating such a universal culture of collaboration and conciliation will require a return to spiritual awareness and responsibility.

The Impact of Racism on Women

The Baha'i­ International Community is pleased that the Commission on the Status of Women is focusing global attention on the impact of racism on women at its 45th session. Baha'i­s the world over -- regardless of gender or ethnicity -- have longed for and promoted both the advancement of women and the elimination of all forms of prejudice, including those based on race, ethnicity, and gender.

Pages

Subscribe to English