Participation and Development in the Pacific

Statements

Participation and Development in the Pacific

Written version of an oral statement to the 29th Conference of South Pacific Commission Conference

Angana, Guam—9 October 1989

The Baha'i­ International Community is indeed grateful to the South Pacific Commission and the Government of Guam for the opportunity to offer some of its views on issues pertinent to the subsistence of the Pacific countries.

Two issues immediately pertinent to subsistence in the Pacific are the lack of adequate food and materials. The concerns we are facing are not unique to the Pacific. They are fundamentally the same all over the world - poor nutrition, food shortages, lack of materials and resources, and the need for social and economic development, development of women, and improved agriculture, to name only a few. The recognition that these are universal problems, has brought about a growing awareness of the oneness of the human race. Although we in the Pacific are culturally, politically and geographically different from many countries, we can admit that our situation is parallel to that of most other countries facing social and economic development problems.

A commitment to understanding our similarities will lead to a global sense of responsibility and the successful management of world affairs, which will certainly include an attack on the problems of food shortages and poor nutrition.

The development of food and material programs has very properly received emphasis from the South Pacific Commission. The Baha'i­ International Community has a deeply embedded interest in the South Pacific Commission's nutrition program, as improved nutrition constitutes the foundation for all further improvement of living conditions in the Pacific countries.

To wage a coherent attack on the nutrition and food problem in our islands, we must have a comprehensive development vision -a vision which is not limited to economic growth, but also incorporates such basic values as justice, equity, equality of men and women, co-operation and respect for nature.

To convey and support this vision, what is urgently needed is development education in the most profound sense of the term-education for human development as well as social and economic development.

Mr. Chairman, it is generally realized that over one billion people are considered to be illiterate today. The International Literacy Year (1990) can contribute effectively in this area. Baha'i­s throughout the world are preparing to engage in widespread activities to eliminate illiteracy from their communities - particularly among women and girls. Surely, there are enormous benefits to be gained from releasing the potential of women and men through literacy. The Baha'i­ International Community anticipates that 1990 will offer many opportunities for joint activities with other NGOs and the South Pacific Commission. Through unified action success will be assured.

It has been clearly established that the principle of popular participation cannot be fully implemented until it also includes the creation or development of organizations by the local people themselves. Through these organizations, the people are able to identify, plan, implement and sustain development activities of their own choice. This underlines the fundamental importance of freedom of association and is also an effective way of promoting a just and equitable distribution of income and wealth. It is, therefore, an approach which enhances the local capacity to integrate and utilize the input of external expert assistance which, otherwise, tends to exert an influence that transcends the technical domain of competence, and, therefore, interferes with attempts to promote a genuinely participatory and self-reliant structure by and for the local people themselves.

On the basis of such attitudes and motivation, and as a result of practicing Baha'i­ principles of service, participation and co-operation among all those involved in a project or other development action, a high degree of social cohesion based on common values has resulted. Development experience shows that such social cohesiveness - creating a sufficient level of unity in diversity - is often a necessary component of sustainable and equitable development action. Otherwise, the development process tends to become jeopardized as a result of an increased divisiveness and an inequitable distribution of the benefits generated.

There must be an openness in the pursuit of finding programs and solutions to our problems. There must be consolidated approaches to policies and valid approaches to studies which will yield increasingly good and balanced results. We must encourage in our communities a level of commitment to and understanding of the importance of allowing people to direct their own development, to promote and preserve their sense of dignity and value in a society.

Once again, the Baha'i­ International Community extends its sincerest gratitude for this opportunity to offer some views. The Baha'i­ International Community is committed to supporting social and economic development in the Pacific, as we have already expressed in earlier forums such as this. We will continue to demonstrate keen interest, contribute to popular participation, and seek opportunities to render our service to the development of the region and its peoples.