Development

Women Farmers and Food Security

Women Farmers and Food Security

Joint statement to the thirty-third session of the United Nations Commission on the Status Of Women, Agenda Item 5, Priority themes: Women and education, eradication of illiteracy, employment, health and social services, including population issues and child care. Submitted jointly by the following non-governmental organizations in consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC): Category I Organizations: International Alliance of Women - Equal Rights, Equal Responsibilities, International Council of Women, International Federation of Business and Professional Women, Soroptimist International; Category II Organizations: Baha'i International Community, International Federation for Home Economics, Pan Pacific and Southeast Asia Women's Association, World Union of Catholic Women's Organizations, Advocates for African Food Security: Lessening the Burden for Women

Vienna, Austria—29 March 1989

The Baha'i­ International Community, convenor of "Advocates for African Food Security: Lessening the Burden for Women" [see explanatory note at the end of the statement], a coalition of non-governmental organizations, is pleased to address the 33rd session of the Commission on the Status of Women regarding the influential role of women in guaranteeing African food security. The Advocates was formed following a UNIFEM initiated symposium on African woman farmers concurrent with the Special Session of the United Nations General Assembly in 1986 on the Critical Economic Situation in Africa. The Advocates' aim is to coordinate action to maintain a global focus on the role of women in activities necessary for countries to achieve full food security. Membership in the Advocates has expanded from the fourteen founder organizations to over thirty. The Advocates work on practical ways to lessen the burden of women in the areas of food, health, water and energy, in order to free their potential to produce crops, not only for their families, but for national food security.

At the Commission's 32nd session, the Advocates urged the Commission to take all possible steps to ensure that women's concerns would be taken into full account at the mid term review of the United Nations Programme of Action for African Economic Recovery and Development 1986-1990, and that the needs of African farm women be given the highest priority in the recommendations addressing the issue of food security in African recovery and development.

It is with pleasure that we note in the Final Statement of the Mid-Term Review a promising increase in awareness of the crucial contribution made by women to the establishment of food security. Para 47 states "The traditional role of women as producers of a significant proportion of food should be protected and strengthened when new agricultural production methods are introduced. More attention must be given to ensure that women have access to agricultural extension services, credit, land titles and, not least, new technologies." Para 52 refers to the role and contribution of women in the developing process as of crucial importance, and to the necessity for African countries to "allocate substantial resources to make it possible for women to participate more fully as active economic agents in development programmes, especially in rural areas."

It is of some encouragement to the Advocates that the efforts of concerned United Nations bodies, such as the Commission on the Status of Women, National Governments, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), for example, those participating in the Advocates project, are having impact on the thought and actions of governments and peoples. There are hopeful indications that development policies may be becoming more responsive to the needs of women farmers.

The Baha'i­ International Community, therefore, on behalf of the Advocates, appeals to the Commission on the Status of Women to support activities that will ensure that the present momentum continues toward bettering the lives of farm women, and thereby enhancing their contribution to food security.

In particular, we urge the Commission members to:

  1. Ensure that women and NGOs are full participants in all aspects of the Conference on Popular Participation, which the United Nations, as an outcome of the Mid-Term Review, decided to hold in Africa in 1990. Assurance is needed that opportunity will be given for NGOs and individuals to make recommendations of people and organizations to receive invitations to attend.
  2. Seek support and assistance of United Nations bodies and national governments in strengthening the role of the African Women's Development and Communications Network (FEMNET) in coordinating the flow of information among various African women's organizations concerned with women's development.
  3. Provide opportunities to better prepare African women leaders of NGOs for more effective participation in development planning meetings in the area of food security.
  4. Support the strategy developed by participants from 11 African countries at the All African Women NGO Leaders Workshop sponsored by UNIFEM and the International Federation of Business and Professional Women in Accra, Ghana, in January, 1989.

Notes

The following organizations are founding members of the "Advocates": African-American Institute; Baha'i­ International Community; Church Women United; CODEL, Inc.; Committee of NGOs on the UN Decade for Women; Institute of Cultural Affairs; International Women's Tribune Center; Lutheran World Federation; Lutheran world Relief, Inc.; National Council of Women of the US; Oxfam-America; Save the Children Foundation; Trickle Up Program; World Council of Churches (CCIA). Serving the Advocates in an advisory capacity are staff of the Non-Governmental Liaison Service of the United Nations (NGLS); the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP); the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM); the International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women (INSTRAW); and the Organization of African Unity (OAU).

Right to Development

Right to Development

Written statement to the fory-fifth session of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights. Agenda item 8: Question of the realization in all countries of the economic, social and cultural rights contained in the universal declaration of human rights and in the international covenant on economic, social and cultural rights, and study of the problems which the developing countries face in their efforts to achieve these human rights

Geneva—9 February 1989

The Baha'i International Community is convinced that "the right to enjoy an adequate standard of living" and "the right to development" are achievable, but that they will require the full utilization and co-ordination of all the human and material resources of the planet. Therefore, the Baha'i International Community supports fully the Declaration on the Right to Development -- adopted in 1986 -- which sets the standard by which all nations can measure their progress toward these goals. Moreover, it commends the initiatives of the Commission and its Working Group of Governmental Experts in identifying practical measures to implement the Declaration.

The right to enjoy an adequate standard of living and the right to development are, indeed, within the reach of nations. Baha'is believe that the scientific and technological advances occurring in this momentous century signal a great surge forward in the social evolution of humanity, and provide the means by which its practical problems may be solved. They, in fact, make possible the administration of the complex life of a united world.

Nevertheless, barriers persist. Doubts, misconceptions, prejudices, suspicions and narrow self-interest beset nations and peoples in their relations with one another. Unfortunately, the arbiters of human affairs have, instead of embracing the concept of the oneness of mankind and promoting the increase of concord among different peoples, tended to deify the State, to subordinate the rest of mankind to one nation, race or class, to attempt to suppress all discussion and interchange of ideas, or callously to abandon starving millions to the operations of a market system that all too clearly is aggravating the plight of the majority of mankind, while enabling small sections to live in an unprecedented condition of affluence.

In order to eliminate the "effects of the existing unjust international economic order on the economies of the developing countries, and the obstacle that this represents for the implementation of human rights and fundamental freedoms," the Baha'is believe that the concept of the oneness of humanity must be universally proclaimed and accepted, and its far-reaching implications acknowledged.

In the Baha'i view, recognition of the oneness of humanity calls for no less than the reconstruction and demilitarization of the world. Humanity must seek a world organically united in all the essential aspects of its life, its political machinery, its spiritual aspiration, its trade and finance, and yet infinite in the diversity of the national characteristics of its federated units. To us, the unification of the human race and of the planet is no mere pious hope. On the contrary, it is the overriding challenge of the present stage of history and the basic prerequisite for the solution of most social problems.

Agenda Item 8(c)

At the heart of the Baha'i perspective on popular participation in development is an equally challenging conception of the nature and purpose of human existence. In the Baha'i view, man is neither a fallen creature nor merely the product of socio-economic forces. The rational soul, in the Baha'i view, is a phenomenon with limitless potentialities: intellectual, spiritual, emotional and moral. Service to humanity is among the primary influences unlocking individual capacity.

Within this context, the Baha'i International Community views popular participation as essential to development and to the full realization of all human rights. We believe that education in the principle of service to humanity will arouse and maintain motivation which, coupled with the acquisition of practical skills and technology, will open as yet unimagined possibilities for development within and among nations. In particular, educational programmes at the grass-roots level can help young people develop personal confidence and acquire the necessary skills for contributing to the development process in their own communities.

Moreover, the Baha'i International Community believes that it is especially important to promote participation among groups which have traditionally been oppressed or neglected, such as indigenous peoples and women, so that they can assume their legitimate role in making decisions about development which directly affect them.

The active involvement of women, called for under article 8 of the Declaration on the Right to Development, is crucial to the development process. In most societies, women have been relegated to an inferior role in the social order, although they bear the brunt of the day-to-day work. Women should be not only allowed, but encouraged to play a prominent role in formulating solutions to the problems facing their communities. Development programmes must, therefore, have as their aim the improvement of the status of women.

Fostering a genuine belief in the oneness of humanity, an awareness of global interdependence, and a moral commitment to service, in both developing and developed countries, is indispensable to the process of development. On the one hand, it creates a sense of self-esteem and self-reliance in peoples who have been oppressed. On the other, it exposes and counteracts exploitative and unjust economic practices in those societies which perpetrate them, thus restoring their integrity and allowing them to meet their international obligations more appropriately.

Concluding Remarks

The Baha'i approach to development begins from the premise that, in this age, all peoples, to the extent that they are able to consult on their needs in a spirit of unity, can find both the direction and capacity for development within themselves. Given the foregoing grass-roots approach, values and material needs are not artificially separated from one another; education takes on important moral as well as practical implications. Learning the discipline of making decisions is as important as the material benefits that result from such decisions. These are the features that distinguish Baha'i development initiatives throughout the world: namely, the integration of the moral and the practical, a unity of conception that allows for great flexibility of application and, above all, the ability to arouse and maintain motivation.

Although Baha'i development projects represent only a very small fraction of those currently under way throughout the world, their most important success has been systematic and qualitative rather than quantitative. The Baha'i International Community believes that there is much in the community model that Baha'is have painstakingly constructed over the past several decades that will reward careful study by others in the development field.

The Secretary-General has received the following communication which is circulated in accordance with Economic and Social Council resolution 1296 (XLIV).

 

UN Document #E/CN.4/1989/NGO/43

Health, Education, and the Role of Women

Health, Education, and the Role of Women

Statement to the ninth meeting of the Committee of Representatives Governments and Administrations, South Pacific Commission (SPC)

Noumea, New Caledonia—23 May 1988

The Baha'i­ International Community representing the Baha'i­ Communities of the Pacific Region wishes to express its appreciation to the South Pacific Commission for the invitation to attend this meeting of the Committee of Governments and Administrations. Although we are keenly interested in the variety of concerns being discussed at this meeting, we would like to direct our comments to the areas of health and education. The dynamic relationship between these two dimensions of human development is fundamental to the realization of all others.

Baha'i­s believe that health is more than the absence of disease or infirmity. In addition to the three widely recognized aspects of health physical, mental and social well-being - the spiritual dimension is likewise important and should be manifested not only in the individual, but also in the life of the family and the community.

Consequently, Baha'i­ communities strive to address the needs of individuals, families, and the community as a whole in their activities. The role of education in the realization of this harmonious balance between all aspects of life cannot be overemphasized and the education of women is of particular importance in this process.

Women, as the main agents of primary health care, play an essential role in maintaining family and community health. They are the ones who are most aware of sickness and suffering in the community because of their social role as nurturers and care-takers of the young, the old, the sick and the handicapped, and they exert an important influence on health habits in the family. Although it is often recognized that primary health care has to respond to the needs of people, and that women have the most extensive awareness of these needs, their opinion is hardly ever solicited when health care programmes are being formulated.

In order for communities to benefit from the knowledge which women possess, a renewed self-confidence of women has to be encouraged. Women have to learn to regard themselves as capable human beings with important contributions to make on the basis of their life experience and their accumulated wealth of knowledge. Furthermore a conscious effort has to be made to enable women to organize and to vocalize the information they have acquired.

If this participation is to become a reality, women must penetrate all levels and all areas of the health care system. They have to be doctors, nurses, community development agents, educators, agricultural extension workers, public health officials, planners, legislators, politicians. At the same time, they have to encourage the participation of people at the grass-roots, including women and women's organizations, in the decisions affecting individual and community health. None of these results can be realized unless special efforts are made to organize education and vocational and professional training in such a way that more girls and women can take advantage of them. Investing resources in primary health care programmes which includes health education and the application of health promoting activities based on simple but scientifically sound measures in which women can participate at the local level, is likely to provide more benefits than traditional efforts dedicated to the formation of highly skilled physicians who practice medicine in clinics and hospitals.

Primary health care activities should be fully integrated with the activities of other sectors involved in community development, agriculture, education, public works, housing, and communication, and the local population should be actively involved in the formulation and implementation of these activities, so that health care can be brought into line with local needs and priorities. These priorities will be based on decisions resulting from a continuous dialogue between the people and the services.

The Baha'i­ International Community is actively involved in primary health care. In India, Malaysia, Tanzania, Kenya, Zambia and many more countries including the Pacific region. Baha'i­ villages are implementing health and educational programmes of many kinds and are having much success. It is our view that these programmes are successful because the overall education of women is the key factor and consequently the recognition of their own value is recognized, thereby enabling them to participate more readily in decisions concerning their community's health.

While Baha'i­ International Community continues to work toward the improvement of life in our communities through these programmes we also welcome the opportunity to lend support to health programmes which require local as well as professional volunteers.

Gesundheit, Erziehung und die Rolle der Frauen

Gesundheit, Erziehung und die Rolle der Frauen

Erklärung der Internationalen Bahá’í-Gemeinde zur 9. Sitzungsperiode der Südpazifik-Kommission, Ausschuß der Beauftragten von Regierungen und Verwaltung

Noumea, Neukaledonien—23 May 1988

Die Internationale Bahá’í-Gemeinde, die die Bahá’í-Gemeinden der Region Pazifik vertritt, möchte sich bei der Südpazifik-Kommission ganz herzlich dafür bedanken, daß sie zur Teilnahme an dieser Sitzung des Ausschusses der Beauftragten von Regierungen und Verwaltung eingeladen wurde. Obwohl wir an all den vielen Fragen, die bei diesem Treffen besprochen werden, lebhaft interessiert sind, möchten wir uns auf eine Stellungnahme zu den Bereichen Gesundheit und Erziehung konzentrieren. Von der dynamischen Beziehung zwischen diesen beiden Entwicklungsbereichen des Menschen hängt die Verwirklichung aller anderen ganz wesentlich ab.

Die Bahá’í glauben, daß Gesundheit mehr ist als die Abwesenheit von Krankheit und körperlicher Schwäche. Zu den drei weithin anerkannten Gesundheitsbereichen – dem körperlichen, intellektuellen und sozialen Wohlergehen – gehört auch der ebenso wichtige geistige Bereich, der sich nicht nur beim einzelnen, sondern auch im Leben von Familie und Gesellschaft deutlich zeigen sollte.

Aufgrund dessen bemühen sich die Bahá’í-Gemeinden, sich bei ihrer Arbeit den Bedürfnissen des einzelnen, der Familie und der Gemeinschaft als Ganzem zu widmen. Die Rolle der Erziehung kann beim Verwirklichen dieses harmonischen Gleichgewichts aller Lebensbereiche nicht genug betont werden, und für diesen Vorgang ist die Ausbildung der Frauen ganz besonders wichtig.

Die Frauen sind die Hauptträger des elementaren Gesundheitswesens. Sie spielen beim Erhalten der Gesundheit in Familie und Gesellschaft eine wichtige Rolle. Sie wissen durch ihre sozialen Funktionen über Krankheit und Leid in der Gemeinschaft am besten Bescheid, weil sie die Kleinen, Alten, Kranken und Behinderten versorgen und beaufsichtigen. Sie haben auf die Gewohnheiten, nach denen in der Familie die Gesundheit gepflegt wird, großen Einfluß. Obwohl sehr oft erkannt wird, daß die primäre Gesundheitspflege den Bedürfnissen der Menschen entsprechen muß und die Frauen diese Bedürfnisse am allerbesten kennen, wird ihre Meinung kaum jemals eingeholt, wenn neue Programme für das Gesundheitswesen aufgestellt werden.

Wenn die Gemeinschaften vom Wissen der Frauen profitieren wollen, müssen die Frauen zu neuem Selbstvertrauen ermutigt werden. Die Frauen sollten lernen, sich als fähige Menschen zu betrachten, die aufgrund ihres angesammelten Wissensreichtums und ihrer Lebenserfahrung einen wichtigen Beitrag zu leisten haben. Des Weiteren sollte den Frauen gezielt geholfen werden, das von ihnen gesammelte Wissen zu systematisieren und zu artikulieren.

Sollte diese Mitarbeit Gestalt annehmen, dann müssen die Frauen in alle Bereiche des Gesundheitswesens vordringen. Sie sollten Ärztinnen, Krankenschwestern, Sozialhelferinnen, Erzieherinnen, Fachfrauen für landwirtschaftliche Entwicklung, Beamtinnen für Volksgesundheit, Planerinnen, Gesetzgeberinnen und Politikerinnen werden. Gleichzeitig sollten sie die Menschen an der Basis, auch Frauen und Frauen-organisationen, ermutigen, an Entscheidungen über Gesundheitsfragen für den einzelnen wie für die Gemeinschaft aktiv teilzunehmen. Keines dieser Ziele wird erreicht, bevor nicht mit Nachdruck Bildung und sprachliche sowie berufliche Ausbildung derart gestaltet werden, daß mehr Mädchen und Frauen davon Gebrauch machen können.

Wenn also die Gesundheitsschulung sowie gesundheitsfördernde Aktivitäten auf einfachen, aber wissenschaftlich vernünftigen Maßnahmen beruhen, an denen Frauen auf lokaler Ebene mitarbeiten können, wird die Investition von Mitteln in Grundprogramme zur Gesundheitsfürsorge sehr wahrscheinlich mehr Erfolg haben als die herkömmliche Methode, deren Ziel das Heranbilden hochqualifizierter Ärzte war, die an Kliniken und Krankenhäusern praktizieren.

Programme für elementare Gesundheitsfürsorge sollten in die Arbeit anderer Bereiche der Gemeindeentwicklung voll integriert sein, so z.B. in die für Landwirtschaft, Bildung, öffentliche Versorgung, Wohnungsbau und Kommunikation. Dabei sollte die Bevölkerung am Ort aktiv in das Abfassen und in die Verwirklichung dieser Vorhaben einbezogen werden, so daß die Gesundheitsfürsorge mit den örtlichen Bedürfnissen und Prioritäten abgestimmt werden kann. Diese Prioritäten werden auf Entscheidungen beruhen, die aus dem ständigen Dialog zwischen den Ansäßigen und den Hilfsdiensten hervorgehen.

Die Internationale Bahá’í-Gemeinde befaßt sich z.B. in Indien, Malaysia, Tanzania, Kenia, Zambia und weiteren Ländern, auch in der Region Pazifik, aktiv mit elementarer Gesundheitsfürsorge. In Bahá’í-Dörfern laufen vielerlei Gesundheits- und Bildungsprogramme mit gutem Erfolg. Wir sind der Meinung, daß diese Programme deshalb Erfolge haben, weil sie die Gesamtbildung der Frauen als Schlüsselfaktor betrachten. Daraus folgt, daß der Selbstwert der Frauen Anerkennung findet und sie befähigt, bereitwilliger an Entscheidungen mitzuwirken, die sich auf die Gesundheit ihrer Gemeinde beziehen.

Die Internationale Bahá’í-Gemeinde arbeitet weiterhin daran, das Leben in ihren Gemeinden durch diese Programme zu verbessern; nimmt aber gleichzeitig gerne Gelegenheiten wahr, Gesundheitsprogramme zu unterstützen, die örtliche sowie professionelle Freiwillige brauchen.

 

Le développement de la condition de la femme

Le développement de la condition de la femme

Commission de la condition de la femme, trente-deuxième session Point 5 (A) et (B) de l'ordre du jour (E/CN.6/1988/1): thèmes prioritaires : développement: problèmes des femmes rurales, notamment l'alimentation, les ressources en eau, les techniques agricoles, l'emploi dans les zones rurales, les transports et l'environnement

Vienne, Autriche—21 March 1988

Exposé soumis par les organisations suivantes : Alliance internationale des femmes, Droits égaux- responsabilités égales, Conseil international des femmes, Fédération internationale des femmes de carrières libérales et commerciales. Organisation internationale des unions de consommateurs (organisations non gouvernementales dotées du statut consultatif, catégorie I): Communauté internationale baha'ie (organisation non gouvernementale dotée du statut consultatif, catégorie II)

Le Secrétaire général a reçu l'exposé suivant, qu'il communique conformément aux paragraphes 29 et 30 de la résolution 1296 (XLIV) du Conseil économique et social.

 

La Communauté internationale baha'ie, membre des "Advocates for African Food Security: Lessening the Burden for Women" [1], groupement composé d'organisations non gouvernementales, se félicite de l'occasion qui lui est donnée de présenter à la Commission de la condition de la femme. L'exposé ci-après, tend à démontrer qu'il importe d'accorder la priorité aux problèmes des cultivatrices africaines lors de l'examen et de l'évaluation du Programme d'action des Nations Unies pour le redressement économique et le développement de l'Afrique, 1986-1990, auxquels il sera procédé avant la session de 1988 de l'Assemblée générale. Trois organisations non gouvernementales dotées du statut consultatif de la catégorie I, auprès du Conseil économique et social : le Conseil international des femmes, la Fédération internationale des femmes de carrières libérales et commerciales et l'Organisation internationale des unions de consommateurs, ont souscrit à cet exposé.

La session extraordinaire de l'Assemblée générale des Nations Unies sur la situation économique critique de l'Afrique, qui s'est tenue en 1986, a fait date. L'Assemblée a établi et adopté à cette occasion un plan de redressement économique et de développement : le Programme d'action des Nations Unies pour le redressement économique et le développement de l'Afrique, 1986-1990. La convocation de cette session, la première que l'Organisation des Nations Unies ait consacrée à l'examen de la situation économique d'une région déterminée, avait été demandée par les chefs d'État et de gouvernement de l'Organisation de l'unité africaine (OUA), en vue de mobiliser des ressources internationales supplémentaires pour le redressement et le relèvement de l'économie des pays du continent dévastés par la sécheresse et la famine les plus graves qu'ils aient connues de très longue date.

Dans le Programme d'action, la communauté internationale est appelée à appuyer les nouvelles initiatives prises par les États africains pour promouvoir la production vivrière, créer des industries agricoles et une infrastructure appropriée, remédier aux effets de la sécheresse et de la désertification et mettre en valeur les ressources humaines par la modification radicale des systèmes d'éducation. Elle reconnaît que ces changements sont nécessaires si l'on veut que les objectifs fixés pour le redressement de l'Afrique soient atteints.

Avant la session de 1988 de l'Assemblée générale, un Comité ad hoc plénier, créé par l'Assemblée dans sa résolution 42/163, étudiera et évaluera le Programme d'action des Nations Unies pour le redressement économique de l'Afrique. Des recommandations concrètes sur la mise en œuvre intégrale de ce programme, formulées d'après les réponses que les gouvernements africains auront faites à une enquête actuellement en cours, seront présentées au Comité.

L'enquête comporte plusieurs questions relatives aux femmes et au développement, mais elle n'est pas suffisamment axée sur les domaines suivants qui jouent un rôle primordial dans la vie des femmes et dans la sécurité alimentaire des pays africains: terres, crédit, environnement - en particulier désertification et bois de feu - formation (transfert de technologies) et transports. En outre, une bonne partie des données n'est pas ventilée par sexe, ce qui aboutit à occulter : a) le rôle vital que les femmes jouent dans l'agriculture africaine, b) les besoins particuliers et urgents des agricultrices

La Communauté internationale baha'ie appelle donc l'attention de la Commission de la condition de la femme sur le fait que le Conseil économique et social étudiera les recommandations sur les dispositions à prendre pour la réunion du Comité ad hoc plénier, à ses sessions ordinaires de 1988 et demande instamment à la Commission de prendre toutes les mesures possibles pour que :

a.  Les préoccupations des femmes soient pleinement prises en compte lorsqu'il sera procédé à l'examen et à l'évaluation à la session d'automne de l'Assemblée générale;

b. Les besoins des agricultrices africaines se voient attribuer la plus haute priorité dans les recommandations relatives à la sécurité alimentaire dans le redressement et le développement de l'Afrique.

 

[1] Voici les organisations qui sont membres des "Advocates" : African American Institute; Alliance internationale des femmes; American Friends Service Committee; American Public Health Association, Inc.; Association soroptimiste internationale; Baha'ie USA; CARE; Center to Prevent Childhood Malnutrition; Church Women United; Coalition for Women in International Development; Comité des Etats-Unis pour le Fonds de développement des Nations Unies pour la femme; Comité de la Conférence des ONG (CONGO) chargé de la Décennie des Nations Unies pour la femme; Communauté internationale baha'ie; Coordination in Development, Inc.; Fédération suédoise de protection de l'enfance; Institute of Cultural Affairs; Lutheran World Ministries;  Lutheran World Relief Service; NCCC - Service chrétien mondial; Overseas Education Fund; Oxfam America; PACT, Inc.; Pan-African Human Rights; Presbyterian Church (Etats-Unis) - Women's Program; Save the Children (Canada); Service de secours catholique; The Hunger Project; Trickle Up Program; United Church Board for World Ministries; United Methodist Office for UN; Zonta International.

Le Comité a bénéficié des services consultatifs de fonctionnaires de l'INSTRAW, du PNUD, de l'UNIFEM, du Groupe des ONG au Département des affaires économiques et sociales internationales et du Service de liaison de l'ONU.

Rural Women

Rural Women

Statement to the thirty-second session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. Agenda item 5(b): Problems of rural women, including food, water resources, agricultural technology, rural employment, transportation and environment

New York—17 March 1988

The Baha'i­ International Community acknowledges that the process of solving problems of rural women requires time as well as energy resources. It applauds the steps outlined in the Secretary-General's Report on Rural Women, and is pleased to be able to say that many of its member communities are already engaged in implementing programmes such as those recommended.

The Baha'i­ Community especially welcomes the appeal to rural women themselves to become aware of the need for them to be equal and full participators in productive activities, both as contributors and beneficiaries.

The experience of Baha'i­ development projects shows that the values espouse by communities and individuals affect the amount of social change. Rarely, however, do documents, research activities and projects designed for development address the need to change basic attitudes that reinforce acceptance of the inequality of the roles women are given in most societies. The Baha'i­ Community believes that a climate of awareness that encourages change must be fostered. The attitudes of society towards women regulate their lives, determine their activities, prescribe their limitations and outline their responsibilities and duties.

The Baha'i­ Community would like to recommend two practical steps. The first is to encourage Member States to use all communications media, old and new, to develop a climate conducive to social change for women. The second is to encourage the education of girls. It has been demonstrated time and again that expansion of public education can significantly affect all other development activities: agriculture, health, housing, sanitation or the environment.

A number of development projects have also shown that people's lives can be altered substantially by appropriate messages through the mass media, reinforce with practical activities. This is being achieved, for example, in the field of health, where communication programmes alter people's fundamental attitudes towards diarrhoeal diseases. In some instances, people are persuaded to behave in ways opposite to their accustomed behavior (e.g., to feed children instead of withholding food during a diarrhoeal episode). In population programmes, social marketing seeks to encourage even those who may have a negative disposition towards family planning to become more socially responsible.

In the view of the Baha'i­ International Community, communication projects aimed at altering attitudes and behaviour towards women and women-related issues are crucial to the success of the recommendations of the Secretary-General. Development communication is already a firmly established field of effort. Preliminary research on existing attitudes determines both who are the target audiences and what are the appropriate messages for each audience as well as the appropriate vehicles for dissemination of those messages.

Frequently, an important message may need to be directed towards a group that is not the beneficiary. A primary target for communication related to development projects for women may well be men. Each country must determine what level of intensity of the communication strategy will be most effective: an intensive campaign, brief in duration but high in profile, or one that is cumulative, reaching smaller audiences but building up over a period of time.

In addition to the mass communications media, appropriate vehicles for carrying message of change in rural areas are activities such as folk theater, songs and puppetry. These can reinforce discussion in the more traditional open forums.

A mutually reinforcing relationship arises when individual initiative, as shown by women participating in women's programmes, is supported by the village. This process of developing a community spirit to support and fortify individual efforts on the part of women is brought about through an education and communication programme which precedes project activities. It is the effort to achieve such a progressive, dynamic and, above all, harmonious relationship that characterizes Baha'i­ programmes of social development.

The fundamental concept underlying the two-fold approach of communication and education is that change in behaviour and attitude can be legislated but cannot always be enforced. What legislation can do is to allow new ideas to permeate a community, be reflected upon, and finally be adapted and adopted in a harmonious and non-aggressive way. A programme of communication and education fosters dialogue and draws participants into the development process to the point where the stimulus for change comes from within the community. This maximizes the prospects for continuity after external support has ceased.

The Baha'i­ International Community offers these views and recommendations as a contribution towards developing a framework within which development activities can take place. It fully supports the recommendations contained in the report of the Secretary-General and is ready to offer every possible assistance in disseminating these guidelines.

The Secretary-General has received the following statement, which is circulated in accordance with paragraphs 29 and 30 of Economic and Social Council resolution 1296 (XLIV).

UN Document #E/CN.6/1988/NGO/13

La Condición Jurídica y Social de la Mujer

La Condición Jurídica y Social de la Mujer

Comisión de la Condición Jurídica y Social de la Mujer 32° período de sesiones Tema 5 b) del programa*

Vienna—17 March 1988

Viena
14 al 23 de Marzo de 1988

La Comunidad Internacional Baha'i reconoce que el proceso de solución de los problemas que enfrenta la mujer de las zonas rurales requiere tiempo, además de energía. Celebra las medidas esbozadas en el informe del Secretario General sobre la mujer de las zonas rurales y le complace en poder señalar que muchas de sus comunidades miembros ya están aplicando programas que se ajustan a las recomendaciones formuladas.

La Comunidad Baha'i acoge con especial beneplácito el llamamiento hecho a las propias mujeres de las zonas rurales para que reconozcan la necesidad de ser participantes plenas y en pie de igualdad en las actividades productivas, tanto en calidad de contribuyentes como de beneficiarias.

La experiencia adquirida por las comunidades Baha'is en proyectos de desarrollo muestra que los valores preconizados por las comunidades e individuos influyen en el grado de cambio social que puede lograrse. Sin embargo, en los documentos y en las actividades y proyectos de investigación relacionados con el desarrollo, rara vez se pone de relieve la necesidad de cambiar las actitudes básicas que refuerzan la aceptación de la desigualdad de las funciones que la mayoría de las sociedades atribuyen a la mujer. La Comunidad Baha'i está convencida de que es necesario promover un clima de mayor sensibilización a fin de fomentar el cambio. Las actitudes de la sociedad respecto de la mujer rigen la vida de ésta, determinan sus actividades, prescriben sus limitaciones y perfilan sus responsabilidades y deberes.

La Comunidad Baha'i desearía recomendar dos medidas de carácter práctico. La primera consiste en alentar a los Estados Miembros a que aprovechen todos los medios de comunicación, tanto los tradicionales como los nuevos, a fin de fomentar un clima propicio al cambio social para el adelanto de la mujer. La segunda medida consiste en promover la educación de las niñas. Se ha demostrado una y otra vez que la ampliación de la enseñanza pública puede tener efectos considerables para las demás actividades encaminadas al desarrollo: la agricultura, la salud, la vivienda, la higiene pública y el medio ambiente.

Varios proyectos de desarrollo también han demostrado que la vida de la población puede resultar considerablemente modificada por la difusión de mensajes apropiados a través de los medios de comunicación, reforzados con actividades prácticas. Esto se está logrando, por ejemplo, en la esfera de la salud, en que los programas difundidos a través de los medios de comunicación están modificando las actitudes fundamentales de la población con respecto a las enfermedades diarreicas. En algunos casos, se persuade a las personas a que cambien radicalmente su comportamiento habitual (por ejemplo, a que alimenten a los niños durante un período diarreico en vez de suprimir toda alimentación) En los programas de carácter demográfico, la comercialización social tiene por objeto alentar incluso a aquellas personas que puedan tener una disposición negativa con respecto a la planificación familiar a adoptar una actitud social más responsable.

A juicio de la Comunidad Internacional Baha'i, es fundamental para el éxito de las recomendaciones del Secretario General poner en práctica proyectos por conducto de los medios de comunicación con miras a modificar las actitudes y el comportamiento respecto de la mujer y de las cuestiones relacionadas con ella. La comunicación para el desarrollo ya constituye una esfera de actividades firmemente establecida. Gracias a investigaciones preliminares sobre las actitudes vigentes, es posible determinar, por una parte, los grupos a que se deben dirigir los esfuerzos y, por otra, los mensajes apropiados para cada grupo, así como los vehículos adecuados para la difusión de dichos mensajes.

A menudo puede ser necesario dirigir un mensaje importante a un grupo que no sea el beneficiario. Uno de los grupos principales a que pueden dirigirse los medios de comunicación en relación con proyectos de desarrollo para el adelanto de la mujer podría perfectamente ser la población masculina. Cada país ha de determinar el grado de intensidad que debe darse a la estrategia de comunicación para que resulte más eficaz: una campaña intensiva, de corta duración y gran visibilidad, o una campaña de carácter acumulativo cuyas repercusiones lleguen a un público más reducido pero vayan haciendo su efecto a lo largo de cierto tiempo.

Además de los medios de comunicación de masas, otros vehículos apropiados para transmitir los mensajes de cambio a las zonas rurales son actividades como el teatro popular, incluida la utilización de canciones y títeres. Estas actividades pueden reforzar los debates en los foros abiertos más tradicionales.

Como lo demuestra la participación de las mujeres en programas para el adelanto de la mujer, cuando la aldea apoya las iniciativas individuales se crea una relación de fortalecimiento mutuo. Este proceso de creación de un espíritu comunitario con miras a apoyar y reforzar los esfuerzos individuales desplegados por las mujeres se logra mediante la ejecución de un programa de educación y comunicación previo a la realización de actividades en el marco de proyectos. Los programas de desarrollo social de las comunidades Baha'is se caracterizan por los esfuerzos para alcanzar este tipo de relación progresiva, dinámica y, sobre todo, armoniosa.

El concepto fundamental en que se basa el enfoque dual de la comunicación y la educación es que la modificación de los comportamientos y actitudes pueden ser prescritos por ley pero no siempre impuestos. Lo que la legislación sí puede lograr es permitir la introducción de nuevas ideas en una comunidad, las cuales pasan a ser objeto de reflexión y son finalmente adaptadas y adoptadas en forma armoniosa y no agresiva. Un programa de comunicación y educación fomenta el diálogo e involucra progresivamente a los participantes en el proceso de desarrollo hasta que el estímulo para el cambio surge de la propia comunidad. Esto optimiza las posibilidades de continuidad una vez que ha cesado el apoyo externo.

La Comunidad Internacional Baha'i ofrece estas observaciones y recomendaciones como contribución a la elaboración de un marco para la ejecución de actividades en pro del desarrollo. Apoya plenamente las recomendaciones contenidas en el informe del Secretario General y está dispuesta a brindar toda la asistencia que sea posible con miras a difundir estas directrices.

* E/CN.6/1988/1

Education for Peace

Education for Peace

Joint statement to the 32nd session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, agenda item 5 (c): Access to information, education for peace, and efforts to eradicate violence against women within the family and society. Statement submitted by the following non-governmental organizations in consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC): Category I Organizations: International Alliance of Women - Equal Rights, Equal Responsibilities, International Council of Women, Soroptimist International, Zonta International; Category II Organizations: All-India Women's Conference, Baha'i International Community, International Abolitionist Federation, International Association of Democratic Lawyers, International Council of Jewish Women, International Federation of Social Workers, International Federation of University Women, International Federation of Women in Legal Careers, International Federation of Women Lawyers, International Movement for Fraternal Union Among Races and Peoples, Medical Women's International Association, Socialist International Women, Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, Women's International Zionist Organization, World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, World Union of Catholic Women's Organizations

New York—16 March 1988

The above-mentioned non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council recall that the Forward-looking Strategies (FLS) for the Advancement of Women (A/CONF.116/28/Rev. 1) invite Member States as well as NGOs and the media to provide education for children in order to prepare them to live in peace in an atmosphere of understanding, dialogue and respect for others (paras. 272-273).

The NGOs take note that many studies on this question have been made in the United Nations and wish to call attention to the close relationship between peace, respect for human rights and international understanding. This is why, during this year's celebration of the fortieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, it is especially important that the Commission deal with peace education.

The basis for peace education is apprenticeship in mutual tolerance, the peaceful resolution of conflicts and respect for ethical values. This should be carried out at three levels: in the family; at school; and in the society as a whole.

The family has a determining role in developing a spirit of peace among its members. Parents who give the example of a true partnership will be more open to dialogue with, and to give responsibility to, their children; they will show understanding of those who have different opinions and thus demonstrate tolerance. They will therefore oppose the daily incitement of hatred and violence more effectively. It is also urgent that, after so many years of research and experimentation, education for peace become an integral part of school curricula and other school activities. What is meant here is not theoretical teaching of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights but rather that school life at all levels reflect the principles of the Declaration. One example would be the generalized institution of class committees where even very young children can be trained to understand the ideas of others, to defend the weak and to settle their differences peacefully. This means that teachers must receive the appropriate training.

Society has to provide the basis to develop feelings of peace and agreement. NGOs are aware of their role in this process but they cannot act alone. Public opinion could be changed were the media to emphasize positive values, to promote mutual understanding and existing efforts leading to peace. Adults must also be trained continuously and by all available means to live in mutual respect, solidarity and to use political power to achieve equity and justice.

The above-mentioned NGOs therefore propose that Member States:

Promote education for peace for all students at all levels of the school system taking into account the different age-groups;

Provide training for such education to all teachers;
Encourage regular training courses in tolerance and understanding; and
Encourage the media, written, audio and/or visual, to create programmes relating to peace and human rights.

The Commission on the Status of Women is requested to follow developments in this area by designating one of its members to report on the question every two years.

 

UN Document #E/CN.6/1988/NGO/3

Thèmes prioritaires: développement

Thèmes prioritaires: développement

Commission de la condition de la femme, trente-deuxième session. Exposé présenté par la Communauté internationale baha'ie, organisation non gouvernementale dotée du statut- consultatif de la catégorie II.

Vienne, Autriche —14 March 1988

Point 5 b) de l'ordre du jour (E/CN.6/1988/1): thèmes prioritaires: développement; problèmes des femmes rurales notamment l'alimentation, les ressources en eau, les techniques agricoles, l'emploi dans les zones rurales, les transports et l'environnement.

Le Secrétaire général a reçu l'exposé ci-après, qu'il communique conformément aux paragraphes 29 et 30 de la résolution 1296(XLIV) du Conseil économique et social.

 

La Communauté internationale baha'ie considère que la solution des problèmes qui se posent aux femmes rurales demande du temps et de l'énergie. Elle applaudit les mesures exposées dans le rapport du Secrétaire général sur les femmes rurales et est heureuse de pouvoir dire qu'un grand nombre de ses communautés membres s'emploient déjà à appliquer des programmes analogues à ceux qui sont recommandés.

La communauté baha'ie se félicite particulièrement de l'appel adressé aux femmes rurales elles-mêmes, pour qu'elles prennent conscience de la nécessité de participer pleinement, sur un pied d'égalité, aux activités productrices, en tant que participantes ou bénéficiaires.

L'expérience des projets de développement de la Communauté internationale baha'ie montre que les valeurs, les collectivités et les particuliers construisent leurs influent sur l'ampleur du changement social. Il est vrai que rarement, des documents, des travaux de recherche et des projets visant à favoriser le développement, abordent la nécessité de modifier des attitudes fondamentales, d'une façon telle que l'acceptation des rôles inégaux que les femmes se voient reconnaître, dans la plupart des sociétés, se trouve renforcée . La communauté baha'ie estime qu'il faut favoriser un climat de prise de conscience qui encourage le changement. Les attitudes de la société à l'égard des femmes règlent leur vie, déterminent leurs activités, fixent les limites de leur action et circonscrivent leurs responsabilités et leurs devoirs.

La communauté baha'ie voudrait recommander deux mesures d'ordre pratique. Il s'agit, en premier lieu, d'encourager les États Membres à se servir de tous les organes de communication, anciens ou nouveaux, pour instaurer un climat propice à une évolution sociale en faveur de la femme. En second lieu, il s'agit d'encourager l'éducation des filles. On a montré à maintes reprises que les progrès de l'instruction peuvent influer de façon substantielle sur toutes les autres activités de développement : agriculture, santé, logement, hygiène ou environnement.

Un certain nombre de projets de développement ont aussi montré que la vie des êtres humains peut être sensiblement modifiée par des messages appropriés transmis par les organes d'information et s'accompagnant d'activités d'ordre pratique. Tel est le résultat obtenu, par exemple, dans le domaine de la santé, où les programmes de communication modifient les attitudes fondamentales des êtres humains a l'égard des maladies diarrhéiques. Dans quelques cas, on arrive à persuader la population de se comporter à l'opposé de ce qu'elle a l'habitude de faire (à savoir nourrir les enfants au lieu de leur faire suivre un régime pendant une crise diarrhéique). Dans les programmes de population, la publicité d'ordre social cherche à encourager, même ceux qui ont une attitude négative envers la planification familiale, à prendre davantage conscience de leurs responsabilités sociales.

De l'avis de la Communauté internationale baha'ie, les projets de communication qui visent à modifier l'attitude et le comportement à l'égard des femmes, et des questions qui intéressent ces dernières sont indispensables, si l'on veut que les recommandations du Secrétaire général soient appliquées avec succès. La communication aux fins du développement est déjà un domaine d'action fermement établi. Les travaux de recherche préliminaires sur les attitudes actuelles déterminent à la fois quels sont les publics cibles et quels sont les messages qui conviennent à chacun de ces publics cibles ainsi que les vecteurs propres à assurer la diffusion de ces messages.

Il arrive fréquemment qu'un message important doit être adressé à un groupe qui n'est pas le bénéficiaire. Il se peut fort bien que les hommes soient la cible essentielle d'une communication ayant trait à des projets de développement en faveur des femmes. Chaque pays doit établir quelle sera l'intensité de la stratégie de communication qui sera la plus efficace: une campagne intensive, de brève durée mais fortement charpentée, ou une campagne cumulative, qui s'adresse à des publics plus restreints mais gagne en ampleur avec le temps.

Outre les organes de communication, le théâtre populaire, les chansons et les marionnettes peuvent être des vecteurs propres à transmettre les messages de changement dans les zones rurales. Ces activités peuvent renforcer la discussion dans des enceintes plus traditionnelles.

Lorsque l'initiative individuelle de la participation des femmes aux programmes les concernant est appuyée par le village, on assiste à une combinaison de facteurs se renforçant mutuellement. C'est par l'éducation et le programme de communication, qui précède les activités relatives aux projets, que l'on développe un esprit communautaire tendant à appuyer et à fortifier les efforts individuels que déploient les femmes. Telle est l'action en vue d'un rapport progressiste, dynamique et, par-dessus tout, harmonieux qui caractérise les programmes de développement sociale de la communauté baha'ie.

La notion fondamentale, qui est à la base de la double démarche de communication et d'éducation, est que l'on peut prescrire dans les textes législatifs un changement de comportement et d'attitude, sans pouvoir toujours le réaliser dans la pratique. Ce que la législation peut faire, c'est de permettre que de nouvelles idées imprègnent une collectivité, donnant lieu à une réflexion sérieuse et soient finalement adaptées et adoptées de façon harmonieuse et non agressive. Un programme de communication et d'éducation encourage le dialogue et entraîne les participants dans le processus de développement, à telle point que l'incitation au changement vient de la collectivité elle-même, ce qui renforce au maximum les perspectives de continuité une fois que l'appui extérieur a cessé.

La Communauté internationale baha'ie a exposé les avis et recommandations qui précèdent en vue de contribuer à l'instauration d'un cadre dans lequel les activités de développement puissent se dérouler. Elle appuie pleinement les recommandations consignées dans le rapport du Secrétaire général et elle est disposée à offrir toute assistance possible pour diffuser ces principes directeurs.

Social Progress

Social Progress

Written statement to the United Nations Interregional Consultation Interregional Consultation on Development Social Welfare Policies and Programmes.

Vienna, Austria—9 September 1987

There is wide agreement in this Consultation on the aim set forth in the Declaration on Social Progress and Development for the continuous raising of material and spiritual standards of living of all members of society. The Declaration indicates that these standards may be raised through the attainment of a number of goals, including through:

The establishment of a harmonious balance between scientific, technological and material progress and the intellectual, spiritual, cultural and moral advancement of humanity. (Article 13 (b))

In the view of the Baha'i­ International Community, comprising some four million people residing in 166 independent countries, the means for achieving a balance of material and spiritual advancement deserve to be examined closely when formulating guidelines and principles for social development. An examination of the requirements for this balance, we believe, would illustrate the importance for material progress of spiritual factors, including social harmony, integration, and unity within the individual and in society. Many contemporary trends and movements conduce to a state of co-operation and unity. These co-operative trends, which may be observed between sectors, nations and different organizational institutions, could, if given wide and systematic support, lead to a rapid channeling of the earth's abundant resources and the application of its technical know-how for the redress of current material problems. Religion has played and continues to play an important role in facilitating a spirit of cooperation as well as of service and harmony. It may be time to take a critical look at the role of religion in nurturing the spiritual endowments of the individual and societies. To quote the Universal House of Justice, the supreme governing council of the Baha'i­ Faith:

The endowments which distinguish the human race from all other forms of life are summed up in what is known as the human spirit; the mind is its essential quality. These endowments have enabled humanity to build civilizations and to prosper materially. But such accomplishments alone have never satisfied the human spirit, whose mysterious nature inclines it towards transcendence, a reaching towards an invisible realm, towards the ultimate reality, that unknowable essence of essences called God. The religions brought to mankind by a succession of spiritual luminaries have been the primary link between humanity and that ultimate reality, and have galvanized and refined mankind's capacity to achieve spiritual success together with social progress.... No serious attempt to set human affairs aright, to achieve world peace, can ignore religion.

No doubt some observers would disagree, observing that religion has sometimes retarded, instead of advanced, social progress. In our view, such cases represent a distortion of religion. History amply illustrates the preponderating influence exerted by religion in the vital expressions of civilization. Its indispensability to social order has repeatedly been demonstrated by its direct effect on both laws and morality.

We would strongly suggest that this and any discussion of social policy give recognition to the role of spiritual principle in the functioning of society and indeed of government. Neither in theory nor in practice, should we separate material and moral affairs in a dichotomous way. The moral capacities and strengths of a nation -- and of the global community -- may be regarded as its ultimate form of wealth. Deficiencies in this form or wealth too easily lead to material effects as, for example, an unfair distribution of resources or, in the case of war, the near or total destruction of the physical infrastructure.

In the formulation of social welfare policies -- policies that touch on the problems of unemployment, shelter, health, food distribution, the family, crime, and education -- the Baha'i­ International Community would suggest that the following principles be taken into account, principles that we consider to be spiritual but which have a clear societal expression.

Humankind is one interdependent whole. Any approach to social problems must recognize the global nature of such problems. Examples of this interrelatedness abound: the flow of refugees and of international migrants seeking better jobs and living standards; the impact of international economic events on local and national economies; the effect of trans-national media and communications networks on raising the awareness and expectations of peoples. The list could go on. It is clear, however, that a common framework is needed. And any such framework should not only recognize the world's interrelatedness, it should encourage and uphold it. To do otherwise is to ignore reality. "It is not for him to pride himself who loveth his own country, but for him who loveth the whole world." [Baha'i­ Writings]

The emancipation of women and the achievement of full equality between the sexes. Some progress in this regard has been made, but it must be accelerated, with the help of education and widespread attitudinal change encompassing policy makers and planners as well as the people at large. According to the Baha'i­ view, women are the first educators of humanity in their role as mothers, and thus girls should be given preference in receiving education. Since it is through educated mothers that the benefits of knowledge can most effectively and rapidly be diffused throughout society, this sense of educational priority for women should be founded not only in the family but in the national policy. The denial of female equality perpetrates an injustice against one-half of the population and promotes in men harmful attitudes and habits that are carried from the family to the work place and to society at large, thereby creating an obstacle to progressive and peaceful development. There are no grounds, moral, practical, or biological, upon which such denial can be justified.

Popular participation is essential to the success of social programmes. It promotes the dignity of individuals and enables communities to benefit from the outflow of human creativity and spirit. Too often social programmes and policies have failed because they lacked genuine input and participation from the very people and communities they were designed to serve.

Social problems are inextricably linked to moral and ethical values; without an attempt to address and, indeed, fortify moral and ethical standards, social policies and programmes are unlikely to succeed. Problems of corruption, crime and erosion of family-life in particular result from a poverty of ethical values. Human well-being requires material wealth, certainly, but even more so it requires moral and spiritual wealth. How to identify and incorporate in social policy those factors that best promote spiritual wealth is a challenge that policy makers must increasingly face.

In attempting to improve the social welfare of local Baha'i­ communities, and of the societies of which they are a part, the Baha'i­ International Community has striven to build on the principles mentioned above. While the local Baha'i­ communities are in a comparatively early stage of organic growth and therefore far from complete, there are many encouraging elements in their development. For example, the chief implementator of Baha'i­ social and other development efforts is the elected local Baha'i­ assembly. In all, there are more than 25,000 such assemblies around the world. Many of them have already developed the administrative capacity and skills to meet regularly and frequently with the community as a whole to exchange information and consult about social issues. The result is an evolving and highly flexible system of administration and operation that, while in agreement on broad common principles, effectively responds to a range of grassroots needs and concerns. The flexibility built into the system works to preserve social harmony while encouraging individual expression.

From the statements and papers circulating at this Consultation it is quite clear that there is a wide agreement that development has a spiritual and societal as well as a material or technical side. The spiritual and the material dimensions are complementary but their individual components may need to be examined anew in order that they be incorporated into policies that effectively respond to the changes taking place in societies across the globe, changes that are, we believe, the expression of humanity's transition from an age of adolescence with all its turbulence to one of adulthood where spiritual values gain prominence, values such as a sense of excellence, a willingness to sacrifice, integrity, trustworthiness, capacity for co-operation and a desire for unity. To the degree to which we possess these qualities when in the process of formulating and implementing policies, so will the means be found for achieving more fair, peaceful and yet dynamic communities at the local, national and international levels.

Distributed at the Conference in accordance with the established procedures in the quantities and languages in which the statements are made available to the Secretariat of the United Nations.

The designations employed, the presentation of material and the views expressed in this paper are those of the submitting organization(s) and do not necessarily reflect the practices and views of the Secretariat of the United Nations in any of these respects.

 

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