Bahá’í response to global challenges
In a world grappling with conflict and uncertainty, and as distressing events continue to unfold across the globe, it is natural that hearts feel weighed down by sorrow and concern for humanity. Yet amid the turmoil, the Bahá’í community draws strength from the conviction that every individual and community can be a protagonist in shaping a more peaceful and united world.
Bahá’ís are ever mindful of the state of the world. As the Universal House of Justice affirms:
“The well-being of humanity and its peace and tranquillity are the constant desire of all those who have taken to heart Bahá’u’lláh’s exhortation to ‘be anxiously concerned with the needs of the age ye live in.’” [1 December 2019 Letter]
This deep concern, however, does not lead Bahá’ís into partisan political activity, which the House of Justice warns “would only dissipate the community’s energies and fail to bring about this change.” Instead, “it must arise from the spiritual transformation of society.” [1 December 2019 Letter]
As part of Bahá’u’lláh’s unfolding vision, across the globe Bahá’í communities are demonstrating that they are not spectators but active participants in constructing pathways to unity, justice, and peace. From neighbourhoods in Aotearoa New Zealand to villages in Africa, from urban centres in Europe to the remote islands of the Pacific, individuals and communities are engaged in efforts that radiate outward in ever-widening circles of engagement.
The Universal House of Justice assures us that humanity is being impelled through the turbulence of this age toward its destiny of unity and peace. Our confidence in this divine process fuels our determination to contribute, however humbly, to the betterment of society. As the House of Justice writes in its Ridván 2025 message:
“The Nine Year Plan relies on a vast, global process of learning that is as effective in the highlands of Bolivia as in the suburbs of Sydney... It raises up communities that brim with potential. It enables the fulfilment of high aspirations shared by people who had been kept apart by geography, language, culture, or conditioning but have now heard and responded to Bahá’u’lláh’s universal call to ‘ceaselessly strive for the betterment of the lives of one another.’”
While Bahá’ís seek to contribute to social betterment, they remain mindful of the current state of public discourse, which, as the House of Justice describes, has become characterised by:
“greater rancour and enmity, reflecting entrenched partisan points of view... Much that is taken to be harmless, or even well-intentioned, is, on closer examination, serving to deepen social divides, fuel differences between opposing groups, and perpetuate disagreements, driving away possibilities for consensus and the search for solutions.” [1 December 2019 Letter]
Against this backdrop, Bahá’ís strive to be conscious and conscientious in all interactions, including on social media, guided by the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh, who, quoted in this letter, states:
“Every word is endowed with a spirit, therefore the speaker or expounder should carefully deliver his words at the appropriate time and place, for the impression which each word maketh is clearly evident and perceptible. The Great being saith: One word may be likened unto fire, another unto light, and the influence which both exert is manifest in the world.” [1 December 2019 Letter]
Such guidance calls Bahá’ís to uphold the oneness of humanity and engage in discourse that builds understanding and unity.
Inspiring and hopeful efforts
Here are some links to stories shared by the Bahá’í World News Service of Bahá’ís and their collaborators engaging in uplifting initiatives across the globe:
Vanuatu: Bahá’í communities respond to a global health crisis by developing initiatives to ensure food security and support vulnerable populations. Read more here.
Canada: Youth gather at a conference to explore what it means to be true practitioners of peace and agents of social transformation. Read more here.
Malaysia: Village chiefs reimagine leadership as service, inspired by Bahá’í principles to strengthen social cohesion and community wellbeing. Read more here.
United Arab Emirates: Youth cultivate a community garden, fostering unity, collaboration, and environmental awareness. Read more here.
India: Bahá’í-inspired initiatives explore transforming economic structures to build a more caring and just society. Read more here.
Brazil: Capacities built through community-building efforts prove vital in responding to a severe flood crisis with resilience and solidarity. Read more here.
Colombia: A native forest at the Bahá’í House of Worship becomes a catalyst for environmental action and community education. Read more here.
Spain: Community-building efforts enhance resilience as Bahá’ís respond to devastating floods with unity and service. Read more here.
New Zealand: Youth channel their creativity into socially conscious music, inspiring conversations about justice and unity. Read more here.
These stories remind us that while the world grapples with crises of disunity and injustice, Bahá’ís everywhere are striving, alongside others, to be protagonists of hope and constructive action, contributing to a pattern of life inspired by Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings.
Though our efforts may sometimes feel small in the face of vast global challenges, the House of Justice reminds us that:
“ ‘the havens that will shelter humanity’ are indeed being constructed, through countless acts of service, devotion, and steadfastness. Each prayer, each conversation, each humble act of kindness is part of this mighty process unfolding.” [Ridván 2025 message]
Footnotes:
Ridván 2025 message, “To the Bahá’ís of the World”
Universal House of Justice, 1 December 2019, “To all National Spiritual Assemblies.”
You can download and read the full copies of the Ridván 2025 message and the 1 December 2019 letter from the Universal House of Justice at the buttons below:
