Baha'is at the United Nations
Peace is Possible
In a world rife with conflict and contention, the need for peace is becoming more urgent. Whatever difficult “growing pains” the world must go through, Bahá'ís ultimately believe that peace is within the reach of nations. Achieving this goal, however, requires an “organic change in the structure of society,” the relinquishing of age-old assumptions, and understanding that justice and unity are prerequisites to peace. As confusing as the current world situation appears, the Bahá'í teachings indicate it is a natural phase in an organic process that is moving humanity towards its destined unity.
Bahá'í Relationship with the United Nations
Believing that the United Nations represents a major effort in “the planetization of mankind,” Bahá'ís have supported its work since its creation. The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of the United States, the national governing body of the U.S. Bahá'í community, has been represented at the U.N. since 1947. The US/UN Office is part of the larger network of the Bahá'í International Community—a body that represents over 180 national Bahá'í affiliates and has consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
The Bahá'í US/UN Office collaborates with a variety of U.N departments and specialized agencies and is accredited to its Department of Public Information. It also engages the U.S. Baha’i community in U.N.-related campaigns and works with a diverse array of nongovernmental organizations on a range of international social and humanitarian issues. Check the links below for more information.
World peace, security, and development—and the practical steps to achieve them—are specifically addressed in Bahá'í scriptures. Find thought-provoking statements on these themes from the Bahá'í UN offices.
Did you know that when the UN Charter was drafted in San Francisco the largest meeting of any peace organization held during that time was a Bahá'í meeting? Learn about our long history with the UN.
Addressing Global Issues
The Bahá'í US/UN Office is actively engaged with partners, and takes leadership roles, on initiatives focusing on a variety of social issues. Find out what we are working on and with whom on the following topics:
Stories
“O contending peoples and kindreds of the earth! Set your faces towards unity, and let the radiance of its light shine upon you. Gather ye together, and for the sake of God resolve to root out whatever is the source of contention amongst you.”
–Bahá'í Writings
“This commitment to representative global governance is grounded in the Bahá’í principle of the oneness of humanity, which implies the establishment of a world commonwealth in which all nations, races, creeds and classes are closely and permanently united, and in which the autonomy of its state members and personal freedom and initiative of the individuals that compose them are definitely and completely safeguarded.”
–Century of Light, Universal House of Justice