The International Day of Peace on 21 September, is a reminder of the urgent need for addressing and overcoming the current barriers that hinder the achievement of global peace.
According to the Bahá’í Writings, in order to achieve global peace, we need to accept that humankind is one species. World peace and “world order can be founded only on an unshakeable consciousness of the oneness of mankind”, and when we have a clear realization that, as Bahá’u’lláh, the founder of the Bahá’í Faith, states “The earth is but one country and mankind its citizens”. We then will feel the urge and responsibility to work for the well-being of humanity, rather than merely for those of our own ethnic, religious or national backgrounds.
This principle of oneness of humanity, once it is accepted and affirmed as a common understanding, provides the practical basis for the organization of relationships between nations. Furthermore, the increasingly apparent interconnectedness of development, security and human rights on a global scale, confirms that peace and prosperity are indivisible. It is also clear that if the welfare of the nations as a whole is ignored or neglected, it will not be possible to have lasting peace.
To achieve world peace, there is need for fundamental changes in our behaviour and by overcoming any lingering prejudices – of race, nationality, religion, gender, class, or ethnic origin – that we may, consciously or unconsciously, harbour.
According to the Bahá’í Writings we are like flowers in one garden, the fruits of one tree and the leaves of one branch. Although we differ from one another physically and emotionally, and have different talents and capacities, we all belong to the same human family. The charm and the beauty of a garden lie in its diversity.
The Bahá’í Writings prescribe: “Love ye all religions and all races with a love that is true and sincere and show that love through deeds and not through the tongue; for the latter hath no importance, as the majority of men are, in speech, well-wishers, while action is the best.
Another prerequisite for peace is equality of women and men. The Baha’i Writings state: “when women participate fully and equally in the affairs of the world … war will cease”.
In addition, the Bahá’í Faith envisions a system of collective security within a framework of a global federation. It foresees the creation of a world federation of nations in which all races, creeds and classes are united and the autonomy of its member states, and the personal freedom and initiative of individuals, safeguarded.
Thus, any attempts towards establishment of lasting peace must begin with the belief in the oneness of humanity. It will also be necessary to have international institutions to regulate international affairs.
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