BIC statement calls on leaders to reimagine global order
BIC NEW YORK — As world leaders prepare for the Summit of the Future taking place later this month, the Bahá’í International Community (BIC) has released a statement titled “Embracing Interdependence: Foundations for a World in Transition.” The statement emphasizes the profound opportunity and vital imperative for the international community to place humanity’s interdependence at the heart of the systems of global governance.
The statement acknowledges the significant strides made since the establishment of the United Nations, recognizing it as a symbol of humanity’s aspiration for peace. However, it notes that the scale and complexity of global challenges are rapidly outpacing the evolution of the systems designed to address them.
“This is a significant moment in humanity’s collective history, a moment when we are called to recognize that our present trajectory is no longer a viable path to the future,” said Daniel Perell, a BIC representative from the New York Office.
“We see it in the way we deliberate on international matters; the way we treat the earth; the way we define progress; the way we relate to one another—in nearly every facet of existence, we need new approaches and even a new understanding of how we conceive of progress,” Mr. Perell added.
The statement invites the arbiters of international affairs to consider the implications of an alternative central organizing principle—the oneness of humankind. “Without full acceptance of this principle,” the statement reads, “lasting peace and prosperity will remain a distant hope, and even systems of global governance will tend to reinforce division, deepen inequalities, and prioritize the interests of certain groups over the common good of all.”
Liliane Nkunzimana, another BIC representative, added that “there is no shortage of proposals or recommendations for institutional reform. Each has potential benefits, but this moment calls for something more—a new set of underlying assumptions if we are to achieve lasting peace and harmony. Embracing Interdependence invites all of us on the international stage to consider new approaches that meet the true needs of our time.”
The BIC statement explores several key elements of a shared framework founded on the unreserved acceptance of humanity’s interdependence: a shared identity that transcends national boundaries while honouring cultural diversity; an expanded conception of justice that fosters unity and well-being; and new approaches to leadership that prioritize the collective good of humanity.
As the Summit of the Future approaches, the BIC invites participants at the global forum and of the processes that follow to “join together in a profound, collective act of learning,” set aside outdated assumptions, and consult together in search of appropriate solutions.
The statement calls for a collective effort to reshape the future of the global order, concluding: “Laying unshakeable foundations upon which our future can be built is a collective challenge. It is the next chapter in our shared story toward a just and harmonious future.”
The BIC will continue its exploration of these themes as part of its ongoing contributions to the discourse on global governance.
Originally published on the Baha'i World News Service
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