Why global peace may require stronger international institutions
A Bahá’í perspective argues that lasting peace requires more than treaties: it depends on international institutions capable of regulating global affairs, resolving disputes and protecting the unity of humanity.
On the International Day of Peace, celebrated annually on September 21st, the world is reminded of the urgent need for global harmony and the highest aspiration for humanity. My previous piece highlighted the Bahá'í perspective that achieving lasting peace necessitates more than mere treaty signing; it demands acknowledging our shared humanity and eliminating all forms of prejudice. It also stresses the crucial role of international institutions in governing global affairs and preserving world peace.
This report delves deeper into the creation of institutions that can effectively maintain peace. According to the Bahá'í writings, the Bahá'u'lláh envisions the unity of humanity through the formation of a world commonwealth, characterized by a global legislature, executive, and tribunal. This system would ensure all nations, races, creeds, and classes are closely and permanently united while safeguarding the autonomy of state members and individual freedoms.
Key elements in the Bahá'í vision include a world legislature to enact laws that regulate life, satisfy needs, and harmonize relationships among all peoples. An executive body, supported by an international force, would enforce the decisions and laws established by the legislature, thereby safeguarding the unity of the global system. Additionally, a world tribunal would adjudicate and deliver final judgments in disputes arising from this universal framework.
The Bahá'í writings also propose the establishment of a world superstate, where nations willingly relinquish claims to war, taxation rights, and arms maintenance, except for maintaining internal order within their respective territories. This unity is intended to establish a law and order on a global scale, eliminating the tragedy of warfare caused by lack of international authority.
Furthermore, the Bahá'í perspective emphasizes the importance of fostering better understanding among global peoples. It advocates for the creation of a world language, which could be invented or chosen from existing languages, to be taught alongside mother tongues in schools across federated nations. Similarly, a world script, universal system of currency, weights, and measures would simplify communication and enhance mutual understanding among nations and races.
In 1985, during the International Year of Peace, the Universal House of Justice, the international governing council of the Bahá'í Faith, issued a message titled 'The Promise of World Peace'. This statement addressed the reasons why global peace has remained elusive, proposing new approaches to overcome these obstacles. The message was shared widely with world leaders and remains available on the Bahá'í website (www.bahai.org).
For further inquiries, contact [email protected] or call (011) 801 3100. For more information, visit www.bahai.org and www.bahai.org.za.
Written by urgent.news from IOL's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
