WHAT IS THE IEF?

BACKGROUND IEF WHAT DOES THE IEF DO? ANNUAL CONFERENCES

The IEF is a Bahá'í-inspired organization addressing the environment and sustainable development

Oneness of humankind

Unity in diversity

Fundamental reality of increasing levels of cooperation, complexity, and reciprocity throughout the planet

Moderation

ecological balance of vital importance to all...

BACKGROUND

The challenges of the global environment and of achieving sustainable development have become major preoccupations around the world. While scientific knowledge is helping to define solutions, implementation is hindered by a lack of motivation and commitment, suggesting that the problems are as much social, cultural and spiritual as they are technical or scientific. Since environmental problems and development aspirations are both global and diverse in scope, so too must solutions be sought through exploration of the many approaches and rich experience of different communities, peoples, cultures and faiths.

The International Environment Forum, through its global membership and expertise, is working to advance environmental stewardship and sustainability at all levels and offers its support to the international community of nations, which has both recognised the importance of the protection and wise management of the environment and encouraged the involvement of non-governmental organizations.

THE INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENT FORUM

The International Environment Forum (IEF) is a Bahá'í-inspired non-governmental professional organization whose members from the Bahá'í Faith and the wider community promote the application of spiritual and ethical principles to the challenges of the environment and sustainable development. Founded in 1997, and now with over 215 members in 56 countries on five continents, the IEF maintains links with many more individuals and groups. The Forum was accredited by the United Nations to the World Summit on Sustainable Development (Johannesburg 2002) as a scientific and technological organization.

WHAT DOES THE IEF DO?

Working largely via e-mail and sharing results on the IEF website and at periodic international meetings, the IEF builds networks of interested people, organizes annual conferences and takes part in various international events.

The IEF's specific objectives and actions include the following:

Provide a forum for members to deepen their understanding of the social and ethical principles in the Bahá'í Writings and other scriptures that relate to environmental responsibility and sustainable development and to explore the application of those principles in their work and activities;

Encourage and engage with individuals and other groups and apply collective knowledge for the benefit of society;

Share knowledge and experience through newsletters and technical and academic papers;

Maintain a web site (with English, Spanish and French portals) of relevant written materials and resources; and

Promote environmental awareness and sustainable development by developing educational materials through which children, youth and adults are empowered to contribute to practical action.