BACKGROUND
IEFWHAT
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...
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 (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 190 members in 50 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.
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 semi-annual newsletters
and technical and academic papers;
Collectively write a book on the spiritual dimensions of sustainable development;
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.
Annual conference themes since 1997 have included:
Sustainable
Consumption and the Earth Charter
Applying
the Baha'i Teachings to the Environmental Challenges Facing the World
Knowledge,
Values and Education for Sustainable Development
To
build the world anew: Fostering a Baha'I Approach to Education for Sustainable
Development
Education for Sustainable Development: The Spiritual Dimension
Science, Faith and Global Warming: Arising to the Challenge
Responding to Climate Change: Scientific Realities, Spiritual Imperatives
Conference reports are available on the IEF website (www.bcca.org/ief).
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to IEF Home Page
Last updated 31 October
2007