We need a new international order

It is becoming increasingly clear that the current political and economic systems of the world are inadequate to address the deepening global crises facing humanity – such as social conflicts, wars, extremes of wealth and poverty, moral laxity, or environmental negligence.

It is not only our current systems which are unable to address such crises, but also the current international legislative machinery and processes.

Most of us would agree that the experiences and practices of the past do not provide sufficient direction and guidance for the present, let alone the future.

There is obviously a need for a new world order, especially with the current one lacking credibility. It is also clear that nation-states on their own are not capable of solving international problems, and providing well-being and social justice to all.

Just over a century and a half ago, Bahá’u’lláh, the founder of the Bahá’í Faith, addressing world leaders, spoke of humanity as entering an era that would see the radical restructuring of the life of the planet.

Bahá’u’lláh warned that undreamt challenges would soon overwhelm the resources of even the most advanced nations. He stated that only through a world federal system – with a world parliament as its central organ, empowered to create a code of universally-agreed upon and enforceable international law – could such challenges be met.

The new international order, affirmed in the Bahá’í Writings, implies the establishment of a world commonwealth uniting all nations, races, creeds and classes. Such a commonwealth of nations is to be based on principles of economic justice, equality between races, equal rights for men and women, and the provision of universal education.

It would be based on unity, willing cooperation, and commitment to a higher moral standard. Such a world federation will consist of a world legislature, which would enact laws necessary to regulate the life, satisfy the needs, and adjust the relationships of all peoples.

It would have a world executive, backed by an international force, which would carry out the decisions arrived at, and apply the laws enacted by, the world legislature. A world tribunal would adjudicate and deliver its final verdict in all disputes that may arise between the various elements constituting this universal system.

Thus, instead of a piecemeal approach conceived in response to the needs of the nation-states, there is need to adopt an umbrella solution under which specific international codes would be adopted.

In a statement entitled ‘The Prosperity of Humankind’, the Bahá'í International Community states: “Laying the groundwork for global civilisation calls for the creation of laws and institutions that are universal in both character and authority.

The effort can begin only when the concept of the oneness of humanity has been wholeheartedly embraced by those in whose hands the responsibility for decision making rests, and when the related principles are propagated through both educational systems and the media of mass communication”.

The Bahá'í International Community continues to say that “Only through the dawning consciousness that they constitute a single people will the inhabitants of the planet be enabled to turn away from the patterns of conflict that have dominated social organisation in the past and begin to learn the ways of collaboration and conciliation”.

In recognition of our global challenges, therefore, we need to go beyond our current systems.

We need a new international order, directed by a world commonwealth, capable of uniting all races, nations, creeds, and classes. Long term solutions will require the acceptance and belief in the oneness of humanity, and transformation in individual character and social institutions.

For feedback please contact: secretary.nsa@bahai.org.za or (011) 801 3100Websites: www.bahai.org, www.bahai.org.za