IEF 7th Annual Conference programme

Inspired by Bahá'u'lláh's vision for a prosperous and enduring world civilization, and motivated by His call to be anxiously concerned with the needs of this day, Bahá'ís worldwide are striving to apply the Bahá'í teachings to the ills facing humanity, in partnership with like-minded individuals and organizations.

Since the 1992 Earth Summit, "sustainable development" has become the term used to describe the process of addressing the world's challenges holistically by integrating environmental, economic and social goals. Toward that end, beginning in 2005, the UN will launch the UN Decade on Education for Sustainable Development. The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of the U.S. has set in motion an effort to raise awareness of the connections between the Bahá'í teachings and sustainable development and to inspire actions accordingly. The International Environment Forum is committed to helping with that process and devoted all its sessions at this conference to that end.

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7:30 PM: Opening Plenary of the Development Seminar

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8:45AM: Devotions

9:00 - 10:15AM: 2nd Plenary of the Development Seminar (including brief introduction to the IEF conference programme)

Facilitation team:
LEAD: Peter Adriance

10:30AM - 12:00 Noon: IEF breakout session #1:

"The Big Picture - Looking at world conditions and understanding the importance of the call for a UN Decade on Education for Sustainable Development 2005-2015"

Participants explored the concept of sustainable development and associated challenges and learned about the importance of education for sustainable development in helping to inspire and transform decision making at all levels worldwide. The session set the global context for education for sustainable development initiatives underway in Bahá'í communities in the U.S., Canada and elsewhere.

Facilitation team:
LEAD: Gordon & Tahirih Naylor (Canada);
WITH: Peter Adriance (USA), Irma Allen (Swaziland), Ruth Allen (USA); Lloyd Brown (USA), Diana Cartwright (Canada), Arthur Dahl (Switzerland), and others

12:00 Noon - 2:00PM: Break

2:00 - 5:00PM: IEF breakout session #2

"Connecting the Dots: exploring the relationship between the Baha'i teachings and principles of sustainable development"

This session included an in-depth exploration of Bahá'í perspectives on sustainable development; an examination of selected development projects that incorporate Bahá'í teachings and sustainable development principles; and artistic presentations of the group discussions. Participants came away with a good understanding of the relationship between the Bahá'í teachings and sustainable development principles, a knowledge of how these principles are being applied in specific projects, and thoughts on applying these ideas in their own communities.

Facilitation team:
LEAD: Arthur Dahl (Switzerland)
WITH: Peter Adriance (USA), Irma Allen (Swaziland), Lloyd Brown (USA), Diana Cartwright (Canada), Alex Kubala (USA), Gail Lash (USA), and others.

Compilation on Sustainable Development

5:00 - 7:00: Break

7:00 - 9:00:

IEF Annual Meeting

Presentation of Annual Report; Election of Governing Board; general consultation.

Facilitation team:
LEAD: Arthur Dahl (Switzerland)
WITH: others

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8:45AM: Devotions (Environment and Sustainable Development theme)

Facilitation team:
LEAD: Diana Cartwright
WITH: Lloyd Brown, others

9:00 - 10:15AM: 3rd Plenary of the Development Seminar Keynote address:

"Invoking the Spirit: Engaging Religion and Spirtuality in the Quest for a Sustainable World"

Gary Gardner (USA) (Director of Research, Worldwatch Institute) -- In an inspiring report of the same title (chapter 8 in State of the World 2003), Gary Gardner shed light on the powerful role religion can play in fostering sustainable development. His presentation outlined activities and explored challenges encountered in the faith community at large and provided inspiration and encouragement for initiatives on education for sustainable development in the Baha'i community. See the full paper on this site.

Presiding: Peter Adriance (USA)

10:30AM - 12:00 Noon: IEF Breakout session #3

"Building Green: Incorporating sustainable development principles into the development and management of Bahá'í properties"

With increasing numbers of Bahá'í communities purchasing and developing properties, knowledge of green building practices and sustainable land management techniques are critical planning elements. Through actual case studies, participants learned about green design, building and management considerations and came away with tools and inspiration for projects in their local areas. (This session continued during the larger SED Conference.)

Facilitation team:
LEAD: Tom Kubala (USA) architect;
WITH: David van Vliet (Canada) urban planner; Carol Yetken (USA), landscape architect; members of the Capital Area Bahá'í Center Property Committee * and others

* Contributing members of the Capital Area Bahá'í Center Property Committee included: architects, Shamim Ahmadzadegan, Kamran Adell, and Roxana & Steve Sinex; and committee coordinator, Lecile Webster.

12:00 - 2:00PM break

2:00 - 5:00PM IEF breakout session #4

"Bringing it Home: Generating ideas for incorporating sustainable development education into regular Baha'i meetings (Feasts, holy days, devotional gatherings); educational activities (children's classes, study circles, Baha'i schools); parenting and family life; and the community at large"

This session explored several areas where education for sustainable development can take place "in ways which blend with the rhythm of life of our community". Breakout sessions focused on generating creative and practical ideas for raising awareness on sustainable development and inspiring appropriate actions. These will be posted on a website as a resource for Baha'i communities and others.

Facilitation team:
LEAD: Melinda Salazar (USA)
WITH: Lloyd & Lisa Brown (USA), Peter Adriance(USA), Tom & Alex Kubala (USA); Irma Allen (Swaziland); Ruth Allen (USA) Arthur Dahl (Switzerland); Diana Cartwright (Canada) Gordon Naylor (Canada); & others

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10:30AM - 12:00 Noon: IEF-sponsored breakout session A

"Building Green: Incorporating sustainable development principles into the development and management of Bahá'í properties"

With increasing numbers of Bahá'í communities purchasing and developing properties, knowledge of green building practices and sustainable land management techniques are critical planning elements. Through actual case studies, participants learned about green design, building and management considerations and came away with tools and inspiration for projects in their local areas.

Facilitation team:
LEAD: Tom Kubala (USA) architect;
WITH: David van Vliet (Canada) urban planner; Carol Yetken (USA), landscape architect; members of the Capital Area Bahá'í Center Property Committee** and others

**Contributing members of the Capital Area Bahá'í Center Property Committee included: architects, Shamim Ahmadzadegan, Kamran Adell, and Roxana & Steve Sinex; and committee coordinator, Lecile Webster.

2:00 - 5:00PM: IEF-sponsored breakout session B

"Two National Baha'i Initiatives on Education for Sustainable Development"

Inspired by Bahá'u'lláh's vision for a prosperous and enduring world civilization, and motivated by His call to be anxiously concerned with the needs of this day, Bahá'ís worldwide are striving to apply the Bahá'í teachings to the ills facing humanity, in partnership with like-minded individuals and organizations. Since the 1992 Earth Summit, "sustainable development" has become the term used to describe the process of addressing the world's challenges holistically by integrating environmental, economic and social goals. Toward that end, beginning in 2005, the UN will launch the UN Decade on Education for Sustainable Development. The National Spiritual Assemblies of Canada and the U.S. have set in motion an effort in their communities to raise awareness of the connections between the Bahá'í teachings and sustainable development and to inspire actions accordingly. This session shared elements of those programs and engaged participants' help in developing them further.

Facilitation team:
LEAD: Peter Adriance (USA) and Diana Cartwright (Canada)
WITH: others from IEF conference sessions

7:00 - 9:00PM: Networking session - Environment & Agriculture Interest Group

Facilitation team:
LEAD: Peter Adriance (USA) and Winnie Merritt (USA)

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10:45AM - 12:00 Noon: IEF-sponsored breakout session A (repeat)

2:00 - 5:00PM: IEF-sponsored breakout session B (repeat)

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E-CONFERENCE FOCUS: Preceding the 7th annual IEF conference in Orlando, FL, USA (December 17-21), the electronic conference explored how the IEF, with 130 members in 46 countries, can lend its support to this Decade. What unique contributions can IEF members offer? What tools and resources can we develop and share with the broader world community? What strategies can we adopt to carry this out? The conference discussions centered on one theme each week. Participants received background materials on the UN Decade and information on what governments, the private sector, UN agencies and organizations of civil society are doing to prepare for it.

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