People, Planet, Prosperity – It’s all Connected: Education for a Sustainable World Green Acre Bahá’í School, September, 2006 “Education is the indispensable foundation of all human excellence” ( Abdu'l-Baha) A regional seminar held in observance of the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development

“For Bahá'ís, Bahá'u'lláh's promise that civilization will exist on this planet for a minimum of five thousand centuries makes it unconscionable to ignore the long- term impact of decisions made today.” Baha’i International Community, Conservation and Sustainable Development in the Bahá'í Faith, 1995

All men have been created to carry forward an ever-advancing civilization… Those virtues that befit his dignity are… compassion and loving-kindness towards all the peoples and kindreds of the earth. Baha'u'llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 214

Sustainable Development = Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. (The Brundtland Commission, 1987) Sustainable Development = Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. (The Brundtland Commission, 1987) Decade Background/ History … 1992 Earth Summit Agenda 21: “Blueprint for Sustainable Development” 40 chapters, 300 pages 1992 Earth Summit Agenda 21: “Blueprint for Sustainable Development” 40 chapters, 300 pages

Background/ History cont’d 6 million children died from hunger In 10 years 1.1 billion lack clean water 2.8 billion living on < $2/day) Growing gap between rich & poor 27% coral reefs Seriously threatened (up from 10%) 2002 (10 years after Rio): Declining indicators Greenhouse gas emissions up 9% Extinctions on the rise

…2006 Global warming Climbing fossil fuel prices Terrorism & war Environmental refugees …???

How do we get from where we are to where we want to be…?

“Our biggest challenge in this new century is to take an idea that seems abstract -- sustainable development -- and turn it into a reality for all the world's people.” Kofi Annan, UNSG, 2001

Action Areas: 1.Provide basic education; 2.Reorient existing education; 3.Promote public understanding and awareness; 4.Train the workforce

Key Themes… Health Promotion Environment Gender Equality Overcoming Poverty

Key Themes (cont’d)… Rural Development Cultural Diversity Peace & Human Security Sustainable Urbanization

Imagining a better future Critical thinking and reflection Participation in decision making Partnerships Systemic Thinking From Engaging People in Sustainability, IUCN,2004 Education for Sustainability Framework

Ecological Literacy Systems Thinking Multiple Perspectives Knowledge of Place Sustainable Economics Citizenship Creativity & Visioning Education for Sustainability – some key areas of knowledge K-12 Grade Education for Sustainability, ELR News and Analysis, 2003

There are spiritual principles, or what some call human values, by which solutions can be found for every social problem. The Universal House of Justice: The Promise of World Peace, p. 13

The Sustainability “Stool” Education for Sustainable Development Environmental Principles Social Principles Economic Principles

Examples of Spiritual Principles related to sustainability Economic Social Environmental Elimination of extremes of wealth and poverty Work as worship Moderation Be content w/little Voluntary giving Profit sharing Equality of women and men Elimination of all forms of prejudice Unity in diversity Universal compulsory education Trustworthiness Interdependence of all life Nature a reflection of the Divine Humility – Earth source of all our wealth Unity in diversity Cleanliness Kindness to animals

(US Environmental Protection Agency) Thinking for the long haul Are we living within the limits of our natural resources? Are we maintaining our planetary life support systems? Can we keep doing what we are doing forever? Thinking for the long haul Are we living within the limits of our natural resources? Are we maintaining our planetary life support systems? Can we keep doing what we are doing forever? The Challenge of Sustainability? Center for Sustainability and the Global Environment, U. Wisconsin, Madison

(US Environmental Protection Agency) “… the ability to achieve continuing economic prosperity while protecting the natural systems of the planet and providing a high quality of life for its people.” Sustainability is…

…The speed and facility with which we establish a sustainable pattern of life will depend…on the extent to which we are willing to be transformed…into constructive forces in the process of creating an ever-advancing civilization.” Baha’i International Community, Conservation and Sustainable Development in the Bahá'í Faith, 1995

Decade-related National Bahá’í Initiatives: Brilliant Star Magazine May/June ’05 The American Bahá’í & One Country articles Web resources ( IEF, EBBF) Sustainable Development & the Prosperity of Humankind -- Wilmette Institute online course (Oct ’05 & ‘06) Conferences, workshops, seminars World Order Magazine issue U.S. Partnership for ESD

Feasts Bahá’í Center Construction & Maintenance Study CirclesChildren’s Classes Devotionals The Fund LSA meetings Families & Parenting (in the home) Social & Economic Development Projects Cluster / Reflections Gatherings Firesides & Public Meetings Wider Community CollaborationService Projects Blending Education for Sustainable Development with Bahá’í Community Life… The Local Bahá’í Community Huququ’llah