Bridging local and global efforts for social transformation

Gloria Brown, a youth from Hamilton, Ont., shares her experience at the United Nations Summit of the Future during her time as an intern with the Bahá’í International Community.

Over the past year, I had the opportunity to assist the Bahá’í International Community United Nations Office (BIC) remotely, conducting research on projects related to freedom of religious belief as well as the role of youth in promoting social transformation, from the grassroots through to the international level.

These projects connect to broader themes that the Bahá’í International Community is addressing through its work with the United Nations. At the international level, the BIC collaborates with others, offering insights from the Bahá’í teachings and the experience of the worldwide Bahá’í community to address global challenges.

At the end of September, the United Nations hosted the Summit of the Future at its headquarters in New York. Here, a cross-section of global actors met to create international consensus around how to build a better future. In the days leading up to the Summit itself, two “Action Days” brought together representatives from civil society, youth, governments, and international organizations to discuss pressing global challenges such as climate change, inequality, and peace. As an extension of my research, I had the opportunity to participate in these Action Days. Fourteen of the events during these days were organized or co-sponsored by the BIC.

The Action Days were more than just a meeting of minds; they represented a crucial moment in advancing the dialogue on how humanity can work collectively toward a sustainable, equitable future. The discussions centered around the urgent need for reforms in global governance that can ensure institutions are responsive, inclusive, and able to address the growing complexities of our world. The sessions were filled with a palpable sense of urgency, yet also with hope, as they emphasized the critical role that collaboration, consultation, and a shared vision for humanity’s future can play in overcoming the challenges it faces.

The Bahá’í International Community played a pivotal role in shaping these conversations. Through its contributions, the BIC emphasized the importance of moral and spiritual principles in decision-making processes and the need to cultivate a spirit of optimism in the face of global difficulties. One of the standout events during the Action Days was a gathering hosted by the BIC called “Room for Optimism: A Precondition for Success in Challenging Times.” This session brought together BIC representatives, dignitaries, youth delegates, and civil society leaders to explore how fostering resilience, hope, and unity can help humanity navigate the myriad crises it faces. The event not only underscored the necessity of maintaining a positive outlook but also highlighted the importance of consultation and collective action as key tools in addressing global challenges.

The logo for the Summit of the Future hosted by the United Nations at its headquarters in New York City. It reads. “We can’t build a future for our grandchildren with a system built for our grandparents.” Photo: Gloria Brown.

The contributions of the Bahá’í International Community reflected a unique capacity to integrate spiritual and moral dimensions into global discourse, offering perspectives that emphasize the oneness of humanity and the need for justice and equity in all arenas of decision-making. This holistic approach is increasingly recognized as essential to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Attending these sessions was a deeply inspiring experience. It highlighted the interconnectedness of local and global efforts, and reminded me that even grassroots initiatives, like those I am involved with in my neighbourhood in Hamilton, Ont., are part of a larger global movement for social transformation. The lessons learned at the Summit have shaped my approach to working with newcomer families and youth in my neighbourhood. Those lessons reinforce the importance of unity, resilience, and the role that local action plays in contributing to the global advancement of communities.

The Action Days reaffirmed for me that local initiatives—no matter their scale—are integral to global progress. Whether supporting the integration of newcomers through the junior youth spiritual empowerment program or contributing to international discussions on the Sustainable Development Goals, we are all participants in a global movement aimed at building a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world. My experience has been a source of motivation, reminding me that every step taken at the grassroots level contributes to a global effort of immense consequence.

—Gloria Brown

Read more about the Bahá’í International Community’s participation at the Summit of the Future here.