

Paper presented to the Twentieth Conference of the South Pacific Commission

Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
18-24 October 1980

The process of rural development has very properly received emphasis from the South Pacific Commission, since it constitutes the foundation for further improvement of living conditions in the Pacific countries. The Bahá'í­ International Community welcomes the opportunity to offer its views on this important subject because the principles of the Bahá'í­ Faith are directly relevant to this theme, and Bahá'í­ communities, now scattered over the length and breadth of the Pacific, amply demonstrate the relevance of these principles.

The Bahá'í­ teachings affirm the spiritual bond which binds the human being to the land whence he has come, and seek to create a way of life in which each individual can find within himself a sense of harmony with the natural forces of the physical world.

We feel that rural development is best accomplished through inculcation of some fundamental values and attitudes to animate and orient each member of society. It is essential, for instance, that the dignity of work be emphasized, and that manual work be regarded as no less meritorious than other forms of work when performed with the attitude of service to the common welfare. Agriculture is the foundation of a sound economic system, as it is the means by which the most basic human physical needs for survival are met; a change in values to accord agriculture its proper position in the scale of occupations would increase its attraction to the new generation and diminish the tendency to depopulate the countryside and overcrowd the cities.

Rural development is facilitated if the people of the villages are open to new ideas and receptive to innovation; under such conditions, they are likely to adopt more efficient agricultural techniques, to encourage their children to acquire education, and to practice good hygiene. Yet, so often, village people are apprehensive about the technological and social changes invading their settled way of life, are fearful of the future, and are uncertain whether there will be a place for them in the world of tomorrow. There is a pressing need for re-affirmation of the intrinsic worth of every individual human being, and for an over-riding recognition of the oneness of mankind. The values we call for are spiritual values, which will penetrate to the core of being and will create a sense of personal self-worth and security, freeing the individual to respond positively to innovative change.

It does not seem possible to overestimate the extent to which rural development would be fostered by full implementation of the principle of equality of rights, privileges and opportunities for both sexes. The rational powers and creative energies of one-half of the population, so far neglected, would then be developed and brought to bear on the problems of rural life. In purely practical terms, co-operation between two equals united by a marriage bond is far more productive than the unequal relationship which exists wherever women are regarded as inferior. The education of women, and their encouragement, has the further effect of implanting in the minds of the children entrusted to their care an appreciation for literacy and mental development as well as a facility for innovation.

Interpersonal relations between the constituent elements of a village have a crucial effect on rural development. When unity and co-operation exists between families and households, agricultural machinery can be shared and used most effectively, a diversity of specialized skills can be fostered and used to mutual advantage, and the detrimental effects of adverse weather and farm animal disease are minimized. Such unity cannot be legislated, but must rest on a commitment to the welfare of the entire village together with a sincere and lasting affection for all the members of the village. Upon this basis will be developed the practice of cooperation, increasing with experience and memory. This unity must encompass the diverse elements which are to be found in Pacific communities, including races, generations, and religions, must eradicate traditional barriers which are so often a consequence of irrational prejudice. With this unity, the unique cultural diversity which characterizes the Pacific Islands can be a source of strength and richness, rather than the cause of weakness and animosity.

In essence, the view of the Bahá'í­ International Community is that individual and social values are fundamental to the fostering of rural development. Such a view does not discount the importance of appropriate technology, nor does it seek to minimize the importance of economic and administrative measures. However, it does hold that individual attitudes are the key to enduring development and that these attitudes are a natural consequence of spiritual values.

Bahá'í­s living in over 2,000 localities scattered across the island groups of the entire Pacific are trying to exemplify these values in their daily individual and community activities. They offer these efforts as their contribution to the rural development of the Pacific region, and to the creation of a way of life which will enable the people of that area to fulfill their true potential.

BIC Document #80-1018