Participating in the prevalent discourses of society is one of the areas of activity that the worldwide Baha’i community is engaged in. It is the term that the community is using to describe one aspect of its efforts to contribute to the advancement of civilization. 

 A variety of ongoing discourses about different aspects of human welfare and advancement are present at any given time across all societal levels. These discourses may cover a wide range of topics, including development, health, peace, gender equality, youth... 

Individual members of the Bahá'í community endeavor to actively participate in these discourses, learning from others and contributing their insights, shaped by the teachings of the Bahá'í faith. This can be done through their involvement in the local community, their efforts at social action, or their pursuit of academic or professional endeavors. 

At the national level, the Office of External Affairs (one of the agencies of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Ethiopia), coordinates efforts to contribute at the level of thought on important issues, offering insights drawn from the Baha’i teachings and the Baha’i community’s growing experience in applying them. The office works to advance thought on matters of national importance in collaboration with others who have a desire to contribute to constructive ideas in a society; thereby creating a peaceful and just nation founded on the principle of the oneness of humankind—a principle expressed in the interdependence of the members of the human family. The Office of External Affairs of the Bahá'ís of Ethiopia, in collaboration with like minded social actors, works for this interdependence to find expression in all arenas of human endeavor—social, intellectual, artistic, and moral…

The purpose is to engage in genuine conversation and to learn alongside other participants in spaces where thought, opinion and policy evolve.

Currently, the office is particularly interested in contributing to the national discourses on youth, interfaith dialogues and peace and unity,  crucial areas for the progress of our nation. It is dedicated to collaborating with like minded social actors to explore the development and application of those concepts in a way that unites and transforms our societies.

“A kindly tongue is the lodestone of the hearts of men. It is the bread of the spirit, it clotheth the words with meaning, it is the fountain of the light of wisdom and understanding.” The Baha’i Faith

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