IEF 2007

BACKGROUND

The challenges of the global environment and of achieving sustainable development have become major preoccupations around the world. While scientific knowledge is helping to define solutions, implementation is hindered by a lack of motivation and commitment, suggesting that the problems are as much social, cultural and spiritual as they are technical or scientific. Since environmental problems and development aspirations are both global and diverse in scope, so too must the solutions be sought through the exploration of the many approaches and rich experience of different communities, peoples, cultures and faiths.

The International Environment Forum, through its global membership and expertise, is working to advance environmental stewardship and sustainable development at all levels and offers its support to the international community of nations, which has both recognized the importance of the protection and wise management of the environment and encouraged the involvement of non-governmental organizations.

MEMBERSHIP AND ACTIVITIES

The International Environment Forum (IEF) is a Bahá'í-inspired non-governmental professional organization whose members from the Bahá'í Faith and the wider community promote the application of spiritual and ethical principles to the challenges of the environment and sustainable development. Founded in 1997, and now with over 150 members in 50 countries on five continents, the IEF maintains links with many more individuals and groups. The Forum was accredited by the United Nations to the World Summit on Sustainable Development (Johannesburg 2002) as a scientific and technological organization.

Working largely via e-mail and sharing results on the IEF website and at periodic international meetings, the IEF builds networks of interested people, organizes annual conferences and takes part in various international events.

The IEF's specific objectives and actions include the following:

1. Provide a forum for members to deepen their understanding of the social and ethical principles in the Bahá'í Writings and other scriptures that relate to environmental responsibility and sustainable development and to explore the application of those principles in their work and activities;
2. Encourage and engage with individuals and other groups and apply collective knowledge for the benefit of society;
3. Share knowledge and experience through semi-annual newsletters and technical and academic papers;
4. Collectively write a book on the spiritual dimensions of sustainable development;
5. Maintain a web site (with English, Spanish and French portals) of relevant written materials and resources; and
6. Promote environmental awareness and sustainable development by developing educational materials through which children, youth and adults are empowered to contribute to practical action.

ANNUAL CONFERENCES

IEF annual conference themes since 1997 have included:

Sustainable Consumption and the Earth Charter

Practical Applications of Spiritual Principles: Baha'i Social and Economic Development and the Environment

Applying the Baha'i Teachings to the Environmental Challenges Facing the World; Knowledge, Values and Education for Sustainable Development

Indicators for Sustainability, Value-based Education, Local Science, and Multiple Dimensions of Globalization

To build the world anew: Fostering a Baha'I Approach to Education for Sustainable Development

Cultivating Sustainable Lifestyles - An event in anticipation of the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (2005-2014)

Faith, Science and Global Warming: Arising to the Challenge

GOVERNING BOARD (2006-2007)

The Governing Board is elected each year by the world-wide membership during the General Assembly. Current Governing Board members are:

Peter Adriance (USA)

Irma Allen (Swaziland)

Charles Boyle (Australia)

Arthur Dahl (Switzerland) - President

Sylvia Karlsson (Finland) - General Secretary

Roxanne Lalonde (Swaziland)

Victoria Thoresen (Norway)