The writer explores how the Bahá’í perspective redefines progress in development, emphasising moral values and social justice over mere economic growth.
Progress in the field of social-and-economic development is being measured mainly through levels of income, rates of growth, the expanding infrastructure, and increased production.
While these are necessary and can provide important dimensions of social and economic life, however, it is the Bahá’í view that true progress cannot be solely measured by material prosperity.
It must also be reflected in ensuring the dignity of every human being, the quality of social bonds in our communities, benefitting from the wisdom held in diverse cultures, the responsibility to future generations, and humanity’s relationship to the natural world.
According to the Bahá'í International Community, “… effective development will … depend on moral and spiritual values beginning with the individual and extending to society”. And that “successful development efforts require, above all, a spirit of cooperation and collaboration among the participants in the development process. … The required higher level of cooperation can only be motivated by a sincere appreciation for the unity of all human beings. Only on such a basis can prejudices related to nation, race, religion, sex, and other prejudices that hinder determined and equitable development activities be eradicated”.
