Title: Science and Technology for Human Advancement | Bahá’í International Community
Headings: Statements
Statements
Science and Technology for Human Advancement
Statement to the United Nations Conference on Science and Technology for Development
A Balanced Civilization
Curing Disunity
Agents for Human Enrichment
The Most Potent Forces
Other languages

Content: Science and technology that are directed toward the good of humanity are indeed praiseworthy achievements. A Balanced Civilization
In the Baha'i­ view, human beings exist to carry forward an ever-advancing civilization. Science and technology have in this century made possible the physical unification of the planet and made evident the interdependence of all nations and peoples. While social, economic, and political structures have not yet caught up with this oneness of humanity, rapid scientific development continues to perfect the instruments that make this unity possible. Since the poor, particularly in developing countries, are still deprived of most of the benefits of scientific progress, national and international means for a better distribution and application of existing knowledge are essential. It has become clear, however, that even in the most advanced countries, present material development cannot be sustained into the future; and even more important, that it does not lead to the happiness and tranquillity of mankind. For if material civilization outruns the social and spiritual progress of man, as it does today, it will cause great harm and threaten the survival of the human race. Curing Disunity
It is not surprising to the Baha'i­ International Community, therefore, that a permanent solution to global problems may still seem elusive and distant, since all efforts at development, including those using science and technology, will have only temporary effect unless the basic problem of our age, the disunity of the peoples of our planet, is first recognized, its fundamental cause understood, and its expression in individual and social behavior eliminated. Regarding this span of earth as "but one homeland and one habitation," Baha'i­s see the establishment of unity among peoples of all backgrounds as a paramount condition for the peace and happiness of individuals and nations.